The end of 2010

The holiday season seemed to sneak up on those in graduate school or just school period. For the last month, we have all worked furiously on group projects, papers, and final exam study guides. Now that school is over, we ask ourselves the two questions: Where did the time go?
And what do we now do with this extra time?

Well what I've decided to do with my "free" time is to reflect on this past year. 2010 began with mounds of snow and it appears that it is trying to end with a half of a mound of snow. During this reflection period, I have taken the time to evaluate the good, bad, and even the ugly and what've learned from those particular experiences.

After my reflection, I have started to work on the upcoming year's goals. It is not a long list however it is one that will challenge me. What will be on your list this year?

Don't party too hard on New Year's Eve. See you in the New Year.

End of the Semester

Let's just say this pictures says it all. I've finally reached the "light at the end of the tunnel." I was so relieved that instead of celebrating with dinner or a glass of wine with friends; I slept for 12 hours straight. I guess numerous all-nighters, pages of papers, and endless nights of studying caught up with me. I must say that I am relieved and proud of the completion of my first semester of graduate business school. ( Let's just say my facebook status say it all!) 

The first semester was truly an adjustment and a transition from a full-time job to a full-time student. It was quite a challenge to condition myself for my reading assignments, case analysis, and group projects. However my first semester allowed me to critique my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to my business knowledge.

I will say that I commend my fellow colleagues and anyone who is a part-time graduate student with a full time job. At times, I felt overwhelmed with my three courses but I could not imagine taking ONE course and working. (Of course this includes any additional personal obligations i.e. children, community service activities, etc.)

I want to say Congratulations to those who are graduating on Saturday. Everyone enjoy your break!

Time Management

Overwhelmed?

Graduate School is a test of time management. You learn how to effectively manage your time to complete and study the respective material...OK lets be realistic. Graduate School is about assessing individuals' level of procrastination. There is one question that needs to be asked to address this issue. "Do you wait until the absolute last second to complete projects or do you plan days/weeks ahead in order to tackle assignments?" On a scale of 1-10, where 10 is extreme procrastination, I am at 3.5.  How about we just round up to 4..... I am a level 4 on the scale of procrastination.

For me, I literally lock up if I do not plan ahead.  People who are close to me know how neurotic I can be. Let's say the running joke is that I have to schedule a time to "scratch my head" with random post-it reminders throughout my home, car, office etc. (Did I ever mention that I have a Type A personality.) 
       
If it makes one feel better, I used to be the queen of procrastination. I never studied for a test prior to the night before and I still graduated with a A- GPA. However my prior position changed all of that. Let's just say when you work in the insurance world due to numerous legal conditions one CANNOT wait until the last minute to renew a policy. (If you do and still have a job, you are GOOD). The insurance life works two months if not more ahead. So let's just say my 9.5 procrastination level dropped drastically to almost zero.

Truly, I commend anyone that can put together a project within hours and not break into a sweat.  I cannot grasp that concept. I know I mentioned that in prior years, I waited to the last minute with my academic work but that was the OLD "me." I suppose one can say that my prior employer's organizational culture converted me. I know that I produce my best work when I plan and have plenty of flexibility. When I am under pressure, I panic. My creativity evaporates. My brain freezes.  (Yes all three happens at once) At that particular point, my goal is no longer based on submitting my best work but just completing the minimum requirement(s).

Long story short, my hat goes off to those who can complete AMAZING work in very little time.

Stay warm and have a nice weekend!

Crunch Time!

Less than two weeks left until the end of the semester. What does that translate to: more Starbucks & less pillow time. In my opinion, my first semester has flown by. (I'm still unsure whether that is a good or a bad thing) Where did the time go? 

Like most students, I look forward to the end of the semester. The end of the semester means the holidays are near and I will soon be able to enjoy quality family time. However in the meantime, I must endure the crunch. The crunch where we all scramble to coordinate the last group meeting. The crunch where we run to the library or search the online database for hours to make sure we have all the necessary references for our final papers, and the list can go on and on.

I wish all my fellow graduate students good luck. Make sure to eat healthy and get plenty of rest.
Until next week, have a restful and great weekend!