Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Epiphanies of Circumstance
Today I think I had a sort of epiphany while running the usual trail by my house. Both running and epiphanies are luxuries I seldom experience on Wednesdays. (Thursdays are another story). No, I don't know what my thesis is going to be yet... Shoot, that would have been helpful! It is simply this: graduate school is a continued search for purpose. That's it. It's all about taking classes, attempting to look or sound smart, learning how to critically analyze and communicate in a certain context or field of emphasis so that you can begin searching for that one thing about which you think you have something to say--that one idea that gets you fired up enough that you think you can contribute. And, in the process, somehow, whether by the rarity of brilliance or sheer dumb luck, discover a way to legitimize or immortalize yourself in the grand discourse of academia and knowledge. OK, maybe that tastes a bit of hopeless cynicism. But that's how I feel about graduate school today.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Long Overdue...
So... yeah... my bad. It's been a while. Things have been really busy. But still, no excuse. School has been definitely keeping me on my toes. I'm adjusting to the constant feeling that I should be working on something and the idea that I couldn't possibly get everything done. That said, things are going pretty well. I got an A on my first grad. school paper! I was really worried about that one.
I'm getting better connected to the people in my program as well. We all went out to a Tapas place downtown, drinks and food paid for by the CIR program (Committee on International Relations). It was a lot of fun; however, I was left to my own devices to find my way back to the train station--everyone else took a bus back to Hyde Park (where campus is). I thought I knew where I was, or at least a good idea, but it turns out I underestimated how far north I was. I walked 6 blocks or so and realized I wasn't as sure as I thought. I eventually asked someone and discovered I had about a mile-and-a-half to go--in 14 minutes to catch my 10:40 train. Either that or wait another hour. Keep in mind that I hadn't been home since before 7 AM and it was now about 10:26 PM. I was dressed up and had my computer and books all with me. I had just had about 3 glasses of Sangria and a four course meal. I was wearing a fleece but it was about 65 to 70 degrees out still. I was talking to Court and explained the situation. She said, "Well, you could make it if you ran." I paused for a second and then responded, "You're right. I call you back." I proceeded then to book it for the train station. People are yelling, "Run, Forrest!" as I push my pace while nervously eyeing my wrist-watch every minute or so. I reached the train station and run up the escalator, glancing at the departure/arrival board as i make my way through the revolving doors and to the platform with my train. It was 10:38. I made it. At this point I realize that I am sopping in my own sweat, so I decide to remain by the doors and strip down to my undershirt, hoping to cool down. By the time I reached my stop, an hour later, I felt pretty disgusting.
Courtney and two of her friends, Sarah and Andrea, were here last weekend for their fall break. We were in Michigan over part of Sat. and Sun. for Jay and Liz's wedding. It was a quick, semi-stressful trip, but it was good to see people there. I still had class on Mon. and Tue. while the girls were here, so they went shopping downtown all day Monday while I was at class. It was good to have someone to commute with. The four of us had a lot of fun. Courtney and I had some good alone time as well. Needless to say, I got a bit behind on my school work. But, it was worth it.
Yesterday, I took a study break and met Josi and Heather downtown for coffee. It was a quick trip, but good to see them and connect with some good friends. Most of my life is studying, otherwise. I spend three days commuting to class (Mon.-Wed.)--pretty much an all day event--then I have four days to constantly prepare for the next week. But, I have 5 weeks left of the quarter I think. It'll be increasingly intense, but I'm hanging in there. I'm beginning the process of the thesis. I'm at the developing my idea stage. I have most of December and the first few days of Jan. off to work on my thesis. So I plan to do most of that from Nebraska. i look forward to seeing as many of you during that time as I can! I'm sure I'm leaving out details and events from the last few weeks but this essentially catches you up. I'll try to be more intentional with postings. I didn't realize people read this, haha. Hope this finds you well and feeling blessed!
I'm getting better connected to the people in my program as well. We all went out to a Tapas place downtown, drinks and food paid for by the CIR program (Committee on International Relations). It was a lot of fun; however, I was left to my own devices to find my way back to the train station--everyone else took a bus back to Hyde Park (where campus is). I thought I knew where I was, or at least a good idea, but it turns out I underestimated how far north I was. I walked 6 blocks or so and realized I wasn't as sure as I thought. I eventually asked someone and discovered I had about a mile-and-a-half to go--in 14 minutes to catch my 10:40 train. Either that or wait another hour. Keep in mind that I hadn't been home since before 7 AM and it was now about 10:26 PM. I was dressed up and had my computer and books all with me. I had just had about 3 glasses of Sangria and a four course meal. I was wearing a fleece but it was about 65 to 70 degrees out still. I was talking to Court and explained the situation. She said, "Well, you could make it if you ran." I paused for a second and then responded, "You're right. I call you back." I proceeded then to book it for the train station. People are yelling, "Run, Forrest!" as I push my pace while nervously eyeing my wrist-watch every minute or so. I reached the train station and run up the escalator, glancing at the departure/arrival board as i make my way through the revolving doors and to the platform with my train. It was 10:38. I made it. At this point I realize that I am sopping in my own sweat, so I decide to remain by the doors and strip down to my undershirt, hoping to cool down. By the time I reached my stop, an hour later, I felt pretty disgusting.
Courtney and two of her friends, Sarah and Andrea, were here last weekend for their fall break. We were in Michigan over part of Sat. and Sun. for Jay and Liz's wedding. It was a quick, semi-stressful trip, but it was good to see people there. I still had class on Mon. and Tue. while the girls were here, so they went shopping downtown all day Monday while I was at class. It was good to have someone to commute with. The four of us had a lot of fun. Courtney and I had some good alone time as well. Needless to say, I got a bit behind on my school work. But, it was worth it.
Yesterday, I took a study break and met Josi and Heather downtown for coffee. It was a quick trip, but good to see them and connect with some good friends. Most of my life is studying, otherwise. I spend three days commuting to class (Mon.-Wed.)--pretty much an all day event--then I have four days to constantly prepare for the next week. But, I have 5 weeks left of the quarter I think. It'll be increasingly intense, but I'm hanging in there. I'm beginning the process of the thesis. I'm at the developing my idea stage. I have most of December and the first few days of Jan. off to work on my thesis. So I plan to do most of that from Nebraska. i look forward to seeing as many of you during that time as I can! I'm sure I'm leaving out details and events from the last few weeks but this essentially catches you up. I'll try to be more intentional with postings. I didn't realize people read this, haha. Hope this finds you well and feeling blessed!
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