Well, we have returned to Minnesota (and Arden Hills more specifically). My parents are out of town for the rest of the month, and so we are house-sitting (of sorts) until they return, at which point we will be still be living here, but we will live on one floor of the house, and we will live on another. It's not a long-term thing, but should work for a few weeks while we determine if we are staying in Minnesota more long-term, or if we are heading elsewhere.
It's a bit of an adjustment coming back, particularly when we don't know how long we will be here. It's nice that it will be at least a few weeks, which gives us a chance to see family and friends that we only see briefly or miss altogether when we are here for a few days over Christmas, but a little odd as it feels a bit nomadic, which isn't my usual state of being.
As an update, we moved out of our apartment at the end of July, and moved our belongings into our friends basement while we waited to see which way we were moving. So, we went down to Connecticut for a week to spend time with my sister and her family while we were waiting, and it was a great opportunity to catch up, spend some time at the ocean, etc. (other than getting the flu briefly, which I wouldn't recommend!). When we figured out Minneapolis was our next destination, we drove back up to Ithaca, loaded our belongings into our lovely moving van (with a/c, comfortable seats, and a cd player, we were quite happy about it), said goodbye to some friends, and proceeded to spend about 20 hours driving from Ithaca to Minneapolis. The drive went pretty well, all things considered, with a 16 foot truck towing our car behind, I thought it could have been a lot worse. We drove for about 15 hours the first day to Rockford, IL, where we spent the night sleeping before we got up in the morning to drive the last several hours back to Minnesota.
Since then we have been unloading our belongings (although the vast majority of them are still in boxes until we figure out where we will be more permanently), going through the stuff that was intentionally or unintentionally left behind at my parents house when we moved to New York, and trying to spend time with people we don't get to see very often.
It's a little weird having space after living two years in our rather tiny apartment, but its nice as we are trying to go through everything as well. We are enjoying the chance to be back though, and are going to try to do as much as possible while we are in town, until we know where we are going to end up!
--brianna
Friday, August 14, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Less than Two Weeks Left
We are in full swing packing up our apartment. There are boxes everywhere-- some are packed, and others are just waiting to be packed. I am also continuing to get everything cleaned up as well-- it seems that there is a constant list of things that need to be done. Fortunately, it seems to be going relatively decently. I'm not a big fan of packing and cleaning, but it does give me something to do other than applying for jobs.
On the job/move front, we are still unsure of where we are headed. There are some possibilities, but we are waiting to see what happens over the next week. Either way, we are leaving Ithaca at the end of the month (around the 30th). Cody has a little more than a week left at work, and then we have a few days to get everything done that's left at that point. It's exciting and scary to not know what the future holds, but I am learning to be patient-- through forced patience as that's really my only choice, but I guess I have to learn somehow. I'm used to being in control, so this is definitely different. We will be sure to update when we know more.
--brianna
On the job/move front, we are still unsure of where we are headed. There are some possibilities, but we are waiting to see what happens over the next week. Either way, we are leaving Ithaca at the end of the month (around the 30th). Cody has a little more than a week left at work, and then we have a few days to get everything done that's left at that point. It's exciting and scary to not know what the future holds, but I am learning to be patient-- through forced patience as that's really my only choice, but I guess I have to learn somehow. I'm used to being in control, so this is definitely different. We will be sure to update when we know more.
--brianna
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wishing We Knew More...
Happy July! We have been a little (or lot) neglectful in writing, but things got a little crazy in April and May. I made it through my final exams/papers just fine, and even managed to graduate. Both sets of 'rents made it out to celebrate for graduation, which was a lot of fun. The thesis stuff was even able to get worked out, and my academic advisor agreed to read my thesis. It was very exciting to find out graduation day right after I crossed the stage that he had approved of my thesis and signed off on all the necessary forms just a couple of days earlier, so my thesis was submitted officially in bound form a few days after graduation.
Since then I have been searching and applying for jobs, catching up on sleep, spending time with Cody and other friends, and trying to enjoy the aspects of Ithaca that I missed out on last summer. We managed to spend our anniversary together this year, so we decided to go camping for a couple of days in Watkins Glen to celebrate.
The searching for and applying for jobs has been a bit frustrating as there have been lots of applications, but very little in the way of responses. I have a potential opportunity with HUD, but am waiting to hear back on that. If it comes through, it means we could be living just about anywhere in the country in early August (from Seattle to Boston to Atlanta or Kansas City to name a few options), which we are trying to potentially plan around. Our lease is up at the end of this month, so either way our time in New York will be up shortly. If things don't come together by the end of the month, I think we will be back in the Twin Cities for at least a little while while we figure out what comes next (it may turn into a longer-term thing though, as neither of us are opposed to staying there permanently if the right opportunities develop). I'm trying to be patient and hopeful right now, but at times that gets difficult. If you have any leads or thoughts for either of us, please let us know, we would be very appreciative!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sleepless Nights
It's 4:30 in the morning as I write this, and I have been up since 3:00. Life feels pretty stressful and out of control right now, leading to an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Classes end next week, which in some ways feels pretty incredible. I have almost completed my master's degree, which seems pretty unreal. My parents will be arriving for graduation in just about a month, which is crazy.
But there is still so much left up in the air. As of right now, I have no job for after graduation. My current part-time job at Cornell ends next week. And I have no idea what comes next. I like to know what comes next-- it's how I function. I like to think that I am relatively flexible as well, but I like having a plan. This is part of the reason why this semester has felt so crazy.
I have to take a quiz/exam this week, and a paper to hand in next week. A week after that, I take the only final exam I have this semester-- for financial accounting. After May 6th, I will be done with my classes. That gives me about 2 1/2 weeks with not a lot to do until graduation.
But my thesis still feels like it is looming over my head. I don't like to talk about it or think about it more than necessary-- it creates a sense of impending doom. That may sound overly dramatic, but that's the way it feels. It's also why I am awake right now--because the sound of footsteps coming from the apartment above mine at 3 in the morning woke me up, and I am so unable to relax that I immediately started thinking about everything that hasn't come together yet, including (especially) my thesis. A large knot forms in my stomach, and creates a complete inability to fall back to sleep. Once I have given up on actually going back to bed, I get up, check my email, and attempt to do some more work. This is problematic because it means I will be exhausted tomorrow during class from 8:30-4:00. It almost makes me wish I could become nocturnal. There are fewer things to get distracted by in the middle of the night, other than stress. And stress is motivational. Although, the downside is that I unfortunately need sleep to function, and so far this method isn't really functional-- particularly in any kind of long term sense. But it is the reality of my life right now.
--brianna
But there is still so much left up in the air. As of right now, I have no job for after graduation. My current part-time job at Cornell ends next week. And I have no idea what comes next. I like to know what comes next-- it's how I function. I like to think that I am relatively flexible as well, but I like having a plan. This is part of the reason why this semester has felt so crazy.
