Called On

EVERY. OTHER. PERSON. in class raised their hands, but the teacher insisted on calling on Rory. Rory didn't particularly like that. It's as if their faculty member expected EVERYONE to learn the material. That seemed unreasonable to Rory.

Bag

Rory was excited to have a new book bag for the new semester. Rory was sure that the new bag would help with organization, time management, communication skills, APA, information retention, exam preparation, study skills, financial responsibility, note-taking, listening skills, and stress management.

Rory's expectations for the new bag were unreasonably high.

2017

Dear 2017,

Hi. I hope you are doing well so far. I am writing you this letter because I want us to get a few things in order before the new semester at school begins. 

First, let's just agree that you are going to go by quickly. I know that it won't always feel that way, but it will be true. 

Next, I plan on having more good times than bad. It would be great if you could support me on that. I know that ultimately it is up to me to make that happen, and I will. That said, I'm not sure what all is in store and I'd like more good days than bad. Thanks in advance for that.

Third, I'm going to need more naps than I have in the past. That's a non-negotiable.

Fourth, I'd like to live in the moment more and worry about the future less. That may seem counterintuitive given that I'm writing this letter to the upcoming year. I'm trying to exercise foresight now so I can relax more and enjoy each day more in the future.

Finally, let's make this the best year we can. Grad school is hard, but participating in higher education is a privilege. I need to remember that. I have lots of opportunities and people who support me. I need to appreciate that. I am responsible for my own choices and behaviors - don't let me forget that. Happiness takes work and I'm willing to do my part and I hope that you 2017 are willing to do yours.

One more thing... if you could help me lose my car keys less and do the assigned reading a bit more this year, that would be much appreciated.

Love, Parker.

Gift

Graduate school was often a place where there was some regression to childhood - and that went beyond occasionally getting into the fetal position under a thick blanket. Rory's cohort had played games, watched TV shows, and dressed up as characters from when they were kids. They had bonded over shared points of cultural reference. 

So when Rory got this as a gift this holiday season, it was perfect. 

Rory had also discovered that graduate school was a time of not really understanding things or knowing what you are doing. Having this toy to play with and not really knowing how it worked was somehow reassuring to Rory.

Enjoy your break, Rory. It will be over soon.

Information

The librarian received a Magic 8 Ball from her Secret Santa at work. The note said, "In case you can't find the answers by doing research in databases, in books, or in other scholarly resources, you can always find the answers with this Magic 8 Ball.

The librarian was not amused. She displayed the Magic 8 Ball as a courtesy. She planned on disposing of it soon. 

Hooray

Rory was happy to have made it through another semester. Now, instead of working on his computer he let his computer do the work. The Netflix work. Good job, computer. Good job, Rory!

Grad School

Rory just finished a 30 page paper, a 20 page exam, and a 15 page reflection. Rory now has an awful hand cramp. And brain cramp. Poor Rory. Graduate school is hard.

Also, Rory is getting a graduate degree. Lucky Rory.