Hardest time ever

I just had the most ridiculous time ever trying to register for a course. I was originally going to go to UBC to pick up Organic Chem, not wanting a bunch of credits from a million different schools. However, even though I did everything on time, somehow, it still took them a lot longer then it should have to even process my stuff to allow me to register. By the time that I actually could register (and I've called once a week to update my status), the class was already over full, and the waitlist has grown to ridiculous portions, and there's no way I can get in, with lab space super limited as is.

Thus, I had to resort to going somewhere else. Douglas, where I went this past semester. The class had a short waitlist, but I thought that I would be able to talk my way in, seeing how I was in the same predicament last semester. However, this time was different. I tried as many ways as possible, but the prof wouldn't even budge. At all. I sensed no mercy, a complete stickler to the rules, and, even though she could bend the rules herself, she did not give one iota. Just something about her demeanor (although she was reportedly a nice prof) in the way she handled the situation really put me off.

So, frantically, I looked elsewhere. Langara was a good call, since I'd be in Van for the second half of the summer anyway, so that would've worked out beatifully. While they only offered the second half of the course, I thought that I can get in, seeing how I have a proven track record through grades, as well as prior O. Chem knowledge from the MCAT. I phoned in, and talked. And they prof was at least helpful and somewhat accommodating. Asked for transcripts and whatnot, and had to check with the lab TA. I thought I was golden.

The next day, before I set off for Langara, I decided to check my e-mail. Lo and behold, rejected. Wow. I am flabbergasted. I couldn't get into a 2nd year chemistry course. Why are professors so afraid to let a person's grades ride on their shoulders? Perhaps they don't want to deal with the possibility of my going to them for questions, as I don't have the prereqs on paper, but can't they deal with it at that point? Ultimately, I guess I really lucked out with professors at Douglas the first semester around.

Time waning, I looked at UCFV. I didn't want to go there, since the drive was in completely the wrong direction, but I was desperate. I got there, and after some wrangling, and at least a friendly, though pointed, offer was made, and I just have a few minor hoops left before I'm officially enrolled.

WOW. I never thought it could get this ugly, thought there'd be more trust and compassion in the world.

I guess not.

It's just sad to see the world so hung up on formalities, rules, and non-trusting of other people. While I know that the world is indeed skeptical and people need to be guarded, I will never let my optimism fall. That is not to say that I won't be astute in my dealings with others, but that I would give them the benefit of the doubt. Especially when the outcome cannot harm me, and can only aid the other, as in the cases listed above.