Wow... It's been quite some time since I've updated here. That's because life, of course, has a way of getting in the way of things like blogging. So, let's see... There have been lots of happenings, most of which have kept me from meeting my goals, but things have continued to progress, albeit slowly.
The first major update is that I've finally graduated with my BS in Biology! I finished my coursework in May, but didn't graduate until August because of a financial aid snafu. BUT, i'm DONE! Finally!
I also managed to get all my stuff in for grad school, though I had an issue getting the professor i've worked with for the last 4 years to even answer an email. I literally didn't hear from him for the entire summer. We spoke the week before spring finals, but despite repeated emails, I never got in touch with him regarding grad school OR finishing my research. So that means I haven't been published yet, but more importantly, it meant that I had to scramble to find another major professor literally 2 days before school started. It ended up working out, and I've got a project that I think will be really really interesting, but it was SO stressful.
So i ended up being able to register the DAY before school started. I had already lined up my usual job as a Supplemental Instructor for freshman bio, so i wasn't TOO worried about funding, but i had a TA position literally dropped into my lap thanks to the quick response of my new major professor. And that's great because it includes a stipend that's more than i've made in many years, as well as medical insurance and vision insurance. This is SOOOO good! At least i won't have to worry if something happens and i need to go to the doctor. I don't think i can add livvy though, because it's Blue Cross insurance, and i think they don't cover partners. I'll definitely have to look it up.
Other good things -- I love my classes so far, i have an actual office! I FINALLY have keys to my building, which is great -- I've been trying to get keys to that building for four years, and now all i had to do was sign the key requisition form. My new major professor made sure I have everything i need and i have only been in his lab and research group, literally, since Monday. I didn't expect that at all.
Other stressful things -- my financial aid hasn't shown up yet. It's pending, and i'll get a significant refund, but it hasn't disbursed, and I have bills coming up next week that include rent. When i asked them over at the finaid office, they said it could come any time in the next two weeks, so i'm a little nervous. I can't even buy books right now because i have, quite literally, $1 in my checking account and $7 in cash. My two seminar courses will be fine, because they put the articles we need to read up online before class, but my two lecture courses both have textbooks that i need. I've sent out emails to see if i can borrow the texts for now, and i know I'll be able to get the books, but i'm SO not used to starting school without even money to buy pens and notebooks. It puts me in a precarious place mentally. The other thing that's kinda stressful is that the course i'm TAing is one that I didn't do terribly well in (I got a B), and since it's my first time TAing, I have to attend an earlier section of the class to watch an experienced TA teach it. I have teaching experience, so that doesn't intimidate me; i'm just worried about reviewing the concepts. I'm sure i'll be fine, but it's just a little nerve wracking right now. The last thing that's stressing me out is that I will probably have to quite suddenly leave my previous job because the grad school is in charge of the TA positions now and the department thinks that working at another hourly position is a conflict of interest. At least, that's what we're assuming for now. I haven't heard back from the department yet.
SO. All in all though, I'm really excited. I actually get to do a conservation project!! And I'll be working with people who seem really excited to have me on their team. I think everything will work itself out -- everything fell into place so neatly that it will be fine. I am optimistic!
Finding a unicorn
5 years ago
