Grad school is, in many ways, like learning to operate in a foreign country. I am still relying on maps, signs, and GPS to find my way around. If I get really turned around, I can always ask a more seasoned Tarleton national to point me in the right direction. Thankfully, however, I don't have to overcome a language barrier here. In this new land, most all of the signs are in English.
While everyone is speaking the same language, I still find myself on a completely new playing field academically. The familiarly rigid schedules and class requirements of undergraduate studies have been replaced with a new graduate-level fluidity. A degree program is no longer telling me what I must do to complete and pass its agenda. As a graduate student, I am now telling my advisors what I want to do, and they are then cherry picking my classes to specifically equip me for my future career goals. It has been amazing to see how many holds and red tape can be lifted by one email from my advisor. Within half an hour, my entire student trajectory can change to be more refined towards what I want to do.
Socially speaking, being surrounded by people while not yet knowing anyone can easily fill someone with a sense of isolation. However, after having to settle into Bible college in 2008 and then settle into a new job and church three years later, I've had some practice in adapting to new surroundings. I haven't been letting isolation seep too deep this time around. I simply replace it with a sort of "foreigner boldness" and start conversations with whomever I happen to be standing next to. It's paid off so far with some great contacts! While aquaintenceships are still shallow and inevitably punctuated with awkward silences, they are seeds that can defintitely grow into some solid relationships.
Praise God, He's taken such good care of me. I have a lease on an apartment signed, and I move in on September fifth. Until then, I am staying with a couple who are former neighbors of my parents. The four of them lived on the same street and went through the adventurous years of "first house, first kids" together. My hosts couldn't be more gracious and accomadating, not to mention they live only ten to fifteen minutes from campus! I have eaten for free at the hands of the Baptist Student Ministry, local churches, and the local restaraunts. The sun is shining, and the free food is flowing here in Stephenville.
Also, like adapting to any foreign culture, learning the ropes here at Tarleton is exhausting. More after a nap.
