Done with class

Today was my last day of Norwegian class. Not because school is done, or because I finished the course or took some exit test, but just because I decided I was done-zo.

Of course I have mixed feelings. I am stoked to not be paying for class anymore, especially since my income is minute to non-existent. Not having to be at school at 9 a.m. every morning is also a plus, in my opinion. But mostly, it feels good to know that I made a decision and that I have at least some kind of control over my current situation.

Like I have explained a few times before, all the students at my school are very different, from various educational backgrounds and with widely differing motivations for learning the language (or none whatsoever). This made it really hard to learn at the pace I was hoping for--some students are always trying to extend the breaks, distract the teacher and barely anyone wants to be there. Frustrating when you're paying, right?

At the same time I think I will be missing the camaraderie that I had with my classmates, namely Jean Claude and Ahmed. I will miss drinking tea, eating waffles and shooting the breeze with them in our breaks, and writing funny things about each other in Norwegian during class. But paying for social time is just about the dumbest thing I have ever heard, and in my current economical situation, just not allowed.

I am also a bit concerned that I will not be disciplined enough to study on my own, and that not having to get up at nine every morning will turn me into a bump on a log. However, since I have quit class, I am officially going to switch the 80-20 English to Norwegian ratio that Lars and I maintain now in the opposite direction. Maybe since I have written it down now it will come true. :D

Today I had a talk with my teacher Marte to let her know that I was officially done and to thank her for her work (she really is a fun teacher). She said that it was disappointing that I wasn't able to continue and that she had really enjoyed having me in class. She also mentioned that if I wanted to, it was no big deal to just show up once in awhile, even though I am not registered. I had explained to her a long time ago that I wouldn't be able to continue bc. of money but this was the first time she had ever said anything about 'just showing up anyway' (it was also the only time we were alone).

Too bad I didn't just quit two months ago and keep showing up! ;)