First Day of School

I have homework.  Almost forgot what that was like, but now I've been amply reminded.  Today was my first day of graduate school.  And yes, I do feel like a big girl.  (Partially because all the roommates are undergrads and at least 2 years younger than me.  Yikes, am I old already?  ugh.)  I even brought along my glasses as to look extra studious and engaged in graduate-type material.  But I didn't ever get that nervous first-day-of-school feeling I always seem to have.

Well, I suppose you all ought to know the truth as to how small my school is.  And yes, I have been putting off posting about this because I can only imagine what you'll all think.  Let's just say that of my 3 classes today, the student:teacher ratio was 1:1, 2:1, 1:1.  Once you gather your jaw up off the floor, I'll explain...  Ok, my school has only 25 students.  I only realized this after the first day of orientation when there weren't many of us in the seminar room.  Hmm.  All I can say is, this place is legitimate, believe me, but apparently they're still in the growth period and next semester they're expecting 100.  I've been through recurring stages of stressed-out, wonderment, and blatant disbelief, but now that's all subsided.

"The Mosaic Room"

When I went to my classes today and started talking with my professors, I realized this is the right thing for me.  Sure you could probably fit the entire school in your back pocket, but I kind of like that.  Coming from a school where virtually no one outside of your friends knows your name, it's nice to have the entire staff know your name and course of study.  Everyone here is so accommodating and friendly.  Today the President, Dr. Bernardini, called me into his office by name and asked me if I'd like to meet once a week to practice my Italian informally.  He'd noticed I was the only non-Italian who wasn't enrolled in Italian courses and he thought I might like an opportunity to continue learning.  Now that type of personal attention I could never have experienced at UT - I'm not even sure I could tell you what Bill Powers looks like.

My Project Management/Policies, Law & Politics teacher from Malaga, Spain, is an artist whose work is exhibited all across Europe.  She used to teach at the University of Seville and worked at Christie's Auction House in London.  Now she works with a firm that helps private collectors build and improve their collection.  My Intro to Managing Arts Organizations teacher from Germany is a renowned Historian of 19th Century Italian Art who commutes 5 hours (one way) by train from Tuscany to teach two courses at my school - one of which only has 1 student :)  So I know I'm getting a legitimate education, guys!  Plus, it's hard.  Already.  I know it's only the first day, but I can tell.  I'm getting that nervous oh-shit-can-I-really-do-this feeling, but I know I can.  Plus I'm the only one in my program (and the first, btw) so I'd better!

Prayers, good vibes and general happy thoughts are all welcomed and appreciated.  Feel free to share your thoughts below.

xoxoxo