I feel like I'm walking through sludge with the PC, but the school semester is flying.
The MI Placement Liaison told me this: "Regarding your program, since you are MI, you are not nominated into a region-specific program area; rather, you are nominated into a general program pool, and thus are considered for any program related to your assignment area (i.e. agriculture). This increases your chances of being placed in a program corresponding with your background, but it does require a bit more patience and flexibility on your end." I could cry. I have no idea what to focus my research on while I'm here, in hopes that it translates well to my country. I know I need flexibility but this is still a graduate program and I have stress like no other to get some work complete before I leave.
I wish I could get into contact with someone that is doing this program and is out in their country. I have no idea how many research credits to sign up for while I'm gone or how that will work with the university charging tuition. Do I go into a special category for not being at campus? What if I don't work on anything relevant to my thesis while I'm gone and the university claims that I have too many credits and not enough work finished, which would lead to incomplete or forced research when I return. Everyday that I deal with these questions it makes ME question myself. Should I have just stuck with entering the PC after I graduated then worked on a professional degree when I returned? I admit I am being challenged and learning an abundant about of information but will this work out?! I know I will do well and love my service in the PC but in the back of my mind I worry about making BOTH sides of this program cohesive and consequential.
As far as my life goes, I completed a 10k this morning called "Run Thru the Vines". It was an symbolic experience, reflective of my behavior both in school and in running. I am one of those students that studies before a major exam the night before and can't seem to have motivation to study steadily throughout the semester. The grades are low or mediocre. This is also prevalent with my running or lack of running. I start pumping up my running routine just before the race but it never translates to a successful run. Today I was the last person in the race. I haven't been training lately and it killed me. The embarrassment I felt has now motivated me to have more discipline. This was essential since I am the ultimate bull-headed person and it takes a MAJOR slap in the face to make me change my ways. I will now be studying more frequently along with a steady workout.
Major Events Coming Up (Before I leave):
- Robigalia - 04/23
- JazzFest - 04/24-04/25
- Final ALEC course - 05/13-05/28
- Tati's Graduation - 05/15
- Plant Diagnostic Course - 06/01-08/11
- Move Out of College Station - 08/15
- Harry Potter Amusement Park - 06/27-07/01
- HullabaLOU - 07/23-07/25
- Dollywood - 07/26
- Dave Matthews Band Concert - 07/27
- Disneyland Half-Marathon - 08/05
- Dave Matthews Band Concert - 09/10
- Dave Matthews Band Concert - 09/11
- Dave Matthews Band Concert - 09/14
- Austin City Limits Festival - 10/08-10/10
- Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon San Antonio - 11/14
- Peace Corps Service??
I'm sure I'm forgetting something (0h well) and I understand that I may leave before some of these events happen. Let's hope it can work out!
"I've been high and I've been down
My head in the clouds and my hands on the ground
When I'm so lost that losing feel like dying
I hope you will be by me then"
#27-DMB