I have to take a quiz/exam this week, and a paper to hand in next week. A week after that, I take the only final exam I have this semester-- for financial accounting. After May 6th, I will be done with my classes. That gives me about 2 1/2 weeks with not a lot to do until graduation.
But my thesis still feels like it is looming over my head. I don't like to talk about it or think about it more than necessary-- it creates a sense of impending doom. That may sound overly dramatic, but that's the way it feels. It's also why I am awake right now--because the sound of footsteps coming from the apartment above mine at 3 in the morning woke me up, and I am so unable to relax that I immediately started thinking about everything that hasn't come together yet, including (especially) my thesis. A large knot forms in my stomach, and creates a complete inability to fall back to sleep. Once I have given up on actually going back to bed, I get up, check my email, and attempt to do some more work. This is problematic because it means I will be exhausted tomorrow during class from 8:30-4:00. It almost makes me wish I could become nocturnal. There are fewer things to get distracted by in the middle of the night, other than stress. And stress is motivational. Although, the downside is that I unfortunately need sleep to function, and so far this method isn't really functional-- particularly in any kind of long term sense. But it is the reality of my life right now.
--brianna
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Beginning of the End
I could be living in a different state in two months.
I have no idea what state it will be. I know which ones I would like, but the last couple years have taught me that the unexpected can work out. Bri and I spent the second weekend of spring break exploring two cities on the East Coast that we view as possibilities for our next destination. During out 24 hours in Boston we walked for 7+ hours. We roamed around the downtown/financial district for the bulk of our time, simply because it was the location of our hotel. We took the metro to Fenway park to explore a neighborhood that Bri has applied to work in, and we continued to Brookline, which one of my customers recommended. We basically loved all of our time in the city. Every neighborhood we encountered offered exciting possibilities and challenges.
When we had walked until we couldn't go a step further, we got in the car and drove down to Providence. Caveat: I continue to be amazed at how large and small the East Coast is. New York is huge, massive, and 95% of it has nothing to do with the city. On the other hand, we made it from downtown Boston to the center of Providence in 45 minutes, crazy. Anyways, we met our old friend Jeff just off Brown's campus in a really cool neighborhood of Providence. It basically reminded me of a grown up version of the neighborhood in Ithaca where I work. We grabbed some quality Greek food and really good coffee, then proceeded down to Jeff's house in East Greenwich. It was fantastic to spend time with Jeff and Lisa, people I have known since college and who have been through similar experiences as us. They moved to RI 3 weeks before we moved to NY. We had the opportunity to attend their church and see and hear about their lives. It was great to spend a significant amount of time with people who know us outside of Ithaca and to get their perspective on our lives and the new opportunities we have.
And so, I find myself back in Ithaca, with a better sense of the possibilities ahead of us, and two or three months left in this grand adventure.
Our lives are still progressing here. We met with our pastor this morning, and after an amazing conversation about our lives, or history in the church, and our future, we made the choice to become members. It is odd to realize that we will be in this place for such a short time as members, but it is also a great blessing to have a place in Ithaca to call home. It is funny that we spent so much time here trying to find another House of Mercy, and in the end we found a completely different place that has filled our needs.
Bri will be done with classes in a month. Graduation in the 24 of May. Our lease is done the last day of July. These are our guarantees. The rest will come together in its own time.
Blessings
-cody
I have no idea what state it will be. I know which ones I would like, but the last couple years have taught me that the unexpected can work out. Bri and I spent the second weekend of spring break exploring two cities on the East Coast that we view as possibilities for our next destination. During out 24 hours in Boston we walked for 7+ hours. We roamed around the downtown/financial district for the bulk of our time, simply because it was the location of our hotel. We took the metro to Fenway park to explore a neighborhood that Bri has applied to work in, and we continued to Brookline, which one of my customers recommended. We basically loved all of our time in the city. Every neighborhood we encountered offered exciting possibilities and challenges.
When we had walked until we couldn't go a step further, we got in the car and drove down to Providence. Caveat: I continue to be amazed at how large and small the East Coast is. New York is huge, massive, and 95% of it has nothing to do with the city. On the other hand, we made it from downtown Boston to the center of Providence in 45 minutes, crazy. Anyways, we met our old friend Jeff just off Brown's campus in a really cool neighborhood of Providence. It basically reminded me of a grown up version of the neighborhood in Ithaca where I work. We grabbed some quality Greek food and really good coffee, then proceeded down to Jeff's house in East Greenwich. It was fantastic to spend time with Jeff and Lisa, people I have known since college and who have been through similar experiences as us. They moved to RI 3 weeks before we moved to NY. We had the opportunity to attend their church and see and hear about their lives. It was great to spend a significant amount of time with people who know us outside of Ithaca and to get their perspective on our lives and the new opportunities we have.
And so, I find myself back in Ithaca, with a better sense of the possibilities ahead of us, and two or three months left in this grand adventure.
Our lives are still progressing here. We met with our pastor this morning, and after an amazing conversation about our lives, or history in the church, and our future, we made the choice to become members. It is odd to realize that we will be in this place for such a short time as members, but it is also a great blessing to have a place in Ithaca to call home. It is funny that we spent so much time here trying to find another House of Mercy, and in the end we found a completely different place that has filled our needs.
Bri will be done with classes in a month. Graduation in the 24 of May. Our lease is done the last day of July. These are our guarantees. The rest will come together in its own time.
Blessings
-cody
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Leaving Town (at least for the weekend)
It's spring break this week, and I am happy to have the chance to work on all of the "other stuff" on the to do list. You know, the stuff that needs to get done, but when there is little time available, is simply not a priority. This has involved the chance to do laundry that had been piling up for couple (or several) weeks, washing the dishes that have been piling up (a task that still hasn't been completed), mopping the kitchen floor, etc.
In addition to that lovely list, I have also been able to work on several other important things-- sleeping more than 6 hours at night, working on my thesis, applying for more jobs (although this is something I do daily, now I don't feel like it's squeezed into any available 30 minutes I manage to find in my schedule), and planning our trip to Boston. As a city Cody and I are contemplating moving to, it seemed worthwhile to see what it is we are considering doing-- checking out the city as well as the chance to get away from Ithaca for awhile.
So, Friday morning we are getting up early and driving to Boston (a trip that should take a little over six hours I think). Hopefully, it should be a good weekend-- not only a time to relax, but to see if this is someplace we could spend some serious time in the future. I'm looking forward to it, partially because I've always wanted to go to Boston (neither of us have ever been there), and partially because I like the opportunity to get away.
If anyone has any suggestions on things we should/must do while gone, feel free to let us know, we are open to suggestions.
--Brianna
In addition to that lovely list, I have also been able to work on several other important things-- sleeping more than 6 hours at night, working on my thesis, applying for more jobs (although this is something I do daily, now I don't feel like it's squeezed into any available 30 minutes I manage to find in my schedule), and planning our trip to Boston. As a city Cody and I are contemplating moving to, it seemed worthwhile to see what it is we are considering doing-- checking out the city as well as the chance to get away from Ithaca for awhile.
