Everything that I’ve learned in the past month (or two, since I skipped July) has occurred in the past three days. It is also knowledge that I learned in kindergarten, at least most of it is.
- New things are scary, but only for a short time. I would love to report that life in DC is great and I am completely adjusted, but that would be a big fat lie. DC is great, but it doesn’t feel like my home. What is scary the most right now are classes. The type of classes, the material, the group projects. After spending 13 terms (don’t ask) memorizing and regurgitating facts about cells and standing in a lab for 4+ hours a week, this concept of “There are no wrong answers” is foreign. I knew that this program would be a huge jump from any hard science curriculum, but I guess I wasn’t completely prepared for the liberal nature.
- On your first day of school, be friendly and kind to the other children. And share your crayons (or pen). I am happy to report that I’ve met some really incredible people in the past few days. I had my first DC adventure with one of the girls in my program. You start to see some familiar faces as the days go on.
- Do not doubt yourself. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to. This, I might know but am not good at. Sitting in my Health Policy lecture today I started to have some intense feelings that “I’m not smart enough for this program” or “I don’t belong here” or “What is he saying? How is this paper graded? I’m supposed to create a Stakeholder Map? And read the Wall Street Journal? HELP ME!” I know I wasn’t the only person feeling this way, but I really started to doubt myself. After all, my brain is my biggest enemy. I questioned if I was doing the right thing, maybe I should have just gone into Medicine and done something comfortable. But that is what Public Health is all about, making people UNcomfortable.
- Haters gonna hate. Okay, I haven’t had any real blog haters but I have been getting feedback from people who are close to me. Now, I’m not one to take criticism well but when something I write is taken completely out of context, I’m left feeling a bit irked. Maybe I am “naive” and don’t think about ALL of the different ways a person can twist words. But guess what, this is MY space. So if YOU don’t like it, stop reading and move on.
- Eat your fruit and vegetable at lunch. I have a confession… I know this is a good lesson to live by, but I haven’t been doing a very good job. I’m really not sure what I’ve been eating. Have I been? Is it a problem that I can pull my pants up without unbuttoning them? Let’s start with yesterday’s lunch.
A cinnamon bun from Ikea with a nectarine. Because that’s healthy… Dinner was at least a step in the right direction.
“Taco” salad with Food Should Taste Good multigrain chips, kidney beans, sauteed red bell pepper, zucchini and english peas, spring mix, Cabot jalapeno cheddar, avocado and salsa.
A very real goal for this weekend is going to be forcing myself to eat. That seems to be the first thing that goes for me whenever things get crazy and stressful. But to make up for my lack of food, I have been diligently lifting free weights at my gym every day. I can’t win ‘em all.
What have you learned this month? Any tips for surviving grad school?
As a side note, if you’re in the DC area Liz over at Liz Runs DC is planning a blogger meet up for September 11th. Obviously I’m going as a part of my make new friends in this new city initiative. 
Okay, one more thing… if anyone knows where to get Kombucha (meaning Synergy and not the crappy Carpe Diem stuff at Whole Foods) PLEASE PLEASE help a sister out. It would be clutch for helping me survive the next few weeks. That and my student loan check so I can buy said $3 drink.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
i’m a fan of “this too will pass” – you won’t be in school forever, so focus on the things that really matter, not the petty stuff!
Don’t beat yourself up over the cinabon. Ikea makes awesome ones, so it is like the LAW that you must have one when you go! That and a hot dog. Yea, I said it.
Good luck with school girlie! I am still in undergrad (I’m on the 7 year program HA) so I can’t offer grad school advice.
It’s all about balance right? I doubt very many people would pair a fruit with their cinnamon roll!
I’ve learned this month to not sweat the small stuff.
Since I just wrote you a novel over at your other post, I’ll make this short and sweet.
Don’t be intimidated by public health. It’ll challenge you and make you think but you’re perfect for this program!! (which I can say on good authority since I know you so well and all haha 
) I had times like that too (seems like everyone had so much amazing LIFE experience), but I had to remember that we were all bringing different things to the program. If you ever want to talk MPH stuff (good stuff or woes), let me know. I love to chat about it!
My big tip for surviving grad school is to put a lot into it, but don’t drive yourself crazy. It goes by so incredibly fast, so enjoy it!!
great post! i’ve heard wonderful things about those ikea cinnamon rolls!
