"There's nowhere else like London. Nothing at all, anywhere."
-Vivienne Westwood
Today, I leave London...
From the first time I studied in the city in 2010 to the last two years of grad school, I fell in love. London is truly one of my favorite cities in the world.
I'm heading back to America with a suitcase full of Primark clothes and memories, a handful of new slang words, a passport full of stamps, and enough game theory textbooks to start my own library.
As I begin to embark on my new journey and new chapter of my life, I want to say thanks for everyone who was apart of this chapter of my life. My blog is appropriately named "Wandering Walpole" as even though I will no longer be in London and Europe, I'll still be wandering around this amazing world.
As I'm not good with goodbyes...I'm telling London that I will "see it later." I'm not sure when I'll be back, but I know it will be as soon as possible!
Trafalger Square from the Top of a Double Decker Bus
As I sit here writing the 2012: Year in Review post, I get to enjoy the comfort of a warm blanket, some hot chocolate, and watch the snow fall outside. Clearly, I'm enjoying my winter break at home!
It's hard to believe that this year is almost over. It seems as if I was just starting my last semester at Syracuse just yesterday. Yet, today, I've got one term of grad school already done. Time flies when you are having fun and working hard. I made a lot of memories this year; some were not so great, but the majority of them, I will carry with me forever. (Thank goodness for tons of photos.)
I left my mark at Chucks
So, here we go..a short year in review complete with those photos that I mentioned.
Danielle and Me
Governor Howard Dean
January:
Attend the Politics and Media Seminar at the Washington Center in DC for research on my honors thesis
Met Governor Howard Dean and others inspirations at the Seminar
Got to meet two of my now good friends, Lexi and AJ, at the seminar
Was Reunited with my Summer 2011 Roommate, Danielle
Returned to Syracuse for my last semester
Got Accepted into the London School of Economics on the first day of the last semester at Syracuse
February:
Participated in my last formal Pi Beta Phi recruitment as a collegian member
Reunion of Lawrinson 12
Katie, Kari, and me meeting Brandon Triche (SU Basketball Player)
Celebrating my 22nd Birthday
Elite 8 Game in Boston
March:
Turned 22 Years Old
Spent Spring Break at Syracuse with some of my best friends as we finished our capstone projects
Traveled to Boston with my Best Friend, Katie, for the Syracuse Elite 8 Game
Met the Entire Basketball Team (one final go!)
One Final Mayfest
Group Photo with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Remembrance Scholars
April:
Participated in the 2012 Dulye Leadership Experience. This time, I was on the side of the student project manager and an alumna of the program
Met Senator Chuck Schumer
Met Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Participated on the Remembrance Scholar Selection Committee
Finished my Honors Capstone Project/Political Science Distinction Thesis
Had One Final MAYFEST
My Nephew and Me
Oriana and Me at the Remembrance Scholar Brunch
Honors Convocation with my Parents
May:
Defended my thesis for the political science distinction program
Presented my thesis at Honors Capstone Day
Participated in final senior activities such as Remembrance Scholar Brunch, Senior Sunday, and Senior Celebration
Graduated from Syracuse University complete with three ceremonies and Aaron Sorkin being my Commencement Speaker
Got to see my Brother and Nephew for Graduation
June:
Started my summer internship with the U.S. Department of Education
Finished my internship with the U.S. Department of State
As I sit here writing this blog post, I've got the last bit of laundry drying and trying to decide what I really need for three weeks at home. Honestly, I still cannot believe I've been done with my first term of graduate school since Wednesday. Time sure does fly when you were trying to balance the heaviest course load known to man, an internship, and a general life. But, here, I am...December 16th, and finished.
The last week of term consisted of a final STATA problem set of the term, government group project, economics homework, and a management working group outline for a project. All of that was on top of the usual reading for the week, final activities, etc. Yet, all of it got done. Monday night, I only slept four hours, and Tuesday resulted in a 30 minute nap at my desk around 6am. But, if you know me, that's usual. I'm the type of person to just stay up and putter through.
