Well, somehow the idea that I could do anything and everything is inherently wired within me. As my record proves, I have approximately a 50% success rate with this attitude. I contribute many of my achievements such as studying in Africa, traveling to Bangladesh and leading orgs in my soph. year of college, or writing a senior thesis while training for the swim, working and going to school my senior year to the sheer determination of wanting to do it all. On the flip side, I often forget that the constant sleep deprivation, tense muscles, and tendency to forget things (such as parking on the wrong side of the street on street cleaning day) carries its own set of penalties. And yet, I keep forging ahead. I wouldn't say it is sheer stubborness or ignorance driving my ethos, although to many people I am sure that it would seem that I am repeatedly touching the hot stove. Instead I think there are a number of contributing reasons that I want to do so many things. In no particular rank they include the following: I am afraid of not doing things which interest me; odds have it that the more things I try the luckier I will get with unexpected opportunities (sort of the "if I buy more lottery tickets I have a better shot at winning the lottery" concept) ; I enjoy many activities and challenges; the hope that I am maximizing my time on earth given the incredible blessings I have in my life.
Being back in a university setting has challenged me yet again to change my day to day routine. No longer working and living in DC, nor lounging in Omaha or at the lake, has forced me to transition into a new routine. It's only week two, but I am feeling its effects big time. I think that if I keep reminding myself that it is only week two of classes then I can stop freaking out about the things I still need to do.
My class of 200 is made up of students from 59 different countries. The professors who have written the books on international human rights, children soldiers, development and aid, transitional justice, and international security are walking the halls, teaching our courses and advising thesis'. Suffice it to say that wanting to "do everything" takes on a new meaning for me at Fletcher.
Within the past week I have met with my academic advisor, and with Dean Uvin, to discuss my schedule and interests. Both meetings went well, and they said I was on track. (big sigh of relief) Although, my advisor John Hammock wanted to know why I was taking so much econ. He made the suggestion to try and get to know the folks at Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts. These are alternative economists he said, who offer more radical views. Ha! Worth checking out. Next week I plan on running my CV over to the Feinstein Center and the Institute for Global Leadership.
It is tricky to think constantly about the "future" and the class assignments that are stacking up. Hard to focus. So, I will post on fun things next, and then go to bed:)
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