Always read thoroughly before freaking out.

I'm coming to terms with a newly recognized character flaw of mine- apparently, I need to have something to worry about, even mildly, at all times.  Nursing school provides me with ample opportunities, as does the Tall One and his total disregard for sunscreen (despite his illustrious Swiss/Scottish heritage) and confusion as to why we can't eat steak 7 days a week.  I'm a bundle of worry.  It's always there, a little fuzzy area of consternation tucked into the nether regions of my warped mind/imagination.

Which brings me to today.  Last week after lecture, a counselor from Admissions & Records (A&R for those hip to the Saddleback College lingo, which I'm not) talked with us about the difference between getting your Associate of Science degree for nursing (ADN) versus getting the certificate.  Both get me to state boards and the coveted RN title.  But the certificate would probably limit me to practice only in California, and there's other drawbacks.  I've assumed all along that because I have a Bachelor degree in Adv. General Ed (I mean, Liberal Studies), that I fulfilled all the general education requirements for the ADN.  And then this chick waltzed in and sunk my battleship.  So now, I've been stressing about the fact that I might have to take a class or two next semester in addition to my final nursing class.  I don't need that stress!!!!

So about 2 hours ago, I sat down at my computer, printed off the graduation requirements for Saddleback, busted out all my transcripts, and sat down to see how dire my situation is.  I had windows open all over my computer- class schedule, Westmont archive of syllabi, Saddleback academic history...ridiculous.  I spent close to an hour highlighting classes that fulfill the requirements for each area and praised God that I had taken Spanish 1 & 2 because it fulfills some Cultural Diversity requirement.  On the 4th and last page of requirements, I came across this nugget:

"A student that has completed a Bachelor's degree or higher at a regionally accredited college or university... has met the Saddleback College General Education requirements for the Associate degree; however, transcript evaluation must verify completion of a course conducted in Engligh equivalent to ENG 1A with a grade of "C" or higher, as well as an equivalent to a course applicable to the American Institutions requirement."

They've already accepted my Modern Grammar and Advanced Composition as well as all my courses that fulfill the American Institutions requirement.  I completely wasted an hour.  On the upside, I am well acquainted with the Saddleback College Fall 2008 class lineup.  Sigh.

I need to go find something new to worry about.