How Did I Get Here?- One Year Later

About a year ago, I wrote a blog entry titled: How Did I Get Here?

It received a lot of attention from family, friends, and even strangers. The entry focused on how I ended up pursuing a Master's Degree from the London School of Economics rather than heading off to law school.  

That entry focused on how to pursue your dreams rather than follow what you believe your path should be. Yes, I think law school could still be something that I pursue. Yet, after a year of grad school at LSE, I'm glad I chose the plan I did.  I don't necessary think I would have been entirely unhappy if I had continued down the law school path immediately after Syracuse, but with the interests I have in terms of career plans, my decision to not go was the wisest for me.

Following my interests and what I want to do in life rather than a set plan was the best decision I ever made. I knew the decision I made was right. Over the past year, I've grown academically, professionally, and personally. Academically, I've gained more skills, more knowledge, and learned that I enjoy running regressions. In terms of professionalism, I've learned how to handle sticky work situations and how to work in a foreign country. And personally, I've grown. I've become more of an adult? Scary, I know. I've handled losing friendships, personal situations, and seen more of the world to appreciate what I have.

I've got a little more than a month left before I head back to Londontown for year two of my programme. Crazy to think of how fast time flies, right?

Below My Feet

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.