Thrown Into the Ocean

If sitting in on the Introduction to Theatre class yesterday morning (for future reference when I have to TA next year) was akin to splashing around in a kiddie pool, attending my first graduate seminar class was like being tossed overboard at sea.

"Swim! Swim for your life!" shouted a voice in my head.

Forget about introductions and looking over a syllabus. Two of the 4th year PhD students presented their 40-minute lectures to the class, followed by a short period for questions. The professors challenged us all to be thinking about and asking questions.

"Ask questions?" I'm thinking, "I can't even remember the last few words of the sentence I was trying to take notes on!"

Nevermind the fact that I don't yet have the context, background, or vocabulary that you're all working with yet. Or the fact that my brain kept switching gears between paying attention and analyzing the entire situation. Luckily, the question period was very short. Saved by the clock!

On a good note, it sounds like the grad seminar class won't have assignments the first week, as the students in years 2-4 of the program will be taking their subfield exams this weekend. So, in some ways I'm able to ease in. And yet, at the same time, I'm anxious because I don't have a huge load yet...and I know it's coming. Maybe I just need to learn to relax :) Hmm. Maybe someday.

On another good note, I caught all the buses I was supposed to yesterday, and the ride home was even FREE as the farebox was full. AND, I got a fabulously lightweight pair of walking shoes this weekend, so my feet shall not be plagued by further blisters. Happiness.