As you saw from an earlier post this week, I got to go to the Mumford and Sons concert on Tuesday. Still on cloud nine...even though it is Sunday now. Wednesday evening, the girls and I grabbed drinks at the George celebrating our freedom for a month and then went for a quick bite to eat. More to come on Thursday- Sunday activities...
Honestly, as I look back now, time flew by. I'm a new person with a new outlook on different career options, math, and life, itself. Tomorrow, as I board my two planes to go home, I'm excited for a break, but already counting down the days till I'm back!
I always thought that phrase was true for my four years at Syracuse, but I find myself wishing time would slow down even more now, that I'm at LSE. I landed in London on September 17th, and next week, December 17th, I'm flying home for winter break. It literally feels like that I just moved in the other day- with lugging my numerous bags full of purchases to make my flat "me." Yet, here we are. The final week of the first term of grad school under my belt, well almost.
I've been going to school for 12 weeks straight now. Most other programs have been only going for 10 weeks, but since we had our pre-semester math camp, life hasn't slowed down since September 24th. Hard work pays off. I find myself much more confident approaching math related solutions in my courses, econometrics has become my favorite course, and I'm not as stressed as I was at the beginning. Friendships have been solidified, the main bartender at the George knows me, and I have my usual daily routine worked out.
But, I've got to say, I need a break.
Over break, I plan on doing a lot of review for all four of the courses as well as begin to work ahead and look at past final exams. Without taking finals this semester, I've only had some work graded with much it being formative. STATA problem sets have helped me wrap my head around concepts of heteroskedasticity, collinerarity, B subscript zero, and omitted variable bias, but mastering still has to come. Break will also be good as I can see my family, attend a basketball game as an alumni, sleep, and just relax.
Yet, before my head and body officially agree that it is break time, I've got to get through this week. Here's the schedule for the final week:
Looks fairly tame? Huh?
I've got two group projects due this week. One that is presented in class and graded on the spot. The other, we present, receive feedback, and submit the final project after making changes. I'm going to see Mumford and Sons this week, juggle a group dinner, attend two holiday parties, and get to one birthday bash. All of that is in addition to STATA, weekly economics homework, meetings and sleep.
I've been writing this post for several days in my head, but today was the first day that I've had time to actually write it. I've thought about theme of this post for a lot longer.
The theme that you maybe wondering is about the notion of grad school and how it changes who you are. The chosen title of this blog is actually a song by Mumford and Sons, and I think it fits perfectly. So, often these past few months, I've found myself questioning a lot of things in my life and the future. Likewise, my friends here have had similar moments where we questioned our decision to be here, the program, the future in terms of internships and job, and how we have changed.
I'm not going to lie. There have been times this semester where I wondered what it could have been liked if I accepted a few of the job offers I received or applied to some of the other ones that I had received. Instead of taking out a massive amount of money for two years, I could have been making a relative amount, enjoying a job, and being able to travel and experience life on the side. But then, I stop myself. That is nonsense speaking. I wanted to go to grad school. I still want to be in grad school. And, I don't think I would have been happy working straight out of college. Maturity wise and prior experience from internships yes, but overall readiness, I don't think I was that person in May.
And, yes, if you are wondering if I ever wondered what it would be like if I had gone to law school, I have never regretted that decision. Talking to friends currently in law school as well as several close friends who recently graduated in May, I knew I would be miserable.
Since graduation, I believe I have really changed. I've become mature. I've changed my outlook on life, working post this program/additional years of school, and just the general feeling of how a day will go. LSE has given me plenty of stressful periods, but the truth is I love it. I love having that feeling when I wake up in the morning and actually look forward to classes. Sometimes at Syracuse, as much as I love my alma mater, I didn't enjoy going to classes. When I started grad school, I dreaded econometrics. Now, I look forward to it, and am reading a political campaign book that involves the use of those ideas. And, you know what, I love it. (And yes, I know I've now said the word "love it" many times in one paragraph).