So, Friday morning we are getting up early and driving to Boston (a trip that should take a little over six hours I think). Hopefully, it should be a good weekend-- not only a time to relax, but to see if this is someplace we could spend some serious time in the future. I'm looking forward to it, partially because I've always wanted to go to Boston (neither of us have ever been there), and partially because I like the opportunity to get away.
If anyone has any suggestions on things we should/must do while gone, feel free to let us know, we are open to suggestions.
--Brianna
Thursday, February 26, 2009
I Have Been Remiss...
Having just looked back over the last 6+ months, I realize that I haven't remotely pulled my weight on a blog of my own creation. To be honest, I can't remember the last time I added my own thoughts here. So, here is my last six months in a nutshell. I made coffee, spent lots of quality time with Bri, went to MN for Christmas, and started attending a new church. All the rest is kinda details that aren't too important.
As Bri has pointed out lately, our time here in Ithaca is drawing quickly to a close. It is pretty amazing that we have been here for over a year and a half. As much as Ithaca has driven me nuts, I have come to love it in its own odd and quirky way. I doubt I will ever live any place like it again in my life. It has been an incredibly growing and challenging experience to live and work here. I have met some incredible people at work who have become friends more than customers.
Looking ahead, there is once again a tremendous amount of uncertainty. We are once again contemplating moving to a city that neither Bri nor I have ever been to. The possibility of moving to Boston originally came up as an opportunity for me to go to Seminary at Gordon Conwell, but has grown into a solid opportunity for Brianna. It now looks like Seminary will go on the back-burner for a couple years or until I find some kind of generous patronage.
I once again find myself job searching, which is one of my least favorite things to do. Thus far, it hasn't been terribly stressful, but some of that is due to it being a very general search right now. It is odd looking for work when you don't know what city you will be living in! I am currently abusing every connection I have in the church, mainly my new in-laws! So far, they have been very gracious and hopefully I will come away with some good ideas.
Bri and I have begun attending the United Church of Christ, Congregationalist church in the last few months. It has been a pretty big switch for us, but it has really been a blessing. The sermons remind me at times of House of Mercy, but aimed at a slightly older generation. We are definitely an oddity in the church as most members are over the age of 50. That being said, there are some really cool things going on in the church, plus, it is really interesting to be around a large number of Cornell professors and retired big wigs. They have a lot of interesting advice and stories to tell.
I make no promises that I will be better about posting, but I will do what I can.
Peace
-Cody
As Bri has pointed out lately, our time here in Ithaca is drawing quickly to a close. It is pretty amazing that we have been here for over a year and a half. As much as Ithaca has driven me nuts, I have come to love it in its own odd and quirky way. I doubt I will ever live any place like it again in my life. It has been an incredibly growing and challenging experience to live and work here. I have met some incredible people at work who have become friends more than customers.
Looking ahead, there is once again a tremendous amount of uncertainty. We are once again contemplating moving to a city that neither Bri nor I have ever been to. The possibility of moving to Boston originally came up as an opportunity for me to go to Seminary at Gordon Conwell, but has grown into a solid opportunity for Brianna. It now looks like Seminary will go on the back-burner for a couple years or until I find some kind of generous patronage.
I once again find myself job searching, which is one of my least favorite things to do. Thus far, it hasn't been terribly stressful, but some of that is due to it being a very general search right now. It is odd looking for work when you don't know what city you will be living in! I am currently abusing every connection I have in the church, mainly my new in-laws! So far, they have been very gracious and hopefully I will come away with some good ideas.
Bri and I have begun attending the United Church of Christ, Congregationalist church in the last few months. It has been a pretty big switch for us, but it has really been a blessing. The sermons remind me at times of House of Mercy, but aimed at a slightly older generation. We are definitely an oddity in the church as most members are over the age of 50. That being said, there are some really cool things going on in the church, plus, it is really interesting to be around a large number of Cornell professors and retired big wigs. They have a lot of interesting advice and stories to tell.
I make no promises that I will be better about posting, but I will do what I can.
Peace
-Cody
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Experiencing a bit of Panic
I have been working on putting my thesis together and making the changes and additions necessary to have some form of a rough draft soon. It has become apparent that all of the work I put in last semester to making everything relate to my thesis has paid off. While the thesis isn't completed, there is a significant portion that has been taken care of. Which made the email I received this afternoon slightly panic-inducing.
To back-track, preparations for graduation have begun, and I have been handing in various forms over the past several weeks to make sure that I have everything taken care of to graduate in May. Everything is in order and taken care of-- I have fulfilled all of the classes, the forms are in, etc. The one catch in the system is related to my thesis advisor, who is unfortunately in ill-health. I have asked numerous times in the department office about whether I would need to find a new thesis advisor (this towards the beginning of the semester, mid-late January, and each time was reassured that my advisor would be in soon. I have emailed with him, and he has always sounded positive, saying he would be in soon. However, today when replying to an email sent out today, double checking various forms that we have handed in, I listed my thesis advisor, and received a response 10 minutes later. Unfortunately, it was explaining that my advisor is ill, and wondering about how far along I am in my thesis. I opened the email about an hour later (about an hour ago), and have been in a state of semi-panic ever since. I am set to graduate on May 24th. I would very much prefer that my graduation isn't delayed, or having to start all over at this point. I responded to the email explaining that I have over 60 pages of my thesis compiled, and am still putting more together. But, given that the office has closed, I don't expect to hear back until tomorrow. I have a feeling it is going to be a long night-- filled with me worrying.
I keep thinking of a conversation I had with my thesis advisor this past fall, where I asked him to advise me. He told me that he was more than willing to advise me, but wanted to double check that he would be the best person to advise me on my particular topic. We talked through other faculty in the department, and both agreed that he is clearly the best person to advise me in the department. We also talked through faculty members in other departments-- all of whom I met with this past fall to discuss my thesis and get additional ideas for research. Even in conversations with them, it was clear that he was the best person to help me. Which is making this more difficult. I can think of one person who could be a potential alternative, but he has no free time, as the chair of the department he works for, and President of at least one national academic organization. This is going to be complicated-- I hope it ends well.
To back-track, preparations for graduation have begun, and I have been handing in various forms over the past several weeks to make sure that I have everything taken care of to graduate in May. Everything is in order and taken care of-- I have fulfilled all of the classes, the forms are in, etc. The one catch in the system is related to my thesis advisor, who is unfortunately in ill-health. I have asked numerous times in the department office about whether I would need to find a new thesis advisor (this towards the beginning of the semester, mid-late January, and each time was reassured that my advisor would be in soon. I have emailed with him, and he has always sounded positive, saying he would be in soon. However, today when replying to an email sent out today, double checking various forms that we have handed in, I listed my thesis advisor, and received a response 10 minutes later. Unfortunately, it was explaining that my advisor is ill, and wondering about how far along I am in my thesis. I opened the email about an hour later (about an hour ago), and have been in a state of semi-panic ever since. I am set to graduate on May 24th. I would very much prefer that my graduation isn't delayed, or having to start all over at this point. I responded to the email explaining that I have over 60 pages of my thesis compiled, and am still putting more together. But, given that the office has closed, I don't expect to hear back until tomorrow. I have a feeling it is going to be a long night-- filled with me worrying.
