Well my first semester in Graduate School has come to an end! And even better, I seem to have survived it. Since we are fast approaching the close of another year, I think it best that I take a moment to reflect on some of what I've experienced and what I've learned.
It was definitely rocky at points, as I'm sure nearly all of you heard me say 'I'm just going to drop out and be a bum' more than once in the past few months, but overall I think it's been worth it. But it hasn't been fun.
One quick interjection: I've also endured a move down to SLC, a distance from the comforts of the parents nest, but that's been pretty good too. I didnt really think that the social aspect of roommates was that important to me, but thats because I've only had good ones. I went through a bad set there, but now I'm back to some good, fun people. So while the drive to Ogden to steal supplies from my parents, visit family, and see friends is worth it, its great to not do it daily!!!
Back to that whole school thing. First, I'm a little suprised about how much easier Graduate School was than I first anticipated. I don't know if its because I'm in an area of study that I am actually interested in. Also, while there was certainly a lot of work to do it wasnt as hard to get done. Don't get me wrong, there were still a number of things that got finished the day of... but thats what college is all about! But in regards to the work, it was mostly meaningful; that is to say, there wasn't a lot of busy work. There was purpose behind most everything. Now I say mostly and most here for one reason: Public Finance.
Public Finance was a wreck. I wasn't thrilled about this class from the beginning, but at least I knew it was something I would find useful. Except it wasn't. Don't get me wrong, knowing how governments operate, tax, bond, and generally fund themselves would be good to know... but I didn't learn that from this class. I didn't really learn anything from this class, except that bad professors exist at all levels of schooling. Would it be too much to ask my program to reimburse the $700+ I spent on that colossal waste of time?
My other two grad courses, Quantitative Methods of Public Administration & Policy Theory/Application, were great. I learned a lot from both classes. And yes, they probably are as boring as they sound... so it's a good thing I'm a nerd. See, the Lord works in mysterious (and beneficial) ways!
Here is the most important thing about this semester though: I've met some great people. My cohort (or members of my program that entered the same year as I did) is small, only four of us. But it's a powerful little group. I have to give a BIG thanks for Andrew (one of the most intelligent, analytical, and witty individuals I've met) knowing I wouldn't have done even close to as well as I did this semester without his help. (P.S. When do I get to take the Cannon fam up to experience all that O-town has to offer?) Brad and Daisy have been great too. I really think that we've all been there for each other, which is why some wise individual long ago gave out the little title of 'cohort'. I just dictionary.com that, and I'm not sure which definition fits best for us: 4) any group of soldiers or warriors. 5) an accomplice, abettor. or 6) a group of persons sharing a particular stastical or demographic characteristic. My money is a mix of 4 and 5! So Thanks to my cohort, and to those of the '06 group that welcomed us into the program!
Lastly, E&V. Earthquakes and Volcanoes. As a lot of you know, the fact that I had to take this class made me angrier than anything I've ever experienced in my life. In fact, I didn't think it was possible to loathe someone or something so bad. (Congratulations, Weber State University, you've made my list.) But this class actually turned out to be a little consolation gift in surprise. There was a lot of busy work here, like tracking all major earthquakes around the world for 6 weeks... yea, thats useful. But in all seriousness, I learned a lot about the earth and it's system. I'll probably never use this... except when the big one strikes here along the Wasatch Front... but I still found it interesting. I guess that just comes down to the point that I love to learn, so again the nerdyness factor comes in handy.
All in all, I'm glad its over, but I'm glad I did it. The regret for not attending Georgetown University hasnt faded (at least until I consider the monetary implications), but it's getting closer. There's always Law School, right?
GO UTES!
