How are people getting done so fast?

[Vle045]

I am 2 weeks in at UMPI, and I have to say I'm blown away when I read about how some people on here are just plowing thru these classes at the speed of light. I am doing Creative Writing and Project Management right now. I am almost done with Creative Writing and it's one of the most un-fun classes I have ever taken in my life, lol. Project Management is very interesting but it's still by no means something I can absorb and get through in a week. I read a post on here from someone who said "most people finish their degrees in 1 session" at UMPI. How on earth?! I have to do 10 classes thru them and at this rate it's going to take me months. I do have plenty of time to study but I can't just force feed and absorb all that info at that volume and pump out the milestone papers immediately. Am I just slow or are there others who have to go at a slower pace? Every time I read this forum I start wondering if there is something wrong with me, lol... 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with you!  You need to go at your own pace.  For some, they have a ton of time and limited responsibility, so that can help.  Or they have a ton of support from their family, who pick up some slack.

I tried a competency-based program a while back.  I learned that I need a MUCH slower pace.  I work full-time and have very little help from anyone.  I still have to take care of all of the appointments and activities for my kid and my dog.  I am also the only one to cook dinner, pay bills, and do laundry.  It's like pulling teeth to get anyone to do the simplest chores.  I am also trying to manage a health condition.  With all that in mind, I switched to a program with ten-week sessions.  The content is spread out over a more extended period of time, so it gives me more time throughout the week.  It also helps that I am in no hurry to get it done.  I took 5 courses last year, but now I am slowing down to two courses a year - going every other term.  If I find myself with more time, I might add more.

So, not everyone is going fast.  It's definitely admirable and do-able with the right set of circumstances.  You just gotta do what works best for you and enjoy the ride.