Hi everyone! This week has been hectic (like the past bazillion weeks as well). We just finished hosting the EdD weekend and are now focused on Master's applications and preview events. The applicants who came to the EdD weekend were fewer compared to the PhD weekend but other than that most of the format of the weekend was the same. Since we had done the exact same event two weeks prior, we felt less stressed planning the event and preparing for it.
Friday night at Davio's was great like always and the Saturday morning prep went smoothly. It was nice seeing the different current students who are pursuing various interests of their own. During Saturday morning we have a poster session and it was a great way for us to see what the current students are working on this year. The afternoon events and dinner also went smoothly and we had a lot of good feedback about the preparation we made for the students. I did not attend the Sunday morning events and decided to sleep in a little bit and get started on other papers I have for class.
Overall I had a great time. It was also one of the few times that all of the Admissions Graduate Assistants were able to meet together for dinner (dressed up as well). We took several pictures of our group (to be posted very soon!).
The flip side of these wonderful doctoral weekends is catching up on school work and your personal life. I am now in turbo mode trying to get everything done and prep for the Higher Education Comprehensive exam this week. Hopefully after this crazy whirlwind of a week is over, I will have time to catch my breath and rest. ALSO an interesting note, our spring break is in less than 3 weeks! I totally forgot about our early spring break this year. I guess private universities have the luxury to tailor the spring break to fit its specifics academic schedule. So I have that to look forward to soon!
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
Things to look forward to this semester
Some of my friends have asked me about my "personal timeline" of life. I have been doing a lot of reflection and I do in fact have a timeline for several big events in my life over the next few months! Here is what I have in mind!
But before we get into the deep stuff, I will post a couple pictures of some food that I recently made!
Looking ahead - few weeks
The comprehensive exam for Higher Education is coming up and I am starting to prepare for it (slowly but surely). The next few weeks will be dealing with Comps and classes on top of all the job search that I am doing. I believe I have mentioned this before, but the focus this semester has definitely changed and I have learned (or am currently learning) to juggle between a lot more things than Fall semester like classes, assistantship, Comps, jobs, social life (the list goes on...). Luckily I have several cohort members who are in the same boat and we are great at supporting one another through this final stretch!
We also ave a lot of preview events and web chats planned for the month of March so that will definitely be a very busy month for everyone!
Looking ahead - few months
Obviously I hope to graduate! :)
Haha, but after that I really hope to secure a job so I can transition straight into work and go from there. I have been job hunting for the past few weeks now and have identified a few wonderful positions in California. New jobs are slowly appearing each week and I hope to apply to a lot of them. Now the hard part is applying and getting an interview!
Looking ahead - distant future
Who really knows? I love thinking about the distant future, but I try not o get too caught up in the dream. Dreams are only achieved when you do the hard work and the preparation beforehand. I have to admit that I am thinking about different aspects of my life that I have not thought of much before, but rather than psyching myself out, I choose to focus day by day and week by week. I think about what I can control and work hard to achieve my next goal. So what am I looking forward to? Lots of things! I just have to be patient.
But before we get into the deep stuff, I will post a couple pictures of some food that I recently made!
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| never had this kind of popcorn before! COOOL |
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| Kimchi fried rice with egg, spinach, and pastrami |
Looking ahead - few weeks
The comprehensive exam for Higher Education is coming up and I am starting to prepare for it (slowly but surely). The next few weeks will be dealing with Comps and classes on top of all the job search that I am doing. I believe I have mentioned this before, but the focus this semester has definitely changed and I have learned (or am currently learning) to juggle between a lot more things than Fall semester like classes, assistantship, Comps, jobs, social life (the list goes on...). Luckily I have several cohort members who are in the same boat and we are great at supporting one another through this final stretch!
We also ave a lot of preview events and web chats planned for the month of March so that will definitely be a very busy month for everyone!
Looking ahead - few months
Obviously I hope to graduate! :)
Haha, but after that I really hope to secure a job so I can transition straight into work and go from there. I have been job hunting for the past few weeks now and have identified a few wonderful positions in California. New jobs are slowly appearing each week and I hope to apply to a lot of them. Now the hard part is applying and getting an interview!
