Student SPHere 2008-09

My last semester here is great in that I don't have to worry about midterms. I do have A LOT of papers to write though; what a contrast from my first semester here! Fall 2007 I was taking Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Research Methods, and Health Economics. Most of the coursework consisted of problem sets and exams, so I only wrote one paper that semester. It may have been a good thing though, because my writing was rusty and I ended up spending a lot of time with Professor Call on learning to write a better paper on a level appropriate for graduate school. This semester, aside from my thesis, I have to work on two Medical Sociology papers and one term paper for Researching Health Outcomes. So in reality, the workload is not bad, although I tend to get panicky thinking about them.

In addition to suspecting that stress is making my hair fall out more than what's considered normal, I realized last week there are only two real months before I graduate. While I haven't fallen apart just yet, it's on my mind everyday.

I started job searching last week as well. Right now, I am making my way through the SPH Job Postings and some other job websites. I actually have an interview lined up already at the beginning of April for a fellowship in Chicago. That's an exciting start and I hope to have a few more lined up soon. It would feel so relaxing to be gainfully employed before the summer ends.

Last Friday was graced with good weather, making it a perfect evening for PAMOJA! I have to admit that I was impressed by the new location; it made Pamoja feel a lot more "Special Occasion," which is a nice change from the usual environment in which we see our colleagues. For those who have not been to the Campus Club before, It offers a wonderful 3-sided view of the city. It also offered a great backdrop for many photos I took that night.

Many people dressed up for the evening, bringing out clothes from the depths of their closet. Or in my case, from the piles of clothes on my bedroom floor. I felt really adult, getting dressed up. Then I realized that feeling "adult" as a 26 year old graduate student by merely getting into some fancier duds only further served to illustrate my disconnect from being a real, job-having member of society. A little sad. But at least I looked nice!

First year Epi students (also on the SPH intramural soccer team)

Professors Judith Garrard and Vernon Weckwerth

More first year Epi students

My HSRPA cohort (minus one) - yes, there are that many second year MS students!

Group shot of friends (most of whom I rarely see nowadays, due to our hectic schedules)

The women of SPH