I keep thinking of a conversation I had with my thesis advisor this past fall, where I asked him to advise me. He told me that he was more than willing to advise me, but wanted to double check that he would be the best person to advise me on my particular topic. We talked through other faculty in the department, and both agreed that he is clearly the best person to advise me in the department. We also talked through faculty members in other departments-- all of whom I met with this past fall to discuss my thesis and get additional ideas for research. Even in conversations with them, it was clear that he was the best person to help me. Which is making this more difficult. I can think of one person who could be a potential alternative, but he has no free time, as the chair of the department he works for, and President of at least one national academic organization. This is going to be complicated-- I hope it ends well.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
I think it's crazy...
that it's February. I have three full months of class left, and then just a couple weeks in May for finals and graduation. I am continually applying for jobs, but don't have a lot in terms of leads yet. We are looking a bit of everywhere, although returning to Minneapolis is a possibility. With the job market being what it is right now, nothing is certain until I have a solid job offer.
It's a little different graduating from grad school than it is finishing at Bethel three years ago. I feel like I have put in a lot of solid work during my time at Cornell, but the pressure is on to make it mean something. Three years ago, I was unmarried, had no student loans, and a job that could continue on after graduation, even if it wasn't ideal. I could move in with my parents if the housing situation didn't work out. It's a lot more complicated now. It's a good complicated, but more difficult to navigate. Occasionally, I wonder what the heck I am supposed to be doing. I want a career that means something, and I know my degree is a step in the right direction towards achieving that career, but I am not seeing exactly what the next step is on the path that is my life. I like knowing what comes next, and I feel like part of being a responsible adult and good wife is planning for the future. But, as much as I would like, I cannot control the future. This is difficult most days, and impossible others.
There are no easy answers, and that is life. But sometimes it makes me mad. Particularly when I have weeks like this one-- where I fell on the ice walking on a path on campus, landed on my elbow, and ended up spending several hours at the doctors office on campus getting x-rays, etc. I ended up in a sling for the week, on painkillers. I am stubborn, and don't like admitting that I need help-- which meant that it took convincing from several people before I went to the campus health center, in spite of the intense pain I was experiencing. But, I don't have time to deal with the setbacks of getting injured. I realize that this is probably a clear signal that I need to be patient (not just about the injury, but with the next few months), but I am not sure what the best way is to do that. There is always so much to do. Hopefully I can figure it out soon.
It's a little different graduating from grad school than it is finishing at Bethel three years ago. I feel like I have put in a lot of solid work during my time at Cornell, but the pressure is on to make it mean something. Three years ago, I was unmarried, had no student loans, and a job that could continue on after graduation, even if it wasn't ideal. I could move in with my parents if the housing situation didn't work out. It's a lot more complicated now. It's a good complicated, but more difficult to navigate. Occasionally, I wonder what the heck I am supposed to be doing. I want a career that means something, and I know my degree is a step in the right direction towards achieving that career, but I am not seeing exactly what the next step is on the path that is my life. I like knowing what comes next, and I feel like part of being a responsible adult and good wife is planning for the future. But, as much as I would like, I cannot control the future. This is difficult most days, and impossible others.
There are no easy answers, and that is life. But sometimes it makes me mad. Particularly when I have weeks like this one-- where I fell on the ice walking on a path on campus, landed on my elbow, and ended up spending several hours at the doctors office on campus getting x-rays, etc. I ended up in a sling for the week, on painkillers. I am stubborn, and don't like admitting that I need help-- which meant that it took convincing from several people before I went to the campus health center, in spite of the intense pain I was experiencing. But, I don't have time to deal with the setbacks of getting injured. I realize that this is probably a clear signal that I need to be patient (not just about the injury, but with the next few months), but I am not sure what the best way is to do that. There is always so much to do. Hopefully I can figure it out soon.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
We have been a little behind
Sorry it has been over a month since I last posted. First there were finals (which went really well), followed by a week of work and finals recovery, then a trip to MN for a week of craziness traveling to see family and friends. We returned to New York and have been trying to get everything in the apartment in order (like finally unpacking a couple of boxes that have remained shoved in a corner since we moved in), prepping for a new semester, working on thesis research, applying for jobs, etc.
The new (and last) semester starts tomorrow. I am excited about the possibilities, and a little bit nervous as well. It's all coming to a close, and there is still so much to be done. I have registered for classes, and the schedule seems like a pretty good one: Global Conflict & Terrorism, Violence Against Women, Labor Markets & Income Distribution in Developing Countries, and the last class is a debate between Financial Accounting and Managerial Finance (I plan on attending both and seeing which course seems more interesting, has a better professor, etc.). Hopefully I will know more as the week continues.
I have also been busy with my new job, which has been a new way to get connected into Cornell. I know that between work and school, this semester is going to fly by. Hopefully, it will be a good one.
The new (and last) semester starts tomorrow. I am excited about the possibilities, and a little bit nervous as well. It's all coming to a close, and there is still so much to be done. I have registered for classes, and the schedule seems like a pretty good one: Global Conflict & Terrorism, Violence Against Women, Labor Markets & Income Distribution in Developing Countries, and the last class is a debate between Financial Accounting and Managerial Finance (I plan on attending both and seeing which course seems more interesting, has a better professor, etc.). Hopefully I will know more as the week continues.
I have also been busy with my new job, which has been a new way to get connected into Cornell. I know that between work and school, this semester is going to fly by. Hopefully, it will be a good one.
Friday, December 5, 2008
A Short Revelation While I Temporarily Avoid Writing a Paper
I have a final due tomorrow. It needs to be 15-20 pages long for a class on International Institutions. I am writing it on the balancing act of the United Nations in terms of global governance and nation-state sovereignty, with a focus on the United States role in condoning torture in its national security efforts, thereby decreasing the UN's legitimacy, and calling into question the role of the UN in the future. This paper directly ties into my thesis, and I am researching this and related topics for just about every class I am taking this semester. It means that occasionally I need a break, as focusing too much on this issue and all of the related topics, as well as all the factors that need to be considered in this type of a decision-making process make my head hurt.
So, on to the revelation. I am traditionally someone who doesn't speak out loud on topics that they know little about. In classes, I usually speak only when I am relatively sure of what I think, that it makes sense, and that it is the "right" answer. I don't like to make controversial comments and make people angry. During my years at Bethel as an undergrad, I was definitely more liberal than many of my peers, but made sure not to offend anyone with statements on my views on many things-- I spoke more centrally and moderately than I do at Cornell. While at Bethel, if anyone called into question what I was saying, I assumed that I was wrong (particularly if it was a professor), and moved on.