Looking ahead - distant future
Who really knows? I love thinking about the distant future, but I try not o get too caught up in the dream. Dreams are only achieved when you do the hard work and the preparation beforehand. I have to admit that I am thinking about different aspects of my life that I have not thought of much before, but rather than psyching myself out, I choose to focus day by day and week by week. I think about what I can control and work hard to achieve my next goal. So what am I looking forward to? Lots of things! I just have to be patient.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
PhD weekend
So this past weekend was the PhD weekend where we invited the final candidates over to visit campus and have a chat with the faculty. It was a great opportunity to see behind the scenes work with the admissions office and see the entire process of a PhD applicant.
It all started Friday night when the applicants arrived at the hotel and had a nice dinner at Davio's. The Admissions GAs (including myself) helped with the registration and the welcoming of the students.
Saturday was the BIG day. We started at 8am setting up the conference room for the poster session so that the applicants can walk around listening to PhD students and faculty talk about their current research and interests. After the poster session we all walked to GSE and had lunch. Shortly after lunch the applicants started the conversations with faculty one by one until essentially dinner time. During that process the Admissions GAs would be stationed at each floor and help the applicants get to each room within a timely manner and provide snacks and drinks when needed. After the conversations were over, the applicants were all led to the Penn Museum where we had a nice dinner next to the Egyptian Gallery. The whole venue was really nice and we worked hard to make sure everyone, especially the applicants, were happy.
I did not attend Sunday morning events but it was a nice breakfast at Davio's followed by a trolley tour around the city f Philadelphia. Overall the events went really well and the applicants really enjoyed their time at Penn GSE.
And now we will listen to all of the feedback and prep for the EdD weekend in two weeks!
It all started Friday night when the applicants arrived at the hotel and had a nice dinner at Davio's. The Admissions GAs (including myself) helped with the registration and the welcoming of the students.
Saturday was the BIG day. We started at 8am setting up the conference room for the poster session so that the applicants can walk around listening to PhD students and faculty talk about their current research and interests. After the poster session we all walked to GSE and had lunch. Shortly after lunch the applicants started the conversations with faculty one by one until essentially dinner time. During that process the Admissions GAs would be stationed at each floor and help the applicants get to each room within a timely manner and provide snacks and drinks when needed. After the conversations were over, the applicants were all led to the Penn Museum where we had a nice dinner next to the Egyptian Gallery. The whole venue was really nice and we worked hard to make sure everyone, especially the applicants, were happy.
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| The admissions staff at the Egyptian gallery! |
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| first course - Caesar salad |
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| second course- salmon with bok choy and rice cake |
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| third course - chocolate gelato and apple pie |
I did not attend Sunday morning events but it was a nice breakfast at Davio's followed by a trolley tour around the city f Philadelphia. Overall the events went really well and the applicants really enjoyed their time at Penn GSE.
And now we will listen to all of the feedback and prep for the EdD weekend in two weeks!
UCSF Formal
I apologize for my tardiness with my posts!
These past couple of weeks have been crazy and I have not gotten my life in order yet. I have gone back to San Francisco for a formal (which I will talk about in a bit) and helped with the PhD event here at Penn GSE. Needless to say, there is a lot of things going in my life right now. Hopefully within the next few days or so I will be able to catch up and get into a rhythm once again.
So to recap on my life thus far...I flew back to San Francisco over the weekend to attend my girlfriend's winter formal. Each year the pharmacy school hosts a very elaborate and fancy event for the students, and unfortunately last year I was unable to attend. So this year I booked well in advanced so that I could attend the event. It was also very nice to see Nancy again and to spent a little bit of time with her. The schedule actually worked out pretty well since Penn GSE had just started (Though I do believe that this trip has pushed a couple of things in my schedule behind).
The venue was held at the Westin, which was a very nice hotel. They had desserts and a few photo booths for everyone inside and a small ballroom for dancing. I really liked the event because they played 1950's music at one point and it was really interesting to see how people reacted to that type of music.
Overall it was a great mini escape before my semester officially started. I know for the next few weeks I will be working on job apps, papers, and helping out in plenty of admissions events.
