back to school

Teenagers aren't the only ones going back to school these days. That's right, folks, last week was my first week at school in not less that five years.

Wouldn't you know it, I was half an hour late to the first class of my graduate school career (I thought I had that bus schedule down, but apparently they just show up whenever the hell it suits their fancy). I have since been making an effort to get to school an hour before my class; this has proven very successful as far as my punctuality is concerned. I should note that the rest of that first day proceeded as it began with my being late for appointments, having problems with insurance, and getting lost on routes I regularly take. I think the stars were just aligned out of my favor.

The rest of the week was much smoother. I am currently taking two classes (organic and inorganic chemistry) that are for my required core proficiencies. Both of these classes will be very challenging for me (as the undergraduate level classes on the same topics were), and I will have to put in a lot of time outside of class to keep my head above water, so to speak. My first weekend as a graduate student was primarily spent studying and doing homework (already!)

In addition to my classes, there a several seminars I am required to attend throughout the semester (usually a couple a week). These seminars are presented by visiting scientists, department faculty and other graduate students defending their thesis. I will be exposed to a variety of topics and this should help me decide what type of work I am interested in doing.

Finally, since nothing is free, I have a teaching assistantship position that I have committed to in order to get that nice stipend they promised me. I got my teaching assistant assignment last week; I am a TA for Chem1 Recitation. In addition to helping the professor grading and proctoring exams, I teach 3 one hour sessions a week, I am required to have at least one regularly schedule office hour each week, the TA's have a weekly meeting with the professor to go over the assigned homework problems (that we should go over beforehand), and we are required to attend the class lectures (3 one hour lectures a week). It's quite an undertaking all by itself (I'd say a full day's work each week).

As you can see, dear friend, it's a lot. I am trying not to let it get too overwhelming, but please understand if I phone you even more infrequently now (for those of you I am in the practice of phoning). If I do post updates here, they will probably come on Thursdays since I have a break from 1-7:30 that day (evening recitation section).

All of that said, don't fret for my mental well being. This weekend I am going rafting with some of my fellow students in the chem department. It promises to be a raging good time. I'll let you know!



Oh- i just downloaded this little plug-in that inserts the song i am listening to...see below! exciting

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Now playing: The Rolling Stones - Paint It Black
via FoxyTunes