It's the start of yet another school year and I'm so excited! I'm entering the 2nd year of my Ph.D. and I feel good about my new role. This year, I get to be a TA; I will be in charge of two discussion sections of Western Civ. Woo! I was hoping to get that class because some of the other options were either bleak, boring or embarassing (i.e. Survey of U.S. History, History of Medicine, History of Business and Enterprise, History of Pornography and Prostitution). Granted, I think I could handle the Porn and Prostitution class but, I think I'd be blushing consistently for about the first month. Maybe next year ;)
This year brings about a few more changes, mainly in the personnel area. One member of my cohort is currently spending a year abroad in Germany teaching and doing research. We're all very happy for him but, I think we all miss him pretty terribly. There are undeniably certain people in life that leave a hole in the universe when they're not around; this guy is one of those. Another member of my cohort decided not to return for his second year. This was a shock to all of us. He was very much the silent type so, no one knew anything was wrong. All efforts at communication with him have been unsuccessful so, if you're reading K, we all wish you the best and would like to hear how you're doing!
It is amazing to me that, as a 2nd year, some of the new grads have been asking for my opinion and advice. Ha! Like I know anything. Truthfully, I only feel slightly less lost than I did last year (at least I can find most buildings on campus and locate food, when necessary). I'm still not anywhere near the kind of researcher/writer I want to be; my only consolation is that I think I have a better idea of what I should be. In any case, the new batch of newbies seem very friendly, intelligent and down-to-earth. The last thing we need in the department is a flood of people on an ego trip. Academia in general has enough of that.
TA orientation was this week and for the next two weekends we will be having departmental social events. This is all part of the"welcome-back-from-summer-death" adjustment period. "Summer death" being defined as the total and complete lapse in social contact or interaction that occurs during the summer months. No one knows if you are dead or alive, no one asks and you don't give any signs of life until the week before classes start. It's a time of quiet reflection, procrastination, beautifying, weight loss and general self-transformation. Extreme Makeover-- Academic Edition. We are never as tan, thin, rested, happy or energetic as in those first few weeks. Personally, I'm going to try to enjoy it while it lasts...this year's gonna be rough...
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