My next post will be talking about the PhD weekend that we just hosted recently!
These past couple of weeks have been crazy and I have not gotten my life in order yet. I have gone back to San Francisco for a formal (which I will talk about in a bit) and helped with the PhD event here at Penn GSE. Needless to say, there is a lot of things going in my life right now. Hopefully within the next few days or so I will be able to catch up and get into a rhythm once again.
So to recap on my life thus far...I flew back to San Francisco over the weekend to attend my girlfriend's winter formal. Each year the pharmacy school hosts a very elaborate and fancy event for the students, and unfortunately last year I was unable to attend. So this year I booked well in advanced so that I could attend the event. It was also very nice to see Nancy again and to spent a little bit of time with her. The schedule actually worked out pretty well since Penn GSE had just started (Though I do believe that this trip has pushed a couple of things in my schedule behind).
The venue was held at the Westin, which was a very nice hotel. They had desserts and a few photo booths for everyone inside and a small ballroom for dancing. I really liked the event because they played 1950's music at one point and it was really interesting to see how people reacted to that type of music.
Overall it was a great mini escape before my semester officially started. I know for the next few weeks I will be working on job apps, papers, and helping out in plenty of admissions events.
My next post will be talking about the PhD weekend that we just hosted recently!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Time waits for no one - job apps!
So despite the peaceful start to this semester, it is about to get really busy. As you all know, I am in a ONE YEAR Masters program, which means that I need to start finding a job NOW! Everyone has a different starting point and mine happened a while ago when I first visited the career counselor in the fall. I started with the basics of refreshing my resume and my cover letter. John, my career counselor, has been great in helping me edit my documents and recommending networking opportunities to attend.
I am also taking a professional development class, which is focusing on helping us understand the jargon that comes with job applications and the nuances that we should look out for. Ross, our program manager, is teaching the class and it has been enlightening to hear different student's perspectives and insights on the job market and the interpretation of some job requirements and criteria.
I have started looking for jobs now, mainly in California. The search has been fruitful, but the key is determining if I am qualified for the position and if I will be successful in that position and setting. It's been a long process and I hope to send out my first few applications soon. My hope is to secure a position before I graduate so I can get started right away doing the things I love.
Having just started Spring semester, I know already that the next few months will be extremely different than fall semester. Now on top of the classes and the assistantships and the social life, I will add job search to the mix. I will be busy and overwhelmed until graduation, but the materials I am learning and the experiences of this graduate program has been extremely rewarding and self-enlightening.
I am also taking a professional development class, which is focusing on helping us understand the jargon that comes with job applications and the nuances that we should look out for. Ross, our program manager, is teaching the class and it has been enlightening to hear different student's perspectives and insights on the job market and the interpretation of some job requirements and criteria.
I have started looking for jobs now, mainly in California. The search has been fruitful, but the key is determining if I am qualified for the position and if I will be successful in that position and setting. It's been a long process and I hope to send out my first few applications soon. My hope is to secure a position before I graduate so I can get started right away doing the things I love.
Having just started Spring semester, I know already that the next few months will be extremely different than fall semester. Now on top of the classes and the assistantships and the social life, I will add job search to the mix. I will be busy and overwhelmed until graduation, but the materials I am learning and the experiences of this graduate program has been extremely rewarding and self-enlightening.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Back from winter break! Part 2
It's been a hectic week! We had our first official snow days and so everything is a little bit backed up. So to continue from my previous post...
FRIENDS REUNION
These were the most rewarding times during winter break besides hanging out with family. Several of my friends are actually working now so meeting up with them regularly is difficult, especially now that I am at the east coast. So whenever I have a break my close friends and I would always try to plan something (basketball, lunch, anything). It was great catching up with all of them and see how everyone's doing. I think it's exciting every time when I find out about big news or past dramas when I reconnect with old friends. When you talk about the past, you never know what you will remember!
MOVIES!
