Grad School Tornado

Wow! That's all I can say about this past week...or two weeks...I can't remember how long it's been. I feel like I'm caught up in a whirlwind. A grad school tornado. A revolving door of reading, class, homework, GA work, and as always - lots of coffee! It's crazy to think that we've only been here for a few weeks. The work we've been doing and the comfort and friendship levels in the cohort would suggest we've been at it much longer! But that's what's great about grad school, and GSE in particular - we've fallen into place right away and we're making the most out of our nine months here at Penn!

But "getting the most out of this experience" comes with a price - the reading, papers, work at my GA, and other miscellaneous tasks have really piled up. Every time I feel like I'm being productive and check something off my list, three more things get added to it.

This picture really spoke to me today. I can totally relate - but I wouldn't trade this experience for anything! I absolutely love my GA in admissions, I'm meeting tons of new people, and homework is the same old struggle, but I feel like I'm really going to learn a lot and develop my opinions and passions this semester.

This is my new motto for the upcoming year - keep breathing!

I want to end my posts on a positive note, so I'll share some things I'm excited about!

- I'll be providing the current student perspective and chatting online with prospective students at GSE's virtual information session taking place next Wednesday, September 18th! If you haven't already registered you can sign up here.

- Next week I get to see my family and take a weekend mini-vacation to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA - one of my favorite theme parks/places on Earth (second only to Disney World!) I can't wait to ride my favorite roller coaster - Apollo's Chariot and see the Halloween-themed shows and decorations! Spooky!

- I was having a tough morning today, but the friendly barista at Starbucks down the street drew a little smiley face on my coffee! I love the little things like this that can cheer me up instantly!

Have a fantastic day! And as always, feel free to reach out with questions or comments through the blog or email (colburna@gse.upenn.edu).

- Amanda