However, I am in a very different setting right now. While still fairly liberal, I would be considered much more moderate than at least several of the professors I interact with on a daily basis. I am more inclined to speak in class (partially because with several classes with less than 10 students that are purely discussion based, speaking in class is a necessity) now, and as such, recently came to a surprising conclusion. It may sound ridiculous, in the fact that for many people, what I am saying shouldn't be shocking. But, I experienced a revelation a couple of weeks ago that was a bit odd. I came to the conclusion that I am not wrong. I have several professors who have vehemently disagreed with me on class discussions. I think this is partially due to the fact that I am less inclined to view things from a purely idealistic perspective, and instead try to account for all of the aspects that influence a decision, particularly when looking at large scale issues. I had one professor tell me I was being too negative when I was discussing why the US would be uninclined to give up veto power in the UN security council. I wasn't trying to say I think it never should, just that there are a number of reasons why the US would rather not.
She utterly disagreed with me-- but I knew I was right. It was an odd feeling to say the least. There have been other similar circumstances over the past several weeks with different professors, but it was an interesting experience to be one semester away from graduating from grad school, and know that there may be people who are better educated than I am, who are older and more experienced than I am-- but that doesn't make them always right-- even in the topics which they are teaching me about.
So, as I sit here writing a paper for one of these professors, I am attempting to state what I think clearly, but at the same time, avoid angering my professor as they grade my paper. I would prefer not to tick someone off as they are giving me a grade that significantly impacts how I will do in their course. It will probably be a late night-- but tomorrow (at some point) the class will have been completed, and I can move on. Well, to the next final-- which is a project due on Monday. To be followed by a paper due on Wednesday. Followed by a paper due on Thursday. Followed by an exam on Friday. And then the semester is complete. Hooray!
So, on to the revelation. I am traditionally someone who doesn't speak out loud on topics that they know little about. In classes, I usually speak only when I am relatively sure of what I think, that it makes sense, and that it is the "right" answer. I don't like to make controversial comments and make people angry. During my years at Bethel as an undergrad, I was definitely more liberal than many of my peers, but made sure not to offend anyone with statements on my views on many things-- I spoke more centrally and moderately than I do at Cornell. While at Bethel, if anyone called into question what I was saying, I assumed that I was wrong (particularly if it was a professor), and moved on.
However, I am in a very different setting right now. While still fairly liberal, I would be considered much more moderate than at least several of the professors I interact with on a daily basis. I am more inclined to speak in class (partially because with several classes with less than 10 students that are purely discussion based, speaking in class is a necessity) now, and as such, recently came to a surprising conclusion. It may sound ridiculous, in the fact that for many people, what I am saying shouldn't be shocking. But, I experienced a revelation a couple of weeks ago that was a bit odd. I came to the conclusion that I am not wrong. I have several professors who have vehemently disagreed with me on class discussions. I think this is partially due to the fact that I am less inclined to view things from a purely idealistic perspective, and instead try to account for all of the aspects that influence a decision, particularly when looking at large scale issues. I had one professor tell me I was being too negative when I was discussing why the US would be uninclined to give up veto power in the UN security council. I wasn't trying to say I think it never should, just that there are a number of reasons why the US would rather not.
She utterly disagreed with me-- but I knew I was right. It was an odd feeling to say the least. There have been other similar circumstances over the past several weeks with different professors, but it was an interesting experience to be one semester away from graduating from grad school, and know that there may be people who are better educated than I am, who are older and more experienced than I am-- but that doesn't make them always right-- even in the topics which they are teaching me about.
So, as I sit here writing a paper for one of these professors, I am attempting to state what I think clearly, but at the same time, avoid angering my professor as they grade my paper. I would prefer not to tick someone off as they are giving me a grade that significantly impacts how I will do in their course. It will probably be a late night-- but tomorrow (at some point) the class will have been completed, and I can move on. Well, to the next final-- which is a project due on Monday. To be followed by a paper due on Wednesday. Followed by a paper due on Thursday. Followed by an exam on Friday. And then the semester is complete. Hooray!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Papers, Projects, and Tests Galore
All of my finals are due in the next two-three weeks. I have a stats project (of approximately 20 pages) looking at the power of the United States as compared to other UN security council members based off of their respective GDP's, and military spending, a paper on the United States role in the UN after condoning torture in the War on Terror for International Institutions (worth 55% of my grade, of approximately 20 pages), an economics exam, a paper on the role of immigrants filling lower level hospital positions the way kids coming off of farms had historically in Minneapolis (by looking at how unions organize these groups as well) for Labor and Global Cities (once again, around 20 pages), and a paper looking at how the Geneva Conventions were sidestepped and the effort to extend Presidential powers in condoning torture for Intergovernmental Systems. All of this is due in a one week stretch of time (from the 5th to the 12th of December).
It's times like this that deciding to go to graduate school seems completely insane on the one hand, but I get the opportunity to study subjects that I find fascinating-- and I learn a ton by forcing myself to put all of this information together in a comprehensible kind of way. Plus, it will be helpful for my thesis (well, for the most part), so its kind of like getting two things done at once. It feels insane right now, but I know when the semester is over, I will only have one semester left-- and then I get to graduate. And that will be a good thing.
It's times like this that deciding to go to graduate school seems completely insane on the one hand, but I get the opportunity to study subjects that I find fascinating-- and I learn a ton by forcing myself to put all of this information together in a comprehensible kind of way. Plus, it will be helpful for my thesis (well, for the most part), so its kind of like getting two things done at once. It feels insane right now, but I know when the semester is over, I will only have one semester left-- and then I get to graduate. And that will be a good thing.
Monday, November 10, 2008
School as a Competition
I attend an Ivy League school-- so it probably shouldn't be shocking that it is fairly competitive. What I find most interesting is that the professors that I have admired and learned the most from don't set the classroom learning experience up as a competition, one where they only give out a certain number of A's, or don't give out A's at all. Instead, they encourage the class to learn together, to share in the experience given the various backgrounds, so that we can teach each other as well. It sounds a little dippy perhaps when I phrase it that way, but that's the general idea. We are in a public affairs program-- its about serving people wherever your gifts are-- we focus on government and non-profits rather than business.
I guess that it shouldn't surprise me that students are constantly comparing grades then. Frankly, if they want to, that's their business. But for me, education has always been about putting in my best effort, learning from my mistakes, and improving. I don't mind occasionally comparing grades with people that I know and trust when it is so that we can learn from each other. But I am not ok with comparison as a means of boosting one's self-esteem at the expense of others. That has always really bothered me. I don't always get A's-- I am someone who has had to work hard to get to where I am. I have friends who can blow off most of a semester of classes, write (or study) for finals the night before, and get a 4.0. I find that pretty amazing, as my brain simply doesn't operate that way. For me, education has always been a balancing act, one where I set my priorities to do as well as I can-- I can't invest as much time as I would like to on every single class that I take, there simply isn't the time available to do that. Instead, I prioritize.
