As I come to the end of my first academic year at DU, I look back on three of the most challenging quarters of my entire life. Where did the time go? I have read more articles, written more papers, made more presentations and posted on more discussion boards in one academic year than I can recall ever doing. I have more formulas in my head than songs. When I’m not working on my individual assignments I am working in groups to finalize papers. The learning curve is steep. Every quarter builds on the previous; so you just have to get it right. There is just so much to do. As soon as I have completed one set of finals I find myself preparing for others. The term ‘do or die’ comes to mind.
Then there is my job as a graduate assistant working 20 hours per week. I organize meetings and conferences. I deal with some measure of student affairs. Perform administrative duties for faculty members including the department chair. It’s like a never ending cycle. I’m longing for summer.
That is one side of the DU story!
The other side is the plethora of social activities that I seem to find time to enjoy. Matters not the season, living in Colorado means loving the outdoors. The Alpine Club is the epitome of outdoor life. Every quarter there is some fun adventure to partake in. Awesome! It is also a great way to know Colorado and other interesting places in the US. Then there are the numerous other sports and physical activities offered – soccer, lacrosse, gymnastics, swimming, golf, ice hockey, skating, the list goes on. Additionally, there are regular social events staged by one group, club or office. The International House (a haven for international students) is not outdone; providing international themed luncheons on a monthly basis. There are cultural events for you to take your pick. Recently, there was the Native Student Alliance Spring Pow Wow, a rich celebration of their culture which created a sense deep respect for Native Indian history and legacy.
And the 20 hours per week job… has guaranteed me a full scholarship to pursue a PhD I otherwise could not afford.
If you love the outdoors this is the place for you. If you want to work hard and at the end of one year feel like you have grown in leaps, DU is certainly the place for you.
Kerry-Ann Lewis Pearcy - PhD candidate in Research Methods and Statistics
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