The title of this post involves the title "beneath my feet" because I think its important to remember that even if you feel a moment of confusion or sometimes wonder if this is the right decision, it is. I think I'm an example of sometimes questioning future decisions as I'm a planner. In the end, though, I know I made the right decision, and in the future, I know whatever decision I make, I will be happy with it.
Now that the school year has officially started, we can get down to business discussing what I will be taking for the next year. Unlike the United States, our semesters do not mean I get to take different courses each semester. Instead, the concentration of the classes are spread across both the Michaelmas/Lent terms with exams falling in the summer term. Most grades for all courses are decided on those exams in the summer term. The advantage of this is I will not have as many assignments as frequent- no weekly blog entries, no papers every two weeks, etc. I will also get a month or so off following the Lent term. One of the hardest things that I am facing is that without a lot of continuous assignments, or midterms, it'd be easy to forget about a reading assignment. I'll be using time management to its fullest these next two years. My program requires us to take four units during our first year as a student. All of us have to take three basic courses. Micro/macro economics, Econometrics, and a political science course. My stream is the only one that his the required course for the stream to be taken in the second year. My required course is more economics, and it would be foolish to try to take it without a solid background. Thus, my choice to fulfill my last unit was a little hard. I could take two half-unit courses, or I could take one of the other streams' required courses. In the end after a lot of thinking, talking to my advisor, and going to the newly founded MPA course fair, I chose to take a class on public management. Ideally, it should be a base for further work in the government. I've copied the course descriptions from the LSE website! Take a look!
In this course we develop tools to analyse important political phenomena including elections, legislative bargaining, lobbying, bureaucracy, civil conflict, and international relations. We focus on game theory as a way of understanding strategic interactions among political actors. Students will learn basic game theoretical concepts and apply them to a variety of political contexts; these tools should be useful both for explaining existing political outcomes and for designing interventions to achieve desired future outcomes.
EC440: Micro and Macro Economics
An introductory graduate course providing an economics background suitable for high-level public policy-making. The emphasis is on acquiring sound models and methods suitable for appraising policy-making issues and applicable in a wide variety of contexts. The first term (MT) covers microeconomics and the second term (LT) covers macroeconomics.
MT: Microeconomics: Week 1: Demand and Supply in Competitive Markets. Week 2: Consumer Optimisation: Demand for Goods. Week 3: Consumer Optimisation and Labor Supply. Week 4: Firms' Optimisation the Supply of Goods and the Demand for Labour. Week 5: Monopoly. Week 6: Uncertainty and Insurance. Week 7: Markets and Asymmetric Information. Week 8: Monopolistic Competition and Game Theory. Week 9: Externalities in Consumption and Production. Week 10: Public Goods.
LT: Macroeconomics: Week 1: Growth and poverty. Week 2: Institutions and economic performance. Week 3: Regulation and economic performance. Week 4: Human capital and growth. Week 5: Productivity and innovation. Week 6: Unemployment. Week 7: Finance and economic performance. Week 8: Openness and economic performance. Week 9: Economic fluctuations. Week 10: Stabilization and reform.
EC455: Quantitative Approaches and Policy Analysis
The course introduces students to the quantitative evaluation of public policies with the help of regression based evaluation methods, cost-benefit analysis and computable general equilibrium modelling. The first six weeks of the course introduce students to basic multiple regression analysis including hypothesis testing, modelling of non-linear relationships, and dummy variables. From week 7 of MT the course covers a number of regression based evaluation methods to assess the casual effectiveness of policy interventions. These include the use of randomized experiments, natural or quasi-experiments, panel data, difference-in-differences estimation, instrumental variables, matching and regression discontinuity designs. The final part of the course provides an overview over cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis and an introduction to the use of computable equilibrium models to assess policy interventions.
