It’s crazy to think that on Wednesday, it’s already October! Time is seriously flying. Tomorrow I start week 6 of grad school.

Not going to lie, in terms of academics, it’s a challenge. And I don’t think that’s going to change very much over the next two years. But it’s a good challenge. In the least cliche way possible, my classes continually push me to work harder, reflect more critically, and apply what I’m learning in an unprecedented way. Not to mention – I’ve read more every week than I previously thought was humanly possible. Oh yeah and APA style writing. I never was really asked to write in APA style as a business major (aside from the occasional paper in my minor/general classes), so needless to say…I’m learning quickly. 😉

I discovered how liberating it is to ask for help. I’ve tended not to ask for help during the past 17 years of school. So that’s kewl. For the most part, I think I had the mindset that independence in the form of self-teaching helped me internalize the material better. Which I still believe to some extent. But I scheduled an appointment to meet with an English grad student on Wednesday to review my APA paper. I would be lying if I said I’d rather look up every crazy APA rule on my own. It’s funny, because as a career counselor students come to me for advice every single day. Now it’s my turn to ask someone else.

So yeah, I really am enjoying my classes! Someone recently mentioned that our courses are comparable to doctoral level work…so whether that’s good or bad/true or false, I’ll keep you posted. 😉

Here’s a little class update:

(1) Student Cultures in the University Envrionment

• Studying a subculture at Miami: Green Oxford (sustainability student group)
  • Done through observations & interviews
  • Writing a paper about this!
• Reading a whole ton & having discussions in class.

(2) Foundations of SAHE

• Love this class.
• Learning a lot (in terms of breadth) about student affairs!
• Most excited about making an eportfolio. Kind of a mix between a professional portfolio and blog. So a natural fit! 🙂 Combining two things I really enjoy.

(3) Educational Leadership and Organizational Development

• Writing a three part paper about an organization and looking at an org issue through two frames/lenses.
  • Chose to write about the Sturzl Center. One of my favorite places!
• This class has had a lot of overlap in terms of what I learned as a Business/Communication student, so that has been nice!

Aside from classes, I’m feeling at home in this town of 20,000. A lot of people in my cohort complain about it being in the middle of no where, but compared to Markesan…it’s nothing. This town has a TJMaxx, multiple gas stations, a Walmart…not to mention a university with 16,000+ students. I know my way around town. I can navigate Kroger (the grocery store) with a blindfold on. And I know the select number of buildings I actually need to know on campus…but there’s work to be done there.

Also, the weather has improved since August. Early on I said it was like placing your face over a boiling pot of water. But lately it has been in the 70s and this coming week (the first week of October), it’s suppose to be 81, 77, 79, 82, and 72. Happy Fall?

In other news:

1. I’m getting better at parallel parking. Because I’m forced to participate. Sometimes I get a little sweaty when I hit the curb, but for the most part I’ve had successful parallel parking ventures.
2. I developed and presented a resume workshop to 130 undergraduate women in the Women in Business organization. So that was a pretty sweet deal. And I presented in a room (in the Farmer School of Business) that’s probably worth more money than I’ll ever have in my lifetime. Cheers.
3. I made two dinners using eggplant. So that’s neat.
4. I’ve had people to watch the Packer game with every week! Usually we go to Buffalo Wild Wings though, because apparently (and unfortunately) the Packer game isn’t a priority game in the state of Ohio. Wrong. Not thrilled.
5. My individual career advising sessions with students have went well thus far! I’ve only advised about 10 students, but they’ve all been nice. 🙂 And that’s all that really matters. My favorite is when they say, “This is exactly what I needed.” Love it.
6. Speaking of love, I’m incredibly blessed to be surrounded by the people I’m surrounded by. The 26 people in our cohort are genuinely wonderful. And for the most part, they understand my sarcasm. Which is vital to my survival.
7. The second-year students, faculty members, and the people I work with are also great. I feel like I have a very supportive network of people who will continue to challenge me. Don’t know how to say that in a less corny way. I brainstormed alternatives and didn’t come up with anything.
8. Let’s see, my apartment complex mentioned in the fine print that they allow cats. But there are dogs everywhere. So that’s nice!
9. We (cohort) went to a farm on Friday: pumpkin patch, hay ride (without hay), corn maze, caramel apple, & bonfire. The best.
10. The roomies and I have unintentionally, but gleefully, established our apartment as the off-campus gathering location. Which is wonderful for a multitude of reasons. Two of which: (1) it forces us to clean each week and (2) we don’t have to put in the energy it takes to leave the house. 🙂 But most importantly, we get to see everyone’s beautiful faces.
11. Hmmm…speaking of which, I’m not sick of my roommates quite yet. J-Tay likes to talk to me while I’m getting ready in the bathroom with my fan and music on. So I can never hear her. But she’s still alright. And the other kid is a nice girl. The three of us get along impeccably well. And little Nicole even unloaded the dishwasher before peacing out for the weekend. Some roommates (J-Tay), should take notes.
12. And last, but not least, I’m heading to Norbs for homecoming weekend! Which I’m beyond excited for. My roommate, Nicole, is coincidentally driving to Kenosha that same weekend for a wedding. So it’s the perfect road trip.

Maybe that’s it for now. In short, I’m happy. I’m busy…but who isn’t? Annnnnd I’m lucky to have such wonderful people in my life.

Plus, J-Tay is shouting to me from the living room, and my door is shut…so I have to go.

Love & Honor.