One More Down--One More To Go

--This post is Day 5 in "The 7 Last Days of Winter"--

It's quite simple:

At the beginning of the semester, each class gets a folder (preferably different colors, but sometimes you have to make exceptions). All of the papers associated with that class stay in that folder for the semester.

Before I study for the final in that class, I go through the folder and purge. Anything that I don't think will be educationally-sustainable or that I thought was useless is thrown out. I organize the papers neatly: class notes, test study guides, final study guide, and projects/papers.

When I finish the class, the folder sits on my shelf until I pack it away.

I packed away last semester yesterday. I have these blue storage totes that I've used forever. In goes all of the textbooks, each of the class folders, and other sundry items from that semester. Then I mark the box with the semester, and up to the attic it goes to sit with the other 6 totes from my college semesters.

When I was buying this semester's storage tote, instead of just buying one, I bought two. Not because last semester's books were so heavy that I would need two, but because I have one semester left.

The books and folders that are sitting on my shelf (I've devoted half a shelf to school. As soon as school is done, I have books that are on the floor ready to reclaim their rightful spot) right now are going to be the last ones that will ever take up that space. I will have eight totes sitting in the attic summing up my knowledge in the last four years.

I cannot believe it.