FRIENDS REUNION
These were the most rewarding times during winter break besides hanging out with family. Several of my friends are actually working now so meeting up with them regularly is difficult, especially now that I am at the east coast. So whenever I have a break my close friends and I would always try to plan something (basketball, lunch, anything). It was great catching up with all of them and see how everyone's doing. I think it's exciting every time when I find out about big news or past dramas when I reconnect with old friends. When you talk about the past, you never know what you will remember!
MOVIES!
One of my family traditions during the holidays is to watch movies. I watched Frozen, Hobbit: The desolation of Smaug, and Saving Mr. Banks. If you haven't noticed already, I am a big fan of Disney and will usually go for those Disney movies more often than not.
Frozen was absolutely spectacular and the music was amazing. I have been told by several friends that the songs have been stuck in their head for long periods of time because they were so catchy! The hobbit movie was epic, like all Lord of the Rings movie, though I always hate the 2nd movie out of the trilogy because I feel like the story starts at an awkward spot and never really ends properly (because they need the third movie to wrap everything up). Nevertheless the movie was great and I can't wait for the last movie to come out! I also went back to my hometown library just to check out the book and read it! Lastly, Saving Mr. Banks is a very heartfelt movie talking about the back story and the origins of the Mary Poppins show. The movie beautifully captures Mary Poppin's original author and her struggle to release the rights to Walt Disney for him to make a musical out of it.
I usually never watch this many movies in such a short period of time but this time both my mom and my sister wanted to see multiple movies so we seized the chance and went several times!
Frozen was absolutely spectacular and the music was amazing. I have been told by several friends that the songs have been stuck in their head for long periods of time because they were so catchy! The hobbit movie was epic, like all Lord of the Rings movie, though I always hate the 2nd movie out of the trilogy because I feel like the story starts at an awkward spot and never really ends properly (because they need the third movie to wrap everything up). Nevertheless the movie was great and I can't wait for the last movie to come out! I also went back to my hometown library just to check out the book and read it! Lastly, Saving Mr. Banks is a very heartfelt movie talking about the back story and the origins of the Mary Poppins show. The movie beautifully captures Mary Poppin's original author and her struggle to release the rights to Walt Disney for him to make a musical out of it.
I usually never watch this many movies in such a short period of time but this time both my mom and my sister wanted to see multiple movies so we seized the chance and went several times!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Back from winter break! Part 1
Hi everyone!
I apologize for not blogging during winter break! It was just too comfortable hanging out with family and friends that time just flew right by. I got back to school a few days ago and have started working in my GA already. Classes start today and I am excited to see my cohort members again after this long break. But first, let me recap what happened over winter break!
My Birthday
I got back right on my birthday that weekend and started with day with my girlfriend at the movies. I wanted to watch Frozen really bad and I wasn't disappointed. The movie was great and it challenged the traditional views of the "one true love". It was great seeing Disney stray from the traditional viewpoints and embrace the modern approach on these values. Plus, the songs were awesome!
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| one of the best movies I've seen! |
WEATHER
Everyone was talking about the weather difference between East Coast and West Coast over break due to the "polar vortex" news that came out. I have to admit, I did have a mini adjustment getting used to the California heat again. It was so hot that my family and I enjoyed an 85 degree Christmas day! It was abnormally hot in California for a while before dropping down to around 60's or so. I do have to say though, because my house has all wooden floors, the early mornings were actually pretty cold!!
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| A little bit of sunshine for everyone! |
FAMILY TIME
This winter break was spent mostly to hang out with family and my dog. My sister is applying to vet school so every now and then I would get updates from her regarding her acceptances or rejections. I am super proud of her and I know that she is going to do great things with animals in the near future! It was also great seeing my mom and my doggy again as well. It's been a while since my sister and I were home for a long period of time. You can see the excitement in Bummper's eyes when I first walked in that door. this little guy has been with the family close to 10 years now and he still looks like a puppy! Each morning he would sit right next to the dining table where the space heater is and wait for us to drop anything from breakfast. Then the rest of the day consisted of playing with him and walking the little guy to get some exercise. It wasn't much, but it was relaxing to just hang out with family and the dog for a while and recharge.
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| The mornings were cold so bummper would huddle next to the space heater |
Part TWO coming soon! I got lots to say about my break!
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