First Class in Statistics 5/10/11

It happened again; After my first class, tonight, in Statistics,I had parked on the others side of the campus,I was walking through the quad. I had my book bag on wheels, wheeling across campus. It was late 8:50pm. light when I went into class ,but now leaving at night, dim lighting on campus. I had an over whelming feeling of Honor and Privilege. I am a University Student. Tim Harper,the Son of Patrick and Dorothy Harper, the Husband of Brenda,Brother of PJ and Danny, the Father of Eric,David,and Chris, the Grandfather of Lillian Jade Harper. It is no longer about pass or fail,but how you play the game. I am in the middle of the game. I am enjoying being educated at the university level. I wanted this more than I ever imagined( I didn't dare dream the dream for fear that I would be disappointed). that dream; like one day I would be attending a university,coming out of class late, strolling through the quad,(strutting my stuff),smart,capable and grateful. Thank you to all that are encouraging me and making this possible. Forever Grateful....... University Student Tim

algebra, intermediate

The Colonel Jack Jackson stopped by the studio and sat in on his ole show. It was great to see him. I gave him his Christmas present for Arleen and him.The biographies of Laura and George Bush and a picture of my Grand baby Lillian, were my gifts. The Colonel asked " How's algebra going?" I told him it is hard, I was at the University all day yesterday and was up to 2 am studying, but I was just trying to "man up" and do the work. He told me 90% is effort and only 10 % ability. That he had seen many students that had the ability but not the effort who didn't make it, but also (like me & him) who had to work hard and put forth the effort and were successful . He gave me that look of confidence that I would succeed and he was rooting for me. It's nice to have someone that believes in you and gives you encouragement . Also Mr Boehm my intermediate algebra instructor tries hard to teach me, and I don't want to let them down. I met with the tutor on Friday and spent the day at the University, studying. Today, I did the radio show this morning, and studied and met with 2nd tutor, this afternoon.I am hoping to keep up the momentum going into next week. and the story continues..............................................................................P & L Tim

The incident in AZ

I have been asked about my opinion on the AZ shooting. I feel sick to my stomach at the pain and loss of life. I have taken care of many shooting victims in my career as an Emergency Department Nurse, and know the suffering that takes place. Not only to the victim themselves ,but everyone else involved,like family members that suffer because their loved one has been hurt, then extended family suffers, the people caring for them in the hospital, their families, the citizens in Tuscan, Pima County, the whole state of AZ the people in America and friends throughout the world. The trauma extends pretty far. So, I feel sick to think of all this pain and suffering and Pray for the victims and everyone.Next people ask about the impact of radio talk shows. I try to be very responsible on the air, knowing I am responsible for my words,and that I have the ability to hurt someones feelings by saying something insensitive. I realize I am a professional person,and have a standard to ad hear to. Having said that if I do say something stupid please call the general manager of the radio station and complain, give me a chance to retract anything I say and please give me the chance to apologize. I am a Gentleman, grandfather , father ,husband,brother,uncle,cousin....etc I am human. I also get a chance to co-host a 3 hour radio show weekly,Called "The Local Show" 9am-12noon every Saturday on 1350am KWMO. We talk about local issues and local events and activities. Some times we get passionate ( which makes for good radio). But let me be clear, I do not support shooting people with guns. I don't like violence of any kind. I am not a big supporter of guns period. I am an American and enjoy free speech. I am Republican, Conservative, and tend to lean a little right. I am also a supporter of the Mental health system. I have worked part time in a mental health care facility.( 99% of people with Mental health issues are harmless) I believe there is wonderful care available. So, if you or a family member or friend are having issues,Please seek help. Thanks...Peace & Love Tim

Opportunity

Yes, I am going to sign up for Intermediate Algebra. I was thinking it stressed me out so much last semester, taking Elementary Algebra,that I might not do it again. Then it occurred to me that I could not pass up this opportunity. I think back to when I didn't have the opportunity to go to the University,and I am so grateful now to be able to attend an institution of higher learning. It's not about pass or fail. It's about a dream fulfilled. Just getting to this level is more than I could ask for. Yes, it will be stressful again. Yes, I will work hard. Yes, I will struggle to meet the grade. But, I will be there. I will suit up and show up,as they say. I will enjoy the experience. I will be proud to realize the dream of my forefathers. I hope to set an example to future generations. One last note, it is so cool, to sling that book bag over your shoulder, and strut your stuff.