So it bothers me when someone who I don't know very well walked up to me after seeing me get a graded paper out of my mailbox on campus asks me "What grade did you get?" It strikes me as rather ballsy. It wasn't a question (which in my view is more polite) of "How did you do?" I don't think that question is as inappropriate, as it allows for the option of saying "I did well" or, "Not as well as I would have hoped" or also the option of saying, "I got an A-" etc. So I looked at the person posing the question and asked why they wanted to know.
I have in many ways been set up as the default person to ask questions of in the class, as I have had the professor before, and he frequently calls on me (even when I don't have my hand raised to answer). The whole class knows it, so they ask me what the professor is looking for, how to prepare for the class, etc. And I don't mind these questions-- I am more than happy to help with the experience that I have-- a lot of the students are first years who are nervous about the first semester in grad school, and I'm glad that I can reassure them and help them. But I refuse to be set up as the means of comparison-- how well I do is frankly my business, and no one else's. It strikes me as a sad thing that this is how many students have been taught to operate when it comes to their education-- their self-esteem is based on their gpa.
My goal is to graduate being a more well-rounded person, due in part to the excellent quality of education I have received while I am here. That's what it's about for me. I realize that having a professional graduate degree from a recognizable school also makes me more employable in the fields I am interested in. But I don't like the numbers game that is played by some in order to get there. It makes me sad, because it doesn't seem like it is done from a place in the heart that seeks to encourage and build others up. And that is what I seek to be, no matter where I end up a year from now.
--brianna
I guess that it shouldn't surprise me that students are constantly comparing grades then. Frankly, if they want to, that's their business. But for me, education has always been about putting in my best effort, learning from my mistakes, and improving. I don't mind occasionally comparing grades with people that I know and trust when it is so that we can learn from each other. But I am not ok with comparison as a means of boosting one's self-esteem at the expense of others. That has always really bothered me. I don't always get A's-- I am someone who has had to work hard to get to where I am. I have friends who can blow off most of a semester of classes, write (or study) for finals the night before, and get a 4.0. I find that pretty amazing, as my brain simply doesn't operate that way. For me, education has always been a balancing act, one where I set my priorities to do as well as I can-- I can't invest as much time as I would like to on every single class that I take, there simply isn't the time available to do that. Instead, I prioritize.
So it bothers me when someone who I don't know very well walked up to me after seeing me get a graded paper out of my mailbox on campus asks me "What grade did you get?" It strikes me as rather ballsy. It wasn't a question (which in my view is more polite) of "How did you do?" I don't think that question is as inappropriate, as it allows for the option of saying "I did well" or, "Not as well as I would have hoped" or also the option of saying, "I got an A-" etc. So I looked at the person posing the question and asked why they wanted to know.
I have in many ways been set up as the default person to ask questions of in the class, as I have had the professor before, and he frequently calls on me (even when I don't have my hand raised to answer). The whole class knows it, so they ask me what the professor is looking for, how to prepare for the class, etc. And I don't mind these questions-- I am more than happy to help with the experience that I have-- a lot of the students are first years who are nervous about the first semester in grad school, and I'm glad that I can reassure them and help them. But I refuse to be set up as the means of comparison-- how well I do is frankly my business, and no one else's. It strikes me as a sad thing that this is how many students have been taught to operate when it comes to their education-- their self-esteem is based on their gpa.
My goal is to graduate being a more well-rounded person, due in part to the excellent quality of education I have received while I am here. That's what it's about for me. I realize that having a professional graduate degree from a recognizable school also makes me more employable in the fields I am interested in. But I don't like the numbers game that is played by some in order to get there. It makes me sad, because it doesn't seem like it is done from a place in the heart that seeks to encourage and build others up. And that is what I seek to be, no matter where I end up a year from now.
--brianna
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Moving Quickly Through the Semester
Pre-registration for next semester began this week. It was bizarre to realize that this upcoming semester will be my last one at Cornell. I feel like I just got here, which in many ways I have, being that this is only a two year program. Once again this whole pre-registration/registration process was more difficult than really necessary, as I couldn't find all of the classes that I want to register for on my first attempt. I will attempt again tomorrow (the last day of pre-registration), and hopefully have better luck.
I was also able to meet with the chair of the government department this week, and was able to get some ideas for my thesis (he wrote a book that is related to my thesis topic that was just released in August). I am setting up more meetings with other professors for the next couple of weeks-- now I just have to find the time to read everything that I want to. Cody and I were laughing the other day as we walked out of the house about how creepy it would be to break into our place, I have stacks and stacks of books on torture piled at the far end of the couch, near the door (and these books have pretty creepy covers). We decided that if someone were to break into our apartment, they would probably walk right out again, it looks a little weird.
The second round of midterms begin soon. I receive my second stats midterm tomorrow (its a take home), and my second econ midterm is next Wednesday. And after that, it is the beginning of the end-- starting to work on lots of final projects-- my stats project, international institutions paper, intergovernmental systems paper, and labor & global cities paper. It will all be over by the middle of December, and I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing-- it only leaves me about six weeks to get everything done, but its also a sign that I have already made it through quite a bit of the semester.
I keep wondering where we will be a year from now -- and the answer is, I really don't know. It's a little nerve-wracking, but also kind of an exciting opportunity to do something new. I keep trying to maintain a balanced perspective about everything that seems to be coming so quickly-- end of the semester, my thesis, graduation, a job search, a new place to live. Hopefully it will all stay in perspective as long as I need it to.
--brianna
I was also able to meet with the chair of the government department this week, and was able to get some ideas for my thesis (he wrote a book that is related to my thesis topic that was just released in August). I am setting up more meetings with other professors for the next couple of weeks-- now I just have to find the time to read everything that I want to. Cody and I were laughing the other day as we walked out of the house about how creepy it would be to break into our place, I have stacks and stacks of books on torture piled at the far end of the couch, near the door (and these books have pretty creepy covers). We decided that if someone were to break into our apartment, they would probably walk right out again, it looks a little weird.
The second round of midterms begin soon. I receive my second stats midterm tomorrow (its a take home), and my second econ midterm is next Wednesday. And after that, it is the beginning of the end-- starting to work on lots of final projects-- my stats project, international institutions paper, intergovernmental systems paper, and labor & global cities paper. It will all be over by the middle of December, and I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing-- it only leaves me about six weeks to get everything done, but its also a sign that I have already made it through quite a bit of the semester.
I keep wondering where we will be a year from now -- and the answer is, I really don't know. It's a little nerve-wracking, but also kind of an exciting opportunity to do something new. I keep trying to maintain a balanced perspective about everything that seems to be coming so quickly-- end of the semester, my thesis, graduation, a job search, a new place to live. Hopefully it will all stay in perspective as long as I need it to.
