First day of grad school and beyond!

Yesterday was my first day as a full-time graduate student at Boston College. After the course I took over the summer, it was slightly anticlimactic. After all, I'm already fairly familiar with the campus, I've done the reading and work for a graduate level course at BC, what's to be nervous about? Still, I noticed that by the end of the day all of my nail polish had been chipped away.

From 1-3 yesterday we had academic orientation, which basically consisted of an overview of the department and faculty and when and how we will ultimately be assigned our advisors. We also heard from a few of the 2nd year students, which was much more helpful than I had anticipated.

After that I went to grab lunch in the graduate student lounge and met a few new people. I had class from 4:30-6 (it will normally be until 6:50 on Tuesdays, but we didn't have lab last night) and then walked home. Despite the cold rain yesterday, I really enjoyed my first day on campus with so many other people buzzing around.

Since yesterday I've been a busy bee. Everything from applying for Graduate Assistantships (not a real word, but unfortunately the one everyone uses now), to working on assignments, looking for required books, etc. It feels good to be doing something again. Having the month of August to do whatever I pleased was really quite wearisome. I like to be working toward something, to begin each day with a purpose. It's great to be back!

Admittedly yesterday was even more exhausting than it would have otherwise been because Joe and I spent the weekend in North Carolina and flew back early yesterday morning. We visited my parents for Labor Day weekend so he could see where I grew up and meet my family. We had a really fabulous time going out with my friends and then going hiking.
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Hiking on Whiteside Mountain

We plan to go back around Christmas, provided Joe can get the time off from work. What's great about the time frame for classes is that it looks like my winter break will start on or around December 12, so I'll have a bit of time off before we head to North Carolina for the holiday (which will probably actually be the day after Christmas so we can do Christmas day with his family). My friend Amie is getting married on the 27th, so that will allow us to be in town for her wedding as well.

There's a lot going on and a lot to think about, but I'm mostly just trying to get adjusted to my coursework, find a part-time job, and squeeze in my half marathon training and time with my Little Sister. I think it will definitely be doable, but it's going to require a lot of organization.

That said, it's time to work out, shower and head to class!

Happy Fall!