Student SPHere 2008-09

I can’t believe it’s that totally chaotic time of the semester again! It seems like it was just October. And unfortunately this semester I don’t think the workload is going to shrink anytime soon – as in, not until May 16 when finals are over and I’m in absolute heaven on the couch in a pair of sweatpants…where I will probably remain for a good week.

There are a couple of good things about the craziness: No matter what, everything always seems to get done, and the more stuff going on each week, the faster it’s Friday. This week was an absolute blur, with a my process evaluation plan due in my program evaluation class on Monday, a World Refugee Day meeting and site visit on Tuesday, a trip to the dentist (wisdom teeth have to come out! boo) and lots of biostats work on Wednesday, a grant proposal review due in CHE on Thursday and, today, working at the Star Tribune – and attempting to get everything done that just didn’t happen this week.

The Malpractice Ball at Blaisdell Manor last weekend was a nice break from everything – absolutely like a semi-adult prom. Aside from the fact that someone STOLE my digital camera (!!!), it was a fun night of friends and wine and digging dresses out of the back of the closet.

CHE ladies at the ball

The other super-fun part of my week was finally meeting my public health advisor, Cheryl Robertson! Yes, I know it’s April and I’ve been in school for almost three-quarters of a year. But she is in the School of Nursing and had never advised a public health student before, so everything took a little longer to get going. And I am very happy to report that it was 100 percent worth the wait.

Cheryl’s had some amazing experiences as a nurse and public health worker all over the world, and the refugee and immigrant issues I’m so interested in are near and dear to her. Before coming to the U, she worked at the Center for Victims of Torture -- what I think has got to be one of the coolest local nonprofits. I think she’s going to be a fantastic resource for making connections, developing a master’s project and encouraging me to really take advantage of the opportunities that come my way (and the ones I have to chase down).

It’s amazing how excited and reenergized I feel after having that one conversation. Five more weeks of school, bring it on.