MG419: Public Management- Strategy, Innovation, and Delivery
The course develops the perspectives, knowledge, and intellectual skill required for rational discourse about intelligent practical action in the core public sector. In Michaelmas Term, the course focuses on the design of organizational strategies in public sector contexts. This general issue is subdivided into the design of organizational strategies for start-up, realignment, and success-sustaining transitions. In Lent Term, the course delves specifically into scholarship and teaching cases about the design and operation of practices whose logic is to perform three functions instrumental to sustained organizational achievement: strategy development, developing innovative capabilities, and delivery (encompassing both production and management control). Overall, the course provides a foundation for further coursework about management in the public sector as well as the ability to engage constructively and critically in the development of public management practice.
Today was the official start of the Michaelmas Term. Yes, that fancy phrase does simply mean the fall semester! And, if you are wondering, the spring semester is denoted as the Lent term, and unfortunately, the summer term does not get a special name. Anyways, while real classes do not start until Monday, today marked the start of the term. It also was a very lucky day for me as well as a day filled with academia.
To start with, I registered for courses this morning. While I had to pre-select the three I had to take, I got to finally decide what option to take. I am waiting to hear back if I am selected into the course, but if I am, I have quite a lot of free time! We were able to choose our seminars (discussion classes). Couple of weird sentences written here, but I'll do a whole post on classes once they start!
My loan was also released today. LSE officially was able to draw down my first loan check. I won't get it until next week, but at least I can almost finally say I have the money that I will owe for the rest of my life.
Ticket for Kofi Annan
The first part of my lucky day was clearly those two different results. But, I also landed an internship today! It will be a paid internship that I had the interview for earlier this week. I'll post more specifics on it later since it is actually quite a new position, and it is still somewhat being developed. I start Monday with an introduction session with the rest of the intern class. Looking forward to it!
Kofi Annan
LSE is well-known for having exceptional guest speakers on campus. Today was no different. I had been able to secure a ticket to see Kofi Annan last week, and today he spoke about his new book, Interventions. As I got in line about an hour early (tickets are not guaranteed seats-first come, first ticket served), bought his book, and began to begin to live-tweet his talk, I couldn't help but think that this was an amazing first day to start the term. It reminded me again of how happy I am that I decided to attend LSE. Impeccable opportunities to hear from people who have inspired me (or, maybe I've disagreed with some positions). It's academia at it's finest. There is a reason I choose to come to the best social science institution in the world.
At the end of his talk, I was able to meet him quickly during the book signing.
Signed copy
Signing books
Following the talk by Kofi Annan, I studied for a bit, but then it was time for my second public event of the day. The Minister of the Economy and Competitiveness for Spain, Luis de Guindos, was given a talk on the Spanish Economic Policy strategy. Having only learned a bit about the Spanish economic woes from prior classes and what I've read in the news, I decided to go to this event. I requested my ticket last minute, and was thankfully allotted one. While much of the presentation that he presented dealt with a lot of graphs (using those math principles already), a lot of it was information that is often overlooked or underrepresented in reports about the Spanish economy.
Luis de Guindos
The highlight of the event clearly came when the questions were asked by the public. I had somewhat predicted that this event could get of hand with all of the security and the current economic woes. As he was responding to a question given the current day decision by the ECB, a woman interrupted the room with a very loud question. She was followed by two others yelling that Spain is for Sale. None of them were escorted out of the room despite the somewhat five minutes of tension. Throughout the rest of his question and answer period they continued shouting remarks as well as many others.
Sorry that this post is fairly short, but I have my pre-semester math course test tomorrow! Even though it's not graded, I want to make a good showing. Stay tuned for more posts--lots of catch-up posts planned!
Yesterday, I became an official London School of Economics student! Starting off the day with a cup of coffee on my commute was much needed as it was the first day that I've been here with a set schedule. Finally, I've adjusted to the time difference and have gotten over jet-lag. Registration was fairly quick.
