Hopeful

Fairly early in the day, I had a message from a lady called Julia McDougall, who said she couldn’t swap as she wasn’t doing the course (she's already got her degree), but she offered some advice about possible lines of enquiry. I did already know the advice that she gave me, but it was kind of her to message me at all, so I sent her a thank you note.

In the afternoon, I had a message from David Keen, who was one of the tutors on my 2010 SXR207 week. He was surprised that I was retaking it. I explained that I’d failed by almost the narrowest of margins. He promised to post my message (asking if someone would swap) on the S207 VLE message board, which sees a lot more traffic than the FirstClass group.

He said that he’s done similar things in the past and arranged for people to get in touch so that they can swap. If he can pull this off then I will owe him big time. He has applied to be a tutor for the 2011 presentations, and added that he hasn’t missed a year since 1985. Assuming the swap can be done, I may yet see him again this summer.

Later, I had a message from Duncan Collins, an OU Facebook acquaintance that I know only faintly. He said that he hopes I manage to get my week swapped, as he is on the 30^th July residential as well.

I also know that Martin Heinrich, another OU student (who did SXR208, but in autumn 2010 instead of spring 2010, when I did it) is on 30^th July, so at this rate if I can get the swap done, I will be making some good new friends. But I do need to remember that I am there to work, and that this is my very last chance to pass this course before it vanishes for ever.

In the late afternoon, conscious that I should explore all my options, I rang the OU again to see if anybody has dropped out of the 30th July week. They haven't, but it was worth the attempt, as it could have been different. I will keep trying. K.B.O., as Churchill would say.

I am just a little bit hopeful today.