Yesterday, I had an epic battle with financial aid and lost. I lost because I cried and they STILL wouldn't give me my money. Ahhh, graduate school. I never thought I would beg for money I have to pay back with 7% interest. But here I am, Tracey graduate student. Somewhere between waiting for my 11th amazon.com used book order to arrive and starting the 8th spreadsheet at my work study job I realize- I've made it.....through my first week. I'm feeling pretty confident with one week under my belt. My classes are fascinating and I feel that I have insightfully contributed to class discussions. I enjoy my classmates and respect my professors. I have avoided binge eating from vending machines and accurately identified which bathroom has the least traffic. I have gone a whole week accident free on my bike, a feat which I failed to accomplish in undergrad. Finally, I have also not heeded the siren call overpriced Pav food. Suck it, Wrap Station.
Honestly, I'm surprised at how easy it's been to move my brain into academic mode. It's like my brain just perked right up and said "Ohhh you're going to stop drowning me in wine and let me WORK for a change! Goodie!" It's like being an abusive pet owner- I'm an abusive brain owner. If I didn't start letting it out more, Brain Control would be called in. I hope that I continue to love what I'm learning as much as I do now. I'm afraid that I'll suffer from early saturation and my brain will suddenly stop taking in information. It'll be like Alzheimer's for academia. I'll re-read the same sentence 4 times and realize I didn't remember a word and it'll all go downhill from there.
I jest, really. It's just been so relatively easy and fun, I'm waiting for the fall out. But, with any luck, it never will. I can't say the same for my ability to avoid the Pav. I can't say no to sushi and chic-fil-a forever....