--brianna
Thursday, October 16, 2008
We Survived Fall Break...
though it confirmed our decision not to have children for at least five years! It was a great trip, we had a lot of fun hanging out, playing, going to the beach, the park, the orchard to pick raspberries, dropping the kids off at school, watching youtube videos, watching cartoons, looking at halloween costumes, making art projects, building cars, going to a train show, going through hay mazes, and more. Clearly, it was a busy weekend. We got to New Haven at 1:00 on Saturday, and left at 11 am on Tuesday. We confirmed that sleep is well-loved by both of us-- we aren't ready to be woken up by excited yelling children at 7 am who are ready to jump in bed with us and play (I confirmed my suspicions of my style of future parenting skills-- that of reinforcing the habit my mom used to do-- of telling me to watch cartoons quietly when I would get up at 6 am on the weekends) because I definitely pulled out the couch cushions for the kids to sit on, flipped the tv onto noggin, and spent several more minutes trying to wake up before stumbling into the kitchen for a cup of coffee.
Spending time with my sister, brother-in-law, and the kids was a great chance to see them and catch up. Even though they live relatively close (its about a five hour drive), it really necessitates a long weekend to make it down there, which I haven't had that many of-- school is pretty intense, and I don't skip classes if I can help it. This was the first time that we had seen them since Christmas, and it was a blast, but definitely tiring. The trip down to New Haven was excellent-- the weather was perfect, the leaves were changing color and falling as we were driving through the Catskills into Connecticut. The little two-lane roads we drove in Connecticut, alongside small lakes and streams seemed perfectly New England-esque. Cody commented that he would need to re-read Walden after our trip, it just seemed necessary.
We have made it back to Ithaca, and classes are back in swing. I started my next set of meetings for my thesis earlier this morning. It seems like it should be a good group of students and faculty that I am meeting with in this second semester of thesis prep. We each have very different topics, but all the topics are areas that I am interested in. If things go well, I should pretty much have my thesis prospectus wrapped up in a week or so (a key step in the process that is due by the end of this semester). Work is a little nuts for Cody, but I will let him explain that one when/if he ever decides to start blogging again (it isn't an intentional break from blogging on his part, more of a sudden realization recently that he hasn't blogged since June).
The break was an interesting opportunity for me to discuss my thesis topic with various people while down in CT. Paul's (my brother-in-law) parents were visiting on Saturday, which led to a brief discussion of my topic, as well as a lengthy conversation with Karissa (my sister) and Paul on Monday night when we all went out to dinner. People are definitely opinionated when it comes to my thesis-- willing to debate, question, and debate some more. It should make for an interesting year of continued research!
--brianna
Spending time with my sister, brother-in-law, and the kids was a great chance to see them and catch up. Even though they live relatively close (its about a five hour drive), it really necessitates a long weekend to make it down there, which I haven't had that many of-- school is pretty intense, and I don't skip classes if I can help it. This was the first time that we had seen them since Christmas, and it was a blast, but definitely tiring. The trip down to New Haven was excellent-- the weather was perfect, the leaves were changing color and falling as we were driving through the Catskills into Connecticut. The little two-lane roads we drove in Connecticut, alongside small lakes and streams seemed perfectly New England-esque. Cody commented that he would need to re-read Walden after our trip, it just seemed necessary.
We have made it back to Ithaca, and classes are back in swing. I started my next set of meetings for my thesis earlier this morning. It seems like it should be a good group of students and faculty that I am meeting with in this second semester of thesis prep. We each have very different topics, but all the topics are areas that I am interested in. If things go well, I should pretty much have my thesis prospectus wrapped up in a week or so (a key step in the process that is due by the end of this semester). Work is a little nuts for Cody, but I will let him explain that one when/if he ever decides to start blogging again (it isn't an intentional break from blogging on his part, more of a sudden realization recently that he hasn't blogged since June).
The break was an interesting opportunity for me to discuss my thesis topic with various people while down in CT. Paul's (my brother-in-law) parents were visiting on Saturday, which led to a brief discussion of my topic, as well as a lengthy conversation with Karissa (my sister) and Paul on Monday night when we all went out to dinner. People are definitely opinionated when it comes to my thesis-- willing to debate, question, and debate some more. It should make for an interesting year of continued research!
--brianna
Friday, October 10, 2008
Fall Break
We are going away for fall break-- to Connecticut. We are driving down to New Haven through the Catskills on what should be a beautiful weekend drive-- it's supposed to be sunny with temps in the low 70's for the next several days, which should make for a nice drive and back (which is especially nice, considering it will take about five and a half hours each way). I am very much looking forward to it, as it will be a good chance to get away, and see the fam. My sister, brother in law, niece and nephews are there, and it will be good to see them,. It will also be good to see a friend from college, who I haven't seen since we lived together the semester that we spent studying in DC.
We are taking off at about 8:00 tomorrow morning, with a stop at Starbucks for some coffee before leaving town. Hopefully, we will remember to pack our camera with us, and we will take some pictures over the course of the weekend as well. So, just wanted to give you an update. We have survived midterms (me taking them, Cody dealing with crabby customers who are studying for them), and are glad to be able to leave town for awhile.
--brianna
We are taking off at about 8:00 tomorrow morning, with a stop at Starbucks for some coffee before leaving town. Hopefully, we will remember to pack our camera with us, and we will take some pictures over the course of the weekend as well. So, just wanted to give you an update. We have survived midterms (me taking them, Cody dealing with crabby customers who are studying for them), and are glad to be able to leave town for awhile.
--brianna
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Presidential Elections and Debates
I am currently watching the Vice Presidential debates. I watched the first Presidential debate last Friday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Tonight however, not so much. I have definitive opinions when it comes to politics-- I am not wishy-washy when it comes to this election. I am wholly supportive of women in politics, and wish that there were more women involved in the political arena. However, Sarah Palin is driving me a bit crazy. I don't think she is the best choice as a vice presidential for John McCain, who I have a lot of respect for.
Sarah Palin is not reassuring me tonight on her ability to lead a country, or being the second in command. She is not making the verbal mistakes that she has been criticized for earlier this week in the interviews with Katie Couric, but she seems to be sticking to the talking points that have been prepared for her ahead of time. While I acknowledge that everyone does this to an extent, I think she is avoiding questions by changing the subject when she gets uncomfortable to an extent that isn't really showing me who she is, or reassuring me on her capabilities to lead this nation in the precarious situation we are currently in.
I will admit that I get sucked into politics-- I majored in political science in college, spent a semester studying in Washington DC in the fall of 2005 with an internship for a government commission. Even now, I am getting a degree that focuses on working for the government-- a master's degree in public administration. I am passionate about the country that we live in, and think that Sarah Palin frightens me as having control over our international relations.
--brianna
Sarah Palin is not reassuring me tonight on her ability to lead a country, or being the second in command. She is not making the verbal mistakes that she has been criticized for earlier this week in the interviews with Katie Couric, but she seems to be sticking to the talking points that have been prepared for her ahead of time. While I acknowledge that everyone does this to an extent, I think she is avoiding questions by changing the subject when she gets uncomfortable to an extent that isn't really showing me who she is, or reassuring me on her capabilities to lead this nation in the precarious situation we are currently in.
I will admit that I get sucked into politics-- I majored in political science in college, spent a semester studying in Washington DC in the fall of 2005 with an internship for a government commission. Even now, I am getting a degree that focuses on working for the government-- a master's degree in public administration. I am passionate about the country that we live in, and think that Sarah Palin frightens me as having control over our international relations.
