Ducks @ Oregon - University of Oregon

Senior Year Plans: An Introduction

Katie D.

September 17, 2009 - 5:00 PM

This is the first in a multi-part series detailing my plans for senior year. It's going to be a busy one, folks. I'll be working, studying, writing a thesis, volunteering, rock climbing, maximizing this last year with college friends, traveling, and hopefully doing an internship. I don't think I've ever approached a year with quite this degree of potential, nor the level of commitment I currently am sorting through. I enjoy being busy: it helps me to focus, both on being productive and being very present in the moment with friends and experiences.

So let me write a quick introduction to a few of these plans. I'll highlight some later, and report back as the school year progresses. I'm so excited to get started, and somewhat overwhelmed by everything that's coming!