These are great lessons learned. I’m really bad at being confident and not doubting myself – I have no idea why! I think you have the right attitude though going into September!
this is such a great post!!! loved every point, don’t know what else to say
i still find it funny that IKEA sells groceries. like….should they be allowed? a friend of mine from Sweden shops there though, so i guess it must be pretty good!
nice job with constructing a delicious taco salad!!! the cheese and avocado take it to a whole other level huh!!
the best advice im taking from your list is 1. let the haters hate and 2. new things are scary, but only for a short while!! need this to get more used to driving and finally going for my driving test!
xoxo
Ahh, girl, I’m sorry I’ve been MIA! I’m just catching up on blogs…I would LOVE to get together with you! I’m working at the Barnes and Noble in Georgetown, but I’m still in “training mode” so it might be better to wait a few weeks to visit. (Unless, that is, you want to watch me humiliate myself by spilling coffee down my shirt in front of customers, like I did today!). Eeep.
It took me quite a while to feel “at home” in DC. But once you know the city (and some people in it!), I think you’ll love living here.
Holy cinnamon roll! Yum! I love Ikea’s food…Whenever I go, I load up on Swedish candy, jam, and meatballs!
AND…I definitely want to be part of the blogger meetup! Do you have any more details?
I love the ikea rolls! always get those.
loved reading your post. Girl, you are so totally going to kick ASS in this new chapter of your life! The transition can be hard, but I think through that is when we grow the most! You have a great attitude and clearly will take DC by storm.
I am working on my GW app now! Cross your fingers for me!
I love your space and tell those haters to take a big fat hike!
I am thrilled your settling in, of course it’s going to take some time but you have the right attitude about it!
For grad school, I know my hubs is getting his MBA and the biggest thing I can think of is to soak in all the classes – it’s pretty cool to be able to go back and learn new things. I know I’m jealous of a lot of the courses he’s taking.
This is how I always feel when I start a new chapter of my life, whether it’s starting middle school or high school or college or moving to Philly or DC. It always gets better, friendships always happen even if gradually, and I always get the work done. So will you.
And forget the haters. Some people just like to ruffle feathers.
I’m jealous of your eats yesterday…
Especially that Ikea cinnamon roll you were talking about. I knew they had a cafe- but had no idea THAT is what was there!
#4: you can’t please everyone, and your blog is first and foremost FOR YOU — so if people have something to say, too bad. This is for you. They can choose to read it or not. I think you are doing great and I enjoy your posts.
Don’t sweat it about the cinnamon roll. I really think we all need some indulgences now and then, and it doesn’t look like you eat that way every day.
I feel like I’m learning similar lessons this week. While I’m not back to school, I’m definitely on a big learning curve in my new job. I work in new schools with new colleagues and new students. I won’t lie…I cried a few times…but suddenly I’m feeling better about it. I am seeking out help rather than frustrating myself at my desk and making new friends along the way.
Each day I remind myself that it gets easier with time. It will for you, too.
I agree, sharing your crayons on the first day makes all the difference, haha.
I’m going to the blogger meet up next Saturday, too!! Looking forward to it!
this is an amazing freaking post alex. you’re the best – and i think my soul sister. Let’s do this…in the next couple of week i’ll head down to dc – its a promise. I can make it feel like your city. Trust it
I love all these lessons- especially #2. You know those scantron things a lot of classes require for testing? Well whenever we have to buy our own..it’s always smart to buy a few more for people that have forgotten theres. They’ll pretty much love you forever even if they only ask for one the whole semester.
Oh, and cinnamon rolls are *totally* healthy. They have cinnamon! And that’s good for you.
You’re in DC! That’s where my home is. I never really thought of it as “home” because I have bad memories there, but I hope you start feeling comfortable there as you meet great people, and share great memoires.
Eating always gets totally out of whack during a big life change I think! I lost a bunch of weight when I first moved to DC. I had bigger things to worry about than eating properly! It all balances out in the end, I promise
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Whenever a big shift happens in my life, my appetite is always wacky, but once my life settles down, everything evens out.
Adjusting is always hard at first but it *will* happen! At least you’ve met some cool people.
And I hope school goes well. I completely agree that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it
I love the lessons you’ve learned and had to laugh at the time frame in which you’ve learned them
Big changes in life will do that to a person I guess. Best of luck with grad school!
I’m DC area. I can’t make the 11th but if you ever want to do a separate meetup, let me know! This place can be lonely, for sure!
Mmmm those taco salads are my fav!!
Glad to hear you’re settling in so well in D.C.!!