Tomorrow is my first day of grad school. It’s strange to think that I’m going to be a student… again. I’m definitely feeling apprehensive/nervous excitement, and am still in a state of disbelief that this is my life. In DC, at GW. Me. It’s strange to sit in this new apartment, look out the window and not know my surroundings. I’ll be honest in saying that the feeling of loneliness is hitting me. I’m homesick for Philadelphia and my friends. I’m confident that I’ll make new friends and that this will soon feel like “home.” Big changes are never easy but I know that tomorrow really is marking the beginning of my future.
I’m hoping that I’ll be able to manage everything on my plate gracefully. Full time classes, part time job (fingers crossed), training for the Philly half marathon, blogging, and trying to start some version of a social life. NBD, right?
I would like to just thank all of you, who stumble upon my little space. I am so grateful for all of your thoughts on public health and food issues. I am equally as grateful for all of your support and all of the encouragement. I am so excited to be able to share what I learn through school, my practicum and any professional lectures.
In the meantime, while I am over-organizing myself and printing out an entire trees worth of papers, here are some great reads from the past week.
- Some final thoughts on what the egg recall has taught us
- Why walking is good for your waistline and brain
- The grossest fast food item. EVER.
- Ever wonder about the secrets to Trader Joe’s success?
And a very happy Birthday to my Padre! 
Angel food cakes with fresh strawberries. Dad’s favorite. Love you, Daddy!
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Best of luck with your first day!
Good luck tomorrow! I start classes too. It seems surreal! We will have to meet up one day that you are on campus once you’ve settled into your schedule.
That’s so exciting!! Good luck tomorrow
And a very happy birthday to your daddy as well 
Good luck with school!! How exciting!
THATS THE EXACT CAKE MY MOM ALWAYS MAKES FOR OUR BIRTHDAYS!! haha can u tell how excited i am to see it! although im the only one in my family who hate angel food cake cuz i think its bland and boring and spongey (lol im a little bitter about it) i definitely appreciate the nostalgia… plus i’ll admit that when i asked for a side of vanilla ice cream with it, i didnt seem to have an issue eating gobbling it down <3
happy birthday to ur PAPA!!
So exciting! Hope your first day goes well and you start to get acclimated to the area. We should definitely get together soon once our schedules work out.
Happy Birthday to your padre!
Good luck on your first day! It’s the beginning of an incredible journey. I can’t wait to read about all of your DC adventures!
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR FIRST DAY!!! So exciting!
Happy birthday to your Pops!
Good luck with the start of school – what are you studying? It’ll be great. I loved grad school – getting to know new professors and classmates, thinking about big issues…good stuff.
Good luck on your first day! I remember when I first moved here I was missing Philly bigtime. Hopefully once you get into the swing of things you’ll feel more at home here.
Enjoy your first week of grad school! I’m sure you’ll have a great time exploring DC, too! It’s such a fun place!
Have a great first day!! I definitely saw that TJ’s article from earlier this week. A long read, but really interesting!
I have a feeling you’re going to love it!!! I can’t wait to hear ALL about it.
Good luck:)
And happy bday pops! Tasty dessert choice.
Good luck at GW, it’s gonna be great! Going back to school after any amount of time off is scary but don’t worry, it’s like riding a bike.
yay school! good luck on your first day. thank YOU for coming to my space too
best of luck girl! balancing everything isn’t easy, but its also the fun of life. enjoy it all!!!!!
I hope your first day is going amazingly!! Things will start to work out and you’re right, it WILL start to feel like home. Good luck!
Hope your first day went well!! I’m actually jealous. When I was at UNC last week, I found myself wishing I was going back to school this fall too. Maybe I could get another master’s in public health?? haha
As I’ve said before, I’m looking forward to hearing about your program. I love reading your thoughts about public health and food issues, and I’m sure being in the MPH program will only enrich that.
Oh, and I thought of you the other day! I finally came across Marion Nestle’s blog (don’t know why I wasn’t reading it before now) and she did a great post on the egg recall. Actually, I think she’s done a couple about it, but this one was funny: http://www.foodpolitics.com/2010/08/egg-industry-response-to-recalls-in-translation/
I know Im late, but I hope your first day of grad school rocked!
Good luck on the start of grad school- I’m sure you’ll rock it
Hi, I’m just beginning to catch up with posts, so I know your first day has come in gone, but I’d still like to say…you can do this! And even better, you can ROCK it:-).
I just found your blog. Welcome to DC! I look forward to hearing more about your MPH program and your running progress.
If you’re looking for a training group, check out the capital area runners (www.capitalarearunners.com). I’ve been with them for years and its really motivating and fun. And the coach and runners will definitely get you in shape for your first marathon!