As an international student (sometimes it's weird to hear that phrase), I had to show both my passport and my visa. The UK Border is being serious in checking student visas lately as we learned that another institution in the UK was not checking, got in serious trouble, and had to send all of their students home. Once I finished registration, I went to pick up my student ID card. Even after submitting all my paperwork and photo online, it wasn't quite ready. I can pick up Monday which is fine because only a few buildings I have found so far require showing it to get inside.
After registration, we had a scheduled lunch at 13:00 (I'm getting re-used to the time writing), but since it was 11am, a bunch of us headed for a cafe on campus. The LSE Garrick will become my favorite place to eat, do work, and grab a coffee with a friend. It reminds me of Schine Dinning, but with a little more flare, for all of those from Syracuse reading this. It was nice being able to get to know some more first-years that are embarking on the journey as well.
Our lunch hour was the first time that almost all the first years were in the same place. Around 70 or so were there, and while the lunch fare was not the usual pizza that was given at free lunches at Syracuse, it was well worth it. I finally got to meet Kaitlyn, another American. We have been talking literally since May on Facebook about everything in terms of preparations.
MPA Orientation came after lunch. I got my first taste of an LSE classroom. It was a lecture hall, but more compact than I am used to. Let's just say it reminded me of a typical classroom, with stadium seating and small desks. It was not a Maxwell Auditorium or HBC. But, it's another way that I am going to be getting used to the UK education system.
The Dean of the Programme, Lloyd Gruber, started off the hour-long presentation of what we need to know these first few weeks. He recently took over being the director of the programme and comes from a wide range of academia experience, on both sides of the ocean. Providing humor throughout the presentation allowed us to take in the seriousness of the program while also share a few laughs.
We started off our orientation with tabbing in anonymous answers to demographic questions. Regions of the world where were all from, ages, work experience, and fun questions relating to London. I was quick to notice after the age tab that I am one of the youngest in the program as that was almost the smallest bracket represented. At the same time, I also noticed quickly the difference in the years working. While I did a lot of internships during my time at Syracuse, I have never been in the "real world." Our Dean noted that those who have not been in school for a long period of time are intimidated by not studying in a long period of time. At the same time, he stated that those of us who had been accepted straight out of undergrad were "hot stuff." It was a nice compliment to receive as those of us in this programme are clearly all type As.
One of the more funnier questions that we responded to in the little quiz was our future career ambitions. Only five percent of the room want to be in an elected office position. You better believe I made up that five percent. #WALPOLE2040
The rest of our orientation hour was getting used to the programme regulations, hearing the phrase, "some of you will fail," course selection, and general information on how to use the online applications. After using Blackboard for four years, I have to learn a new program called Moodle to submit documents, gather class information, etc.
We also learned about the new aspect that the Institute of Public Affairs is launching. The Policy in Practice Seminar Series is going to be a weekly Thursday evening event with those in public policy careers (government, non-profits, etc.) to discuss the more practical side of what we are learning in the classroom. As Dean Gruber mentioned the new series will feature discussions from the new director of LSE, Lords, and Nobel Laureates. One of the best things about it is that it is a MPA-only event. Other LSE events often fill up very quickly when distinguished guests come to campus.
Once we did all the academic work, we were divided into groups of about 15 to begin a 30 minute policy challenge. The question, you may ask was : "What is the greatest policy challenge facing the world? And, how should it be solved?" Yes, 30 minutes in a group of 15 had to answer that. Before our group began working, we all introduced ourselves-name, where we were from, past work/education, greatest accomplishment. My group only had a few people that I had already met. Let's just say this once again: Everyone in this program has a unique story that makes you want to sit down and keep asking questions. We all have ambitious goals.
