Don't Miss it!

It's done! That's it! It's over! Finito!
All the work has been handed in, presentations have been given, classed have been completed.
It's an incredible feeling! This is kind of how I felt walking around before and after work yesterday...

In honor of the year coming to a close, I wanted to share my version of a "Philadelphia Bucket List" (confession: I was inspired by some of my GA colleagues) Even though I don't plan on leaving the Philadelphia area any time soon, I still have a few things let on my "To Do" list. I'm also sharing my "Must Do" list for everyone who's coming to Philly soon!

To Do
1.  Go up in the Zoo Balloon!
2. Visit Morris Arboretum
3. Go on a brewery tour

4. Take a picture with Ben Franklin

5. Go to the Italian Market

6. Actually win something at Quizzo (trivia)
7. Play at Barcade
8. Visit the Magic Gardens
9. Attend the Baltimore Ave. Dollar Stroll
10. Finally attend Penn Relays (...next year...)


Don't Miss

1. Ballet X performance

 
 

2. The museums on the parkway (Art Museum, Franklin Institute, Barnes Foundation)
3. Made in America festival
4. Eat at a food truck...or ten
5. First Fridays in Old City
6. Reading Terminal Market
7. The Holiday show at Macy's
8. Go to a Phillies, Eagles, or Flyers game -Philly has awesome fans!
9. Restaurant Week(s) - city-wide and University City Dining Days

It's the Final Countdown!

Duh nuh nuh nuhhhh, duh nuh nuh nuh nuhhhhhh

This morning it really hit me how soon graduation is! I wanted to do a little "By the Numbers" post to give you an idea of what this point of the year looks like, and to give you an idea of how exciting the weeks leading up to graduation are since many of you will be in this phase next year at this time.

Here's what's left on my Penn GSE "to do list" as of today...

15 days remain until Graduation

5 scheduled days of work at my assistantship - 14 hours 

3 class sessions are left - 6 hours of in-class presentations

1 group presentation is mine

1 paper/take home exam - 20 pages to write

2 lunch celebrations

3 meetings

This means my "Summer Vacation" is rapidly approaching! Since I'm still job searching and don't have anything secured yet, I've been making a list of things to do with all of my new-found free time! 

1. Apply for jobs! I suppose I should be putting my hard-earned degree to good use :-)

2. Netflix, Netflix, Netflix! I want to catch up on all the TV shows I've missed and ones I've heard good reviews of!

3. Read for pleasure! I's been forever since I've read a book that I actually elected to read so I'm going to catch up on some recommendations from professors and classmates. Currently my list includes "The Gatekeepers" by Jacques Steinberg, "Crazy U" by Andrew Ferguson, and "The Attainment Agenda" by GSE's very own Laura Perna and Joni Finney. 

4. Enjoy some free time with my family and friends! I'm looking forward to spending more than a day or two at a time with my parents, my sister, and my best friends. 

5. Try out new brunch places! I love brunch so I'm hoping to be able to try out a couple of recommendations in Philly that I haven't been to yet.

6. Go back to Busch Gardens! I was just there in September, but it's one of my favorite places for a weekend getaway!

7. Blog? Maybe I'll keep up with blogging during the summer either here or through a new site. That option is still being debated...

I'm definitely still open to answering questions and giving advice throughout the Summer and into the next school year. Feel free to message me through this blog, send me an email, or reach out via the Penn GSE Accepted Students Facebook Page. 

Springtime in the City

The days of blizzards and the polar vortex are long behind us - IT'S SPRINGTIME!

Official Countdown to Graduation: 25 Days

(that sounds like party time if I do say so myself...)

