Key Takeaways from My Classes (Semester 1, Term 1 of B.S. in Construction Management)

I’m officially halfway through my first semester of the B.S. in Construction Management program at Arkansas State University—and honestly, it’s been both exciting and humbling. After being out of school for so long, I didn’t quite know what to expect going in. I figured there’d be a learning curve, but what’s surprised me is just how quickly some things have come back to me.

This post is sort of a “mid-semester reflection” on what I’ve learned so far, both from my classes and from being back in the rhythm of school life again. I’ll post another update once I wrap up the second half of the semester—but for now, here’s what’s stood out so far.

College Algebra (Full Fall Semester)

When I first saw “College Algebra” on my schedule, I’ll admit—I was a little nervous. It’s been years since I last sat in a math class, and the thought of trying to re-learn formulas and problem-solving methods after so long away from it felt a bit daunting.

But it’s funny how some things just click back into place. Once I got into the rhythm of it, I realized that math is still one of my strongest subjects. The logic, the structure, the satisfaction of seeing the right answer line up—it all came back pretty naturally.

This class has reminded me how much I enjoy the challenge of solving problems logically, which, in a way, ties directly into what I do in drafting and design. It’s all about breaking things down, working step by step, and understanding how the parts come together to form a whole.

Fine Arts Music (Fall 1)

Now, this one… was not what I expected.

I thought I’d enjoy this class more than I did. Back in high school, I was in band for three years—I played the drums—and I’ve always had a soft spot for music. I even used to make and record songs for fun. So, when I saw “Fine Arts Music” on my course list, I figured it’d be a fun, lighthearted class to balance out the math.

Yeah… not so much.

It turned out to be more of a music history class than anything else. Lots of reading—most of the time over 100 pages a week—and it felt like it was designed for someone planning to major in music, not a general education student. I’ve never been great with history-based subjects, so it was definitely a grind to get through.

That said, it did give me a deeper appreciation for the complexity and evolution of music over the centuries. And honestly, it reminded me that not every class on this journey is going to be something I love—but they all still have something to teach me.

Composition II (Fall 2 – Not Yet Started)

As I’m writing this, I haven’t started Composition II yet, but I’m actually looking forward to it. Writing was something I always enjoyed back in college, and I think it’ll be a nice change of pace from the numbers and calculations of Algebra. I’m hoping it helps me fine-tune how I communicate ideas—something that’s incredibly useful not just for school, but in architecture and business as well.

Introduction to Financial Accounting (Fall 2 – Not Yet Started)

This one feels like it’s going to be important. I’ve run my own business for a while now, but I’ve learned most of what I know about money and management through experience, not formal education. So, I’m eager to see how this class connects the dots between the day-to-day of business operations and the broader financial side of things.

If I can walk away from it with a stronger grasp of accounting principles, I know it’ll pay off—literally and figuratively—in running my firm.

My Thoughts So Far

Being back in school has been an adjustment, but it’s also been a rewarding reminder that growth never really stops. I’m learning how to balance my business, my classes, and everyday life—all while building toward something much bigger.

Even though I’m only halfway through this first semester, it already feels like I’ve accomplished something meaningful just by taking this leap. It’s proof that it’s never too late to chase your goals, even if the path looks a little different than you imagined.

I’ll post an update once the semester wraps up—but for now, I’m just grateful to be back on the path toward where I’ve always wanted to be.