2nd Year MPA Student Profile Booklet
As for the policy challenge, our group eventually decided on socio-economical inequalities between blocs. Our attempt to solve the problem resulted in four different actions. Eventually, all the groups presented to a group of professors (who we will have!) to receive feedback. Much of the feedback was devoted to setting more benchmarks, defining the problem more effectively, etc. The challenge itself reminded me a lot of the mini-challenges we did in PAF 101, and yes, I did feel as if Coplin was somewhere snickering to himself.
And, for the cap of the evening, the MPASA (MPA Student Association) organized an open-bar in the Underground. The Underground is one of the several on-campus bars. And, while it was not Chucks, it clearly has potential to be. Having a few drinks with my new classmates, I got to know a lot better. But many of us left early as it was raining, sleepiness, etc.
And, yes, if you haven't figured it out yet, I'm clearly very excited to get started. I have not started classes yet, and I feel I'm in one of those moments that I've only experienced a handful of times before in the world of academia. I had many moments at Syracuse where I was truly challenged and rewarded for hard work, but this is different. They say grad school is different, and so far, I have found that. I'm looking forward to the rest of this year (and next too)!
“when a man is tired of london, he is tired of life; for there is in london all that life can afford." - samuel johnson
Tomorrow, I will board two planes as I embark on my journey. I'll head back to the city that I fell in love with in the fall of 2010. I landed in London on August 30, 2010, and from there on out, the USA may be my country, but London became my city.
My excitement cannot be contained!!
At the same time, I'm nervous because I will be studying at one of the most prestigious social science institutions in the world.
The London School of Economics has produced 18 Nobel Prize winners, is ranked in the top three universities in the UK, and is listed as one of the most prestigious social science institutions in the world. Not to mention, but LSE has some remarkable alumni including JFK (!!), Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, former Secretaries in the U.S. Cabinet, members of royal families from around the world, and legacies of families such as the Rockefellers. Additionally, Aaron Sorkin (#orangenation) did make President Bartlet hold a master's and a PhD from LSE in the West Wing (one of my favorite television shows ever).
Oh, and Mick Jagger is an alum as well.
But, then again, I remind myself that I got into LSE based upon my performance in and out of the classroom at Syracuse. The Maxwell School, internships, activities, travel, programs such as the DLE, and a hard-work ethic that I've had since I was young will help carry me into hopeful success in my program.
This summer has been a whirlwind of preparations. From graduating in May and saying goodbye to several friends in visits over the summer, the next chapter of my life is beginning. I know the next two years will fly by just as my four years at Syracuse were over in a blink of an eye. Taking everything in and seizing every opportunity is my plan. I've never been one to sit on the sidelines and watch. I've also never been one to sit and wait for something to come to me. I've got big plans while I'm at LSE.
I think up to this point, this blog has been a lot about my preparations for London as well as almost serving as a stepping stone from one journey to the next. Of course, this blog will continue to focus on life in London including tips for saving money, etc. Yet, this blog will also begin to focus on my courses, professional development, and travel. I'm looking forward to sharing my new experiences with you. Get ready for a wild ride!
I have had a disease known as over packing since I was allowed to pack my suitcase for vacations on my own. Over packing has been a consistent family joke since I was young. In the dictionary, my name is listed as over packing. WebMD defines over packing as Katie.
My disease had become so severe that a weekend away at our lake house requires extra clothes, just in case. Keeping in mind, our lake house is less than an hour away from our home, and I have clothes there as well.
College was an entirely different case. I had a moving truck, and I'm proud of it.
Believe me, over packing for college paid off every semester. You'd be surprised at the random things I needed (crayons, a hammer, sleeping bag, etc.).
As I've noted several times before, when I went abroad for the four months in college, I packed lightly. I came home with more, but I worked very hard to keep both suitcases underweight for that adventure. It paid off as I was more comfortable packing for weekends away and had more room for souvenirs.