I always know it's spring when the trees are in bloom and the outdoor seating opens up at the local bars and restaurants! Now that the weather has been in the 60's and 70's, the sun is shining, and the sun doesn't set until well after 7:00 PM, it's officially time to do some of my favorite spring activities! Weekend walks through Rittenhouse Square, strolls along the Schuylkill River, and evenings spent outside by a fire at a local bar/restaurant are some great ways to enjoy the gorgeous weather. Because we only have a few weeks left together before we go our separate ways, maybe I'll try to get some of my cohort-mates to celebrate the gorgeous spring weather with me at some of these places...

See, there IS nature in the city!

Trees in the park near my apartment.

On another slightly related note - Happy Earth Day!!

Hopefully you're celebrating today (and every day) by practicing the three R's - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! 

Love the Lorax!

How cute are these Earth cupcakes?!?

"Earth" made out of recycled crayons!

Decisions, Decisions

It's almost time for many of you accepted students to submit your deposit and commit to Penn GSE for next year! Just a reminder, the deadline is April 15th for most of you (if you received your letter after March 15th you have 30 days to decide). If you're still deciding whether or not Penn GSE is the right place for you, feel free to reach out to me, Wesley, Rebecca, or any of the other graduate assistants who are keeping blogs (on the right side of this page). We're here to help you! We can also put you in touch with other students in your program if you want another perspective.


Our final WEB CHAT of the semester will be taking place this Friday, April 11, 2014 from 7:00-8:00 PM (Eastern Time). We have lots of students registered already so please join us to chat about life at GSE and if it's a good fit for you! RSVP here.


It's not too late to apply for some of our programs if you're still interested in admission for the 2014-2015 school year. Many admit on a rolling admission basis so you can still apply here!


We've also revamped our campus visit processes. We are hosting a session called "Penn GSE at 3" every day at 3:00 PM. The visit includes an admissions/financial aid overview as well as a campus tour with one of our current students. RSVP is strongly encouraged, although walk-ins are welcome! If you're interested in meeting with a program specifically, fill out one of our program meeting request forms and be sure to let us know in the comments if you are attending "Penn GSE at 3".


We are also offering online webinars all spring and summer to give you an overview of the admissions and financial aid procedures. RSVP here to join us at lunch-time or in the evening!

Hope to "see" you or hear from you soon! 

To the 2014-2015 Higher Education Cohort...

...you all are awesome! It was such a pleasure to meet many of you this weekend between mingling and interviewing for the GSE admissions position! You have a fantastic year ahead of you!

It's hard to believe that it's already been a year since I was in your shoes. Everyone will keep telling you, it goes faster than you think, and they're right! I wanted to share some quick words of advice (since many of you said you read these blogs!)

• Take advantage of every opportunity you can (personal and professional) - it might not come again.
• If you're not happy with something, be proactive and take steps to change it. The one year program is too short for you to spend unnecessary time in a bad situation.
• Diversity is more than meets the eye - take time to get to know your classmates, and learn from them. Everyone has unique experiences and perspectives to offer.
• Be nice to your cohort members, they will be your real-world colleagues very soon.
• You know the game "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon"? In higher ed, it's more like two or three degrees. The world of higher education is actually very small, so any job you want to apply for or person you want to connect with is likely only a few degrees of separation away from you. Make lasting connections with your supervisors, professors, and every one you meet, and don't be afraid to ask if people can use their connections to help you! 
• ...but don't burn bridges! Treat people with respect because they will remember you!
• Learn to listen. You can often learn more in class by considering what others are sharing rather than dominating the conversation yourself.
• Don't take things too personally. Classmates will say things that upset you or might offend you. Don't judge people by how they phrase things when they might not be fully considering their words, but feel free to question or challenge their assumptions - respectfully, and not aggressively. 
• Don't shy away from situations that make you feel uncomfortable or challenge you - it's these moments where you can learn and grow most. 

Enjoy every minute of your time - even the difficult moments! Use your cohort members for support and celebrate together when you graduate!

I'm sure I'll come in contact with many of you again, but in the meantime, don't hesitate to email me any questions you still have (even after a long and informative weekend). 

Good luck!