We just finished up the first full week of classes down here and so far, so good! It will definitely take some time to adjust to my new schedule...classes meet once a week for about three hours at a time. A little different than undergrad and I must say, snacks are a necessity. The workload is pretty intense (apparent when my first paper was due during my second class) but I'm really enjoying the subject matter so that makes it much easier.
Some of you were wondering how I'm filling all my free time if I only have classes once a week. And although it's tempting, I don't spend all that time at the beach or our pool...promise! A good chunk of my time is spent at my assistantship which has been great so far. I'm working at the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition (NRC for short!). The NRC works closely with the University 101 program here on campus and both are doing some outstanding work. My focus is primarily with the conferences area in the NRC which will keep me plenty busy but I will also have opportunities to edit publications and publish my own work if I'm interested. It is really exciting to be working in an office where I have exposure to research going on across the country. I think I will definitely enjoy these next two years!
One other piece of my assistantship that I have to mention is the course I'm teaching for peer leaders of the University 101 class. I love this part of my job, but what I loved even more was finding out one of our students is from Beaver Dam...what a small world!!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
A few quick lessons
The past few days have been a mix of settling in, orientations, getting to know the city and getting to know roommates and classmates. A few things I've learned:
1. Sweet tea really is popular -- They serve this stuff EVERYWHERE! I knew it was popular in the South, but it took seeing it at a local Subway to confirm this one. Sweet tea here is like beer in Germany -- easier to get than water.
2. Bugs, they're big -- We've only had two cockroaches in the apartment (that we've seen) so far. Luckily, one of my roommates grew up in the South so she was prepared with the roach spray and a very heavy sandal. Here's our first little friend after Emily dominated!
3. Columbia's farmer's market is a little different than the Dane County Market -- Lauren, a second year in the program and our neighbor, was adventurous and went with me this morning. It's right across the road from our complex but a bit of a hole in the wall so it took us a good ten minutes to find. We also had no idea it was set up so you could drive through for mass quantities...oops!
Lauren and our lone purchase of the day
I know I'm just starting to learn about life down here and the campus, but I definitely have some homework these next couple days. The undergraduates return to campus this weekend and I'm working an orientation event bright and early Monday already. Better get to it...Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
1. Sweet tea really is popular -- They serve this stuff EVERYWHERE! I knew it was popular in the South, but it took seeing it at a local Subway to confirm this one. Sweet tea here is like beer in Germany -- easier to get than water.
2. Bugs, they're big -- We've only had two cockroaches in the apartment (that we've seen) so far. Luckily, one of my roommates grew up in the South so she was prepared with the roach spray and a very heavy sandal. Here's our first little friend after Emily dominated!
3. Columbia's farmer's market is a little different than the Dane County Market -- Lauren, a second year in the program and our neighbor, was adventurous and went with me this morning. It's right across the road from our complex but a bit of a hole in the wall so it took us a good ten minutes to find. We also had no idea it was set up so you could drive through for mass quantities...oops!
Lauren and our lone purchase of the dayI know I'm just starting to learn about life down here and the campus, but I definitely have some homework these next couple days. The undergraduates return to campus this weekend and I'm working an orientation event bright and early Monday already. Better get to it...Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
We made it!
It's hard to believe that about a week ago we were still prepping for the trip to Columbia. It's been a whirlwind to say the least, and (as mom would say) quite an adventure! On Sunday Dad, Mom and I loaded up two vehicles and made the short leg of the drive to Indianapolis where we got some rest at Aunt Jess and Uncle Dan's. Special thanks to Kel, Jeremy, Erin, Brian and Gina for providing great company and snacks :)
Monday's drive was a bit longer - about 10 hours or so - but I was able to make it through without any napping...quite an accomplishment! It was pretty amazing how the last two hours of the drive seemed to drag, but eventually we made it. We also saw some beautiful scenery along the way. Here were some of my favorites:
Louisville, KY skyline
Smoky Mountains
We got to the new apartment that night with enough time to unload most of my stuff, grab dinner and make a first run to Target. Luckily, it's a furnished apartment so there were no major items to move. Heading up the stairs, Mom did remind me how I was not supposed to be living anywhere else without an elevator...whoops! Tuesday rolled around and with that came more unpacking and the arrival of my second roommate. Mom and Dad headed to Richmond to visit Amy and I continued unpacking. It could be a while before I find a perfect spot for everything...
Monday's drive was a bit longer - about 10 hours or so - but I was able to make it through without any napping...quite an accomplishment! It was pretty amazing how the last two hours of the drive seemed to drag, but eventually we made it. We also saw some beautiful scenery along the way. Here were some of my favorites:
Louisville, KY skyline
Smoky Mountains
We got to the new apartment that night with enough time to unload most of my stuff, grab dinner and make a first run to Target. Luckily, it's a furnished apartment so there were no major items to move. Heading up the stairs, Mom did remind me how I was not supposed to be living anywhere else without an elevator...whoops! Tuesday rolled around and with that came more unpacking and the arrival of my second roommate. Mom and Dad headed to Richmond to visit Amy and I continued unpacking. It could be a while before I find a perfect spot for everything...
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