"First grad school semester"

So I know I have been in grad school for 4 semesters already, but this is the first one that our group is split up - and we are with different students (Nurse Practitioners students, PhD, MSN, etc). It has definitely been an interesting experience and plus I have no skills or clinical classes, so it gives me extra "free time." haha. I know it is spent on reading, writing, and presenting since that is apparently what grad school is all about.

So far though, I really like it. It pushes you to be self-motivating and find things that are particularly interesting to you. I like seeing different peoples' perspectives and having a variety of classes I am not used to (it is kind of sad being away from my whole AE group, but it makes it all the more fun when we see each other and it hasn't been for a long time). The only thing is that everyone is now getting jobs so it's even more hectic trying to get together...it's also like you are seeing all the people around you getting jobs...and you aren't. I have mixed feelings about this - I am still in full time school and I don't know if I am ready to take on a full time job too - this is what so many people have done already. I would have time for nothing!! And the fact is then they complain/moan/bitch about school and how they don't like anything about it - or they even try and get dates moved back on assignments (or maybe just ask for no points to be taken off for late work). Is this really fair? I mean come on, you decided you needed a full time job too. I don't know, it just kind of makes me a little mad just because I am in some classes with them and the fact that I have a pretty optimistic personality. Can you really not find ANYTHING you like about grad school?

Anyways, "off my soapbox" as Barbara Moore would say. So I can't believe that the course schedule for spring is already coming out this week - what? so this semester is almost half over? haha. crazy. I will graduate before I know it - that will be an amazing day!! :)

So with this "free time" I have now, I am now the MSN representative for the Graduate Studies Committee at the UT School of Nursing. All the tenure faculty are on this board and then two student representatives (one MSN and one PhD). They discuss graduate curriculum, etc and I have my first meeting in a week or so, so that is exciting! I also signed up for 7-8 teaching classes, about 2 hours each, to learn more about teaching as a graduate student! I hope to get a TA position...and eventually become a professor. I know how much teachers have influenced my life and I can't wait to have students of my own! So in saying that...my foundations of nursing education class is definitely a standout and my favorite class this semester.

As for my personal life - still working out about 4-5 times a week. I lost about 20-25 pounds so far so thats exciting. Today was the first day that I ran for 20 minutes straight - I can't believe I started at 1 min and have increased to that! Maybe I will sign up for a 5k or something soon. We'll see. :)

A lot is on my mind and plate right now, so I am just getting through it day-by-day. I am definitely thankful for my life and what I have been blessed with.