You deserve a break today...

Lois MacNamara (Assistant Dean for Student and Academic Affairs) gave all new students a great piece of advice at the beginning of the school year: she told us to make sure that, no matter how hectic our studies became, no matter how overwhelming a looming paper or test or presentation seemed, to always carve out time for ourselves. While I shamefully haven't been as good at following some of Lois' other wise suggestions (i.e. eating well, sleeping enough, and exercising regularly), I have been trying to treat myself once in a while. Alyssa D'Alconzo, (Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid) has also been great in making all of us in the GSE Admissions Office share the nice things that we do for ourselves. It's a welcome change to have people who not only challenge us to do great work, but also really care about our well-being.

My fun activities for this weekend have already happened -- I went out with a few friends from my cohort last night, which brought the work week to an exciting end. I also got my hair cut this morning, and going to the salon is always a treat. My salon of choice is called Jason Matthew (conveniently located at 15th and Walnut, right on top of Lush, one of my favorite stores), and the owners and stylists pride themselves in providing premier services without pretentious attitudes. The salon's decor is lovely, their equipment first-rate. They even have pastries, coffee, soda, and other snacks for their clients. (Because I haven't been to the gym in ages, I opted for just a bottled water this morning.) All whistles and bells aside, the reason I keep returning is because my stylist does great work. I've had some disastrous haircuts in my day, so I take my time in trusting any new person with designs on holding scissors near my head. Today, I actually didn't have time to put my contacts in before heading out of the house, so I wasn't able to see the results of my cut until the job was done. I'm pleased to say that it looks awesome!

If you are in grad school, or thinking about heading down that road, make sure that you take time to enjoy life. I've been successful this semester, and I credit that largely to the fact that I've not allowed myself to get worked up about assignments. I know that if I plan responsibly, everything will get done, and I'll still have (a small pocket of) time to live a life outside of school.

Thanks again, Lois, for the advice. And thanks again, Alyssa, for reinforcing it every day!

Illness and Grad School Make an Interesting Combination

I love learning. That's why I'm here -- I want to broaden not only my knowledge of higher education, but also refine the ways in which I think about the texts I read, work I write, and discussions in which I participate. It's a pleasure to be in a rich academic environment...most of the time. The major exception to this rule has been amplified this week, as I've been stuck with an annoying virus that has deprived me of the energy that I need to attack my studies.

Nobody likes being sick (I naively assume), but I can honestly say that Penn and GSE have made this recent illness slightly more tolerable. Because my classes are engaging, I've been able to avoid thinking about being miserable while in the throes of group discussion. Also, Student Health Services is pretty convenient; you can make appointments online or call in when you're in dire straits. Their facility is brand new (just opened in August), and the doctors are helpful (i.e. they listen to your concerns and don't make you feel foolish).

I'm not going to lie and say that this illness hasn't been a setback in my semester. I've lost a good amount of research time and have spent more hours sleeping than I usually would. (You know I love sleep as much as the next person, but it's a lot better when it can be enjoyed!) However, I am starting to feel better, and I know that I'll be back to normal soon. The Thanksgiving holiday will certainly help with that!