This time around, I will be checking three very large suitcases. I'll also have a carry-on and a backpack as well. About a week ago, I took over the guest bedroom with the start of the packing process. I decided that rather than spend time packing by ripping my closet apart, I'd pre-fold everything that I would like to take. Creating outfits based upon a variety of different clothing pieces was essential when doing this. Usually, whenever I moved to Syracuse, I could take just about everything I wanted to. If I only wore a sweater once in a while, it was fine. This time, it's different.
My piles were of basics (socks, etc.) in addition to scarves (most purchased from the last time I was abroad) to my peacoat. Thus, today, when I started packing, I was able to move throughout the room looking at what I had pulled. No need to rush back and forth between my closet.
Piles Prepared the Week Prior...
Today, if you cannot tell already, was the day I packed. I started out putting the toiletries in all three suitcases (double bagging, of course). From there, rather than pack just one, I moved throughout the room adding in things to all of them. One of the things that I have picked up on from traveling is too stuff shoes (including boots) full of smaller items. It seems obvious to do this, but it can be often overlooked. I laid in my peacoat towards the bottom of one suitcase and proceeded to stuff the sleeves. I did the same for my leather coat. With several of my dresses and silk blouses, I did the roll-method, but was able to place a few smaller shirts between them before the roll.
Starting to Pack
Overall, I was able to get just about everything that I wanted to take with me. A combination of relaxation clothes (new pjs!), clothes for classes, and business attire was packed. One of the nice things is that I'll be able to rotate any clothes at Christmas, if I get tired of them. I packed the essentials- practical for the weather, comfy clothes, and, fashionable as well for London.
Finished Product
The only things left to pack are my carry-on and my backpack. My rain boots snuck into my carry-on suitcase as they weigh a bit too much. Yet, I'm stuffing them full. I've got the majority of the carry-on suitcase done with just a few minor things left to add in. Moving into the final week, I can make sure that I have everything that I absoltuely need and make sure I did not forget something!
Senior year at Syracuse started last August with me in a sticky situation.
During the summer that I spent in DC, I finally admitted to myself as well as those close around me that law school was not the right decision post-Syracuse. I had thought for many months that my decision to go to law school may not be the best approach to do for my intended career path.
At the beginning of college, I wanted to go to law school and had my heart set on doing either civil or real estate law. From there, I imagined entering the world of politics and government after several years. And yes, to those reading, I plan on running for president. I have planned on doing so since I was a child.
Joining mock trial in the first week of freshman year, I threw my heart into the organization and still have some close friends because of it. But, after interning for two different attorneys the summer before sophomore year, I knew my goals had changed. I was going to start taking more public policy courses including being a TA. Mock trial was a criminal case that year, and to be frank, my interest decreased dramatically. Taking a course related to the criminal justice system, I suffered the entire semester. After the first semester, I knew deep down that things were going to change.
During my winter break that year, I began applying for internships. Having the blessing from my parents to pursue internships out-of-state, and specifically in larger cities, I took BIG chances. DC, Boston, New York were all possibilities.
Also, during break, I made my decision to quit mock trial. I stayed on for the first few weeks after the break for a competition, but for my final years at Syracuse, I never went back. The summer after sophomore year, I interned for the Office of Governor Deval Patrick in Boston. Even working part-time, I loved it. My position was in legislative affairs, and to be honest, I enjoyed knowing and reading specific parts of bills.
Going abroad the first semester of junior year, I kept realizing that perhaps law school might not be the right place. London truly became my favorite city. Traveling was a new hobby, and my political science courses left me with wanting more and more. I gained a new mentor that semester in Dr. Wolfgang Deckers, and he told me he never saw me pursuing law school. He believed that my heart was set on something entirely different. He was right, and although we discussed different opportunities, I didn't want to admit yet that law school was wrong.
After the semester abroad, I returned and threw myself into LSAT preparation. I hated it. I never enjoyed going to tutoring classes or even prepping. Material that is based on actual reasoning that has to be done in law school did not capture my interest.
