Kind of Like Cheers?

While our building doesn't even remotely resemble a bar (which is indeed a good thing), the warm sense of community here at GSE makes me think of Cheers. (As I write this, I wonder how many prospective students weren't even born in the show's Shelley Long era. It's okay, since Kirstie Alley was better, anyway.) Between classes and my graduate assistantship, I spend more than 30 hours a week in this building, so I'm glad that it's a welcoming environment.

It all starts from the front door. Julia, our security guard, has a smile and friendly greeting waiting for me every morning as my walk from Rittenhouse Square ends and my work day begins. The cheer extends to the GSE Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, where I am fortunate to work with a group of people who are equal parts professional, approachable, and fun. Add to that the fact that there is almost always free food in the building for some event or another and it makes it hard to leave. We have Lois MacNamara, Assistant Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, to thank for the free food, as well as good advice whenever needed. I am lucky enough to sit right outside of Lois' office, so I get to see her every day. She clearly loves working with students, sharing her experiences and making everyone's experience at Penn GSE rewarding and enjoyable.

I'd have to say that the biggest surprise so far has been the approachability of my professors. As an undergrad, I never really visited any faculty members. Now, it's something that I aim to do whenever time permits. Last week, I was leaving a class that happens to be on the same floor as faculty offices, and one of my professors took a break from her research to talk with a group of us. While we spent maybe a minute talking about relevant topics, most of the conversation was a retelling of some really funny stories! I never knew that faculty members could be so fun, in and out of the classroom. In the hectic world of graduate school, it's so important to feel as comfortable as possible, and I definitely feel at home.

While nobody here screams my name as I enter the room (which, again, is a good thing), I kind of already feel like Cheers' Norm. The only difference is that at Penn GSE, everyone has the opportunity to get a little bit of Norm's spotlight.