Well! This is it. My final semester. So much of it feels as though it has already flown by, but I’m trying to soak in every moment!What does one do during their final semester of grad school and their last ever semester of formal education? Reflect, remember to go to class, and plan while trying not to panic!
Reflection: I am tired… :) But when I reflect on why, I realize I am tired for all the right reasons. I’m tired because I read thousands of pages, attended over 100 meetings, actively participated in almost 30 different courses, wrote papers, watched videos, shared knowledge and took in so much more from hundreds of peers over the last two years. I am tired because I gave all I could to Heller, my two graduate programs, and my classmates. And that’s amazing. Should I have exercised my “no” a little more? Sure. But ya live and ya learn. And I have no regrets. Heller has so much to offer to those who want to take her up on those offerings. It will be a challenge! But I am more than certain that for those who choose to attend, you will be like me at the end of your time here: tired, but happy you are.
Remember to go to class: While my time here is almost over, the key word is almost. I still have class! I am taking 4 classes this semester: Responsible Negotiation, Human Resource Management, Introduction to Planning and Implementation, and Perspectives on Economic and Racial Equity. Each of these courses are contributing to a great final semester and bookend to my education journey. Whether adding to my already too long personal reading list or engaging in fun negotiation simulations with my classmates, I have thoroughly enjoyed my classes and the content I’m learning.
Planning (not panicking): I am losing count of the number of people that have asked me “what’s next?” I think I give a different answer each time. Sometimes I tell people my long term goal, sometimes I tell people what I’ve applied to. Sometimes I just say “stay tuned”. All of these answers are true, but the truest answer is, I’m not 100% sure right now, and that’s okay! I am still applying to and saving new jobs every week. I’ve been denied for a few and am waiting to hear back from others, but I know that what’s mine is coming. It’s all just a part of the process! But I’m not rushing to get to the end of the process. Would it be nice to know for sure what I will be doing for at least 40 hrs/wk after December? Of course! But more and more, I’m leaning towards giving myself a little time to rest, reflect more, and restore before jumping to the next.
I have just under 60 days left in my Heller journey. Which is weird because it feels like I just had orientation yesterday! I’m excited to share these last 60 days with you all. Let’s end it with a bang. ;)