By my senior year of college, I could fly through my assignments and earn A’s on half-assed work. I could effectively balance bar-hopping and writing essays, and working part-time jobs and cramming for midterms. I knew that grad school would kick it up a notch, and I was ready for the challenge. However, I had forgotten what it felt like to try and not succeed, and I wasn’t quite as prepared for my self-esteem to take a beating.

I admit to not putting 100% into my academic efforts in college, but that was because I didn’t need to. I was writing papers with a buzz on and taking finals hungover, and still made Dean’s List. I knew that grad school would be different though, and I fully intended on being a legitimate scholar.

If you are considering grad school, you are probably doing very well in school. By senior year, you’re probably breaking the curves and tutoring your friends. You probably stand out in class for having thoughtful ideas and a firm grasp of the subject matter. Newsflash: Everyone in Grad School has gotten used to being a star scholar.

Often, PhD students and MA students will be mixed into classes together. I went from taking Shakespeare classes with business majors who didn’t know the definition of “iambic pentameter” to listening to a PhD debate over which folio edition was most likely the Bard’s original manuscript. WTF? My thoughts exactly. Read More »

So I haven’t posted in a while, mainly because I’m graduating in 20-freakin’-days, and boy oh boy the grind is on to make it across that finish line. With finals whoopin’ my ass 24/7 and the non-stop search for a job, I’ve barely had time to breathe, let alone get my “last month of college-let’s go crazy” drink on. It’s extremely depressing—and even more stressful.

I’m almost glad it’s over. (But not really—it sucks so bad!)

Anyway…with the little time I do have to sit back, atop my roof and think (we finally found a way up there and it’s incredible!) I’ve been reminiscing about the last four years and how great they have been. About all the good times and even the bad. About the tears we’ve cried and the laughs we shared, and most importantly, about the friends that have truly become like family—a family that is soon to part. It’s heart-breaking really.

But I’ve found a light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve discovered something sweet in this simply bitter situation. It’s the start of something new and I’m actually excited about it. Read More »