What I loved? My internship that semester working at the Syracuse Housing Authority, my history classes on the Cold War, and my desire to apply for political internships once more. Taking the test in June, I walked out knowing that whatever the score would be, I was not entirely sure of myself and my future decisions.
During the semester I returned back from being abroad, I was also given the opportunity to participate in the Dulye Leadership Experience. Mentors were developed instantly, and throughout that weekend, I began my self-realization process even more quickly. I came home that weekend refreshed.
So, that brings us back to DC last summer. Interning for the Department of Homeland Security, I was involved in an area that I had wanted to learn more about as well as still being in a political atmosphere. By that time, I had added my history major and spent the summer learning more and more about past and present politicians. But, then the news came that I would have to retake the LSAT in October. Devastated, I finally broke down following a Josh Groban concert. There was a specific song, "You are Loved, Don't Give Up."It's always been sentimental to me, but that day it put me over the top. I knew that law school wasn't right. I'd be miserable if I went. I came home crying on the phone to my Mom, and she told me what I always knew. "Your father and I will stick by with you whatever you want to do."
Packing up and returning to Syracuse last fall, I stuck the LSAT out one more time, only improving slightly. When it came to apply to law school, I also had begun my grad school applications. It was something that both my parents and I discussed. Essentially, I applied to a slew of programs that focused on government and public policy. Yet, there was a twist. I have a keen interest in eventually working for the State Department or in the area of international affairs and relations. Thus, all of the graduate schools that I applied to were in London.
I did actually submit one law school application and received an acceptance. But, right before finals week ended in the fall semester, I was admitted to University College London (UCL). I never applied to another law school, and I never looked back. I knew that while I had other grad school applications to hear back on, I would be moving to London in the following fall. Right before Christmas, I received two more acceptances on the same day.
Many at this point in my journey argued two different points. The first was that it was clearly what I wanted to do, and what many would dream of doing. UCL was ranked as one of the best world universities. The other point was that I was running away from life here. To those who dissented, I'm still standing by my dream and what I want to do in my life. Two years of learning a subject area that I thrive for, the option to do a dual degree program, and to learn more about myself is what I need.
My top choice accepted to me on the first day of my last semester at Syracuse. I think it was fitting.
I got accepted to Syracuse late in my application process period. Many in high school had made similar remarks on my application to Syracuse as did those who commented about applying to LSE. With my acceptance into the Master's in Public Administration (Public and Economic Policy stream), I knew I had a plan. I was still waiting for one more graduate school to notify me about my decision. It came in March with a rejection. By then, though, LSE was all I could think about. My final graduate school total? 7/8.
As the final semester at Syracuse flew by, I kept receiving reminders that my decision not to pursue law school was the best one that I had made. Working on my honors thesis [Social Media & its Potential Effects on Civic Engagement], I would stay up for hours reading new political books and articles. Discovery of new ideas in a field that I had passion for was what I had always wanted in my life. My internship the prior semester with the Office of Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand and my position with the U.S. Department of State through the Virtual Student Foreign Service Program solidified my goals in my mind.
At Commencement, I knew that I had a plan. THE RIGHT PLAN. I have not looked back and wondered if I should have kept applying to law school. Nor, have I wondered what it would be like starting law school this week as many of my friends have. Instead, I'm looking forward.
As I've stated on this blog numerous times before, leaving Syracuse was very hard. I'm currently jealous of everyone moving back this week. Yet, I know I will always have Syracuse, but my journey to continue to become the person I want to be begins in less than a month at LSE. LSE will be two years, and from there, maybe I'll pursue a job, my PhD, or see whatever else lands on my plate.
So, the point of this whole post? To tell my story. Many don't know how I changed my mind, and maybe, it will help someone else out in the future.
I'll leave you with the song that I listened to for days when I had my breakdown last summer. It's still a favorite, and it now has even more of a special meaning behind it. It reminds me to always be true to myself.
