I think this semester is going to be MUCH better than last semester. For one thing, I have no really long days and will not get home later than 4:30. Here's what my week looks like:
Mondays: TA discussion groups 10:10-11:00 and 11:15-12:05 and DONE
Tuesdays: 3 classes 9:30-2:15 with 2 short breaks
Wednesdays: Home (studying)
Thursdays: Same as Tuesdays
Fridays: Home (work for PRC)
I couldn't imagine a better schedule. At first, I thought that I would prefer getting all my commuting done in 3 consecutive days and having 4 days off, but I think having Wednesday off in between is actually going to be a wonderful thing. It gives me a day to catch up on homework and sleep so I'm not so stressed out and exhausted by the end of the week.
On top of that, 2 of my 3 classes are really interesting and 1 is mildly interesting. This is compared to last semester, where 1 class was really interesting, 1 was very dull, and 1 induced suicidal thoughts.
And things are going just as well with the PRC (Prevention Research Center). I've been working strictly on writing and editing manuscripts (research articles for academic journals) and I LOVE it. Not only does this allow me to acquire publications to add to my resume, but it is intellectually stimulating to boot. I am learning a great deal about the topics of these papers (such as the relationship between cardiovascular disease and diet and the numerous health effects of cocoa), and honing my writing skills at the same time.
And the best part is that I don't even have to get dressed up and drive 30 minutes to Derby to do it! I can either stay in my pajamas and work at my kitchen table, or go to a local coffee shop (Common Grounds in Branford and Panera Bread have become my favorites). I am starting to understand the appeal of a public location as a work site. There is something about the background noise, the music, the aromas, that puts me in a good mood and helps me focus on what I'm doing. I can't help but laugh at myself, though, and recall this scene from Family Guy.
Mondays: TA discussion groups 10:10-11:00 and 11:15-12:05 and DONE
Tuesdays: 3 classes 9:30-2:15 with 2 short breaks
Wednesdays: Home (studying)
Thursdays: Same as Tuesdays
Fridays: Home (work for PRC)
I couldn't imagine a better schedule. At first, I thought that I would prefer getting all my commuting done in 3 consecutive days and having 4 days off, but I think having Wednesday off in between is actually going to be a wonderful thing. It gives me a day to catch up on homework and sleep so I'm not so stressed out and exhausted by the end of the week.
On top of that, 2 of my 3 classes are really interesting and 1 is mildly interesting. This is compared to last semester, where 1 class was really interesting, 1 was very dull, and 1 induced suicidal thoughts.
And things are going just as well with the PRC (Prevention Research Center). I've been working strictly on writing and editing manuscripts (research articles for academic journals) and I LOVE it. Not only does this allow me to acquire publications to add to my resume, but it is intellectually stimulating to boot. I am learning a great deal about the topics of these papers (such as the relationship between cardiovascular disease and diet and the numerous health effects of cocoa), and honing my writing skills at the same time.
And the best part is that I don't even have to get dressed up and drive 30 minutes to Derby to do it! I can either stay in my pajamas and work at my kitchen table, or go to a local coffee shop (Common Grounds in Branford and Panera Bread have become my favorites). I am starting to understand the appeal of a public location as a work site. There is something about the background noise, the music, the aromas, that puts me in a good mood and helps me focus on what I'm doing. I can't help but laugh at myself, though, and recall this scene from Family Guy.