--brianna
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Thesis Beginnings
I have until early-mid May to submit my thesis. It should be somewhere between 60-110 pages (excluding appendices, etc.). While it has been making me nervous since I started at Cornell, I am beginning to feel on top of the situation. It started with a two-semester seminar series last spring, where we split into small groups in order to read old theses from our program and critique them, looking at what makes a successful thesis.
So, last week I had an adjunct professor in my program giving me crap on my thesis-- why I hadn't gotten it all figured out already, wondering what my plan was, thinking I should have started writing it over the summer. Needless to say, it made me mad. I understand that his goal was to guilt me into action, and make me feel like I am already behind. But, I have been thinking about my thesis all summer and through the start of this semester, and still haven't come to any conclusions on what I want to study, or who I want to advise me for my thesis, so it is difficult to know what to do until these issues are figured out.
I finally experienced a break through this weekend though, and figured out what my thesis topic will be. I think my problem before was that I wasn't really excited about any of my potential topics. I found them interesting-- but not enough to feel willing to commit to a year's worth of research and revision on the topic; at least until now.
As I was thinking about all of the papers that I have written in graduate school so far, I realized that the one I found most interesting was the paper I wrote last fall on torture for my class on ethics and public policy. While I will need to narrow down the specifics of my paper, I have a starting point-- I will be researching how a US policy condoning torture influences the United Nations, and what it means for the International Court of Justice.
I met with my ethics professor from last fall this morning (I am taking a class with him this fall on Intergovernmental Systems) about my research. He knows just about everything on ethics and the US government, and gave me a bunch of ideas on where to go with my research. What was exciting to see was how excited he got about my research topic-- wanting me to come back and let him know how things were going in a couple of weeks, and we could work from there (I think this means I have found an advisor, and I haven't even asked him yet!) on it. He is also letting me write my research paper for him this semester on my thesis topic-- by focusing on how President Bush twisted the intergovernmental system to give himself enough power to allow torture to take place. I will focus on the failures of the check and balances of the legislative and judicial branches.
I am meeting tomorrow with my International Institutions professor to discuss the framing of my thesis topic for the UN, and also to get more ideas from her on where to go from here. The fortunate part of this is that I can also write a paper for her looking at this topic, and will have one chapter of my thesis written through the work I do on the final paper for her class.
We begin our second semester thesis seminar series in a couple of weeks, and I am beginning to realize that I have a lot more established than I thought I might, which is an exciting feeling.
I even spent part of the afternoon in the library, getting books so I can work on furthering my research. I'm excited-- I think this should be good.
So, last week I had an adjunct professor in my program giving me crap on my thesis-- why I hadn't gotten it all figured out already, wondering what my plan was, thinking I should have started writing it over the summer. Needless to say, it made me mad. I understand that his goal was to guilt me into action, and make me feel like I am already behind. But, I have been thinking about my thesis all summer and through the start of this semester, and still haven't come to any conclusions on what I want to study, or who I want to advise me for my thesis, so it is difficult to know what to do until these issues are figured out.
I finally experienced a break through this weekend though, and figured out what my thesis topic will be. I think my problem before was that I wasn't really excited about any of my potential topics. I found them interesting-- but not enough to feel willing to commit to a year's worth of research and revision on the topic; at least until now.
As I was thinking about all of the papers that I have written in graduate school so far, I realized that the one I found most interesting was the paper I wrote last fall on torture for my class on ethics and public policy. While I will need to narrow down the specifics of my paper, I have a starting point-- I will be researching how a US policy condoning torture influences the United Nations, and what it means for the International Court of Justice.
I met with my ethics professor from last fall this morning (I am taking a class with him this fall on Intergovernmental Systems) about my research. He knows just about everything on ethics and the US government, and gave me a bunch of ideas on where to go with my research. What was exciting to see was how excited he got about my research topic-- wanting me to come back and let him know how things were going in a couple of weeks, and we could work from there (I think this means I have found an advisor, and I haven't even asked him yet!) on it. He is also letting me write my research paper for him this semester on my thesis topic-- by focusing on how President Bush twisted the intergovernmental system to give himself enough power to allow torture to take place. I will focus on the failures of the check and balances of the legislative and judicial branches.
I am meeting tomorrow with my International Institutions professor to discuss the framing of my thesis topic for the UN, and also to get more ideas from her on where to go from here. The fortunate part of this is that I can also write a paper for her looking at this topic, and will have one chapter of my thesis written through the work I do on the final paper for her class.
We begin our second semester thesis seminar series in a couple of weeks, and I am beginning to realize that I have a lot more established than I thought I might, which is an exciting feeling.
I even spent part of the afternoon in the library, getting books so I can work on furthering my research. I'm excited-- I think this should be good.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Beginning to Look at Life After Graduation
My graduation isn't that terribly far away. While I still have to make it through the year, I can start applying for jobs now. In fact, it is highly recommended that I do start applying for jobs now, which in some ways seems completely crazy. I have started a list of organizations that I want to check on, to see if they have any open positions, what they are, where they are, etc. It's a bit difficult though, because I know that the organizations I am most interested in working for are not organizations that Cornell will direct me toward. The excellent part of Cornell is that there are so many great companies, non-profits, government agencies that are interested in it's graduates. But I know that I am not exactly the typical Cornell student. They are primarily based out of NYC, and I have a difficult time picturing Cody and I there. So, I am working to figure out how to find the right job for me, without having to leave all of the leg work to me, and seeing what Cornell's connections can do. It seems like a bit of a balancing act. We will see what happens. Cody and I aren't planning on going back to Minneapolis (not that we're avoiding it, but it is one of many options). It's exciting to have choices, and a little scary. But hopefully it should be good.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Classes have Begun
According to Cody, Starbucks has achieved its usual insanity again, which is a clear sign that the students are back. However, they are now coming in rushes, a good indication that they are on their way to class. I have now attended a number of my classes, which for the most part seem pretty good. One class hasn't happened yet, the prof decided to cancel our first day of class in honor of labor day. So, I went to three classes yesterday, all of which seemed good. My major question at this point is about the class I visited today. In theory, it seems like a good class-- International Institutions, looking at the UN, WTO, IMF, etc. The problem seems to be multipart. First, it meets from 11:30-2:00 on Tuesdays, which makes lunch difficult, particularly considering that we meet in a conference room off of one of the libraries, where no food is allowed. The prof knows her stuff, but I had a difficult time following her today, as she was basing her lecture off of hand-written notes, with no indication to the rest of us what was coming next. It was a little much for two hours on the first day. And, I have a three-hour long class on Monday nights that ends at 10 pm, so doing that twice in a row seems like it could be tough to do twice in a row. So, we'll see. I think I am going to spend the rest of the afternoon doing homework and checking out other options. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to skim a course catalog, as Cornell's course catalog is the size of the Minneapolis phone book. But overall, its been a good start.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)