School. For Real?
So I must admit a fair amount of pessimism at the moment. I've just spent two hours doing one homework problem. ONE. And there is one more to go in this homework series. And then there are 3 other assignments and two labs to finish up by Friday. I miss having "nothing" to do. Because it usually meant I could do what I want. So I've been fighting the feeling of being cloistered by homework and other obligations, and also suppressing the sadness at not reading the news, not stretching every morning, and rushing through events and conversations with friends.
But I think now I have some time to get settled into this old-new life. My room is somewhat organized (only took 4 weeks) and I've got all my books (2 weeks). But I have been keeping a healthy diet and an OK exercise plan (lots of biking). Also a plus, big things have ended. (NOTE: not saying they were bad, but they WERE time-consuming...) 1) OTLing. I loved these two weeks. The first week I got back I made 72 insta-friends and still see them occasionally on campus, but we're all overachievers so it's not as often as I'd like. The second week I made at least 20 more friends, and it's kind of fun being a mentor/teacher type person. There could be something there... 2) Wedding!!! I was maid of honor in my dear friends (Stacey and Tony's) wedding. The ceremony and reception were this past weekend in Houghton and all was beautiful and fun! But of course there were the duties- bachelorette party (also fun.), rearranging the train (more difficult than it sounds ;) ), and helping Stacey use restroom facilities. Ok, so the work wasn't too bad, but the sleep was a little less than preferred. But totally worth it. I'm so happy for them!!
And now I have to focus on Structures II, Foundation Engineering, Soil Mechanics, Environmental Engineering, Circuits, and ... Pilates. Yes. But the great news is that I talked to my German adviser and it appears that my minor is indeed complete. I need simply write an email about the course I took in Germany, and I will not only finish my minor, but my degree audit. Additionally I can officially say that I can speak a second language. My Zertifikat Deutsch test results came back and I received a 1!! (The highest grade you can get). Prof. Adolphs encouraged me to take the next level of exam, and I am really happy about it! Also received some German compliments from Stacey's host family out of Stuttgart (in Houghton for the wedding) which means that I have to go back to Germany to visit ;)
And the next major step is to really get a homework schedule so I don't feel guilty or stressed or any of the negative things associated with pens and papers and books. And beyond that is figuring out my future. I should graduate in May and then... and then... Well the options are something like this: Masters, PhD, Work, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, US, anywhere else in the world. The deciding factors will be money, subject area, location, and support, but I will actually have to sit down and do some research to really figure it out. I think it's funny how much of an impact my surroundings have on my outlook. For example: I'm pretty sure while I was working in Germany I was way more interested in finding a job. Now that I'm back at school and getting sick of acadamia, I just want to stay here. Silly really. And it's easier for me to research US grad schools, funding, and programs but I should start looking internationally (any suggestions?)
And that's my update. Too much to do. I am not surprised. Bedtime.
But I think now I have some time to get settled into this old-new life. My room is somewhat organized (only took 4 weeks) and I've got all my books (2 weeks). But I have been keeping a healthy diet and an OK exercise plan (lots of biking). Also a plus, big things have ended. (NOTE: not saying they were bad, but they WERE time-consuming...) 1) OTLing. I loved these two weeks. The first week I got back I made 72 insta-friends and still see them occasionally on campus, but we're all overachievers so it's not as often as I'd like. The second week I made at least 20 more friends, and it's kind of fun being a mentor/teacher type person. There could be something there... 2) Wedding!!! I was maid of honor in my dear friends (Stacey and Tony's) wedding. The ceremony and reception were this past weekend in Houghton and all was beautiful and fun! But of course there were the duties- bachelorette party (also fun.), rearranging the train (more difficult than it sounds ;) ), and helping Stacey use restroom facilities. Ok, so the work wasn't too bad, but the sleep was a little less than preferred. But totally worth it. I'm so happy for them!!
And now I have to focus on Structures II, Foundation Engineering, Soil Mechanics, Environmental Engineering, Circuits, and ... Pilates. Yes. But the great news is that I talked to my German adviser and it appears that my minor is indeed complete. I need simply write an email about the course I took in Germany, and I will not only finish my minor, but my degree audit. Additionally I can officially say that I can speak a second language. My Zertifikat Deutsch test results came back and I received a 1!! (The highest grade you can get). Prof. Adolphs encouraged me to take the next level of exam, and I am really happy about it! Also received some German compliments from Stacey's host family out of Stuttgart (in Houghton for the wedding) which means that I have to go back to Germany to visit ;)
And the next major step is to really get a homework schedule so I don't feel guilty or stressed or any of the negative things associated with pens and papers and books. And beyond that is figuring out my future. I should graduate in May and then... and then... Well the options are something like this: Masters, PhD, Work, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, US, anywhere else in the world. The deciding factors will be money, subject area, location, and support, but I will actually have to sit down and do some research to really figure it out. I think it's funny how much of an impact my surroundings have on my outlook. For example: I'm pretty sure while I was working in Germany I was way more interested in finding a job. Now that I'm back at school and getting sick of acadamia, I just want to stay here. Silly really. And it's easier for me to research US grad schools, funding, and programs but I should start looking internationally (any suggestions?)
And that's my update. Too much to do. I am not surprised. Bedtime.