Friday Reflections

As the first weekend of May approaches, I started thinking how it has been TWO years since I graduated from my master's program and FOUR years since I graduated from undergrad. YIKES! Time does fly...

I had the opportunity to talk with an professor I had in college and one of her current students. The student is planning on completing the same grad program I did come this fall. It was fun to reflect back on that time and answer her questions. I tried to put myself in her shoes, thinking of telling her things I wish I had known at the time.

Graduate school was an interesting time in my life. I was four hours away from home, living in an apartment for the first time, cooking my own meals, teaching, writing my butt off (with my trusty APA manual by my side), and going out more than I ever had in my life.
There are still aspects I miss: free time, campus life, the people.

I remember my first semester being intimidated and scared. This was the first time in eight years I would not be attending a Christian-based institution. I thought everyone would be smarter than me. I didn't know if I would make any friends.

I was 22 my first year. That seems so young to me right now. Looking back, it was a great transition point into the "adult career-world." Although I was still a student, I was placed with more responsibilities than I had as an undergraduate. My professors would refer to us as colleagues, and being a graduate teaching assistant, I was able to interact with the other teachers in an office-like setting.

And I survived. I graduated and landed a good starting job.

As I reflect back on this time with (mostly) happy memories, I recall how it has shaped me to be who I am today. I learned a lot about myself, relationships, and applying myself to continue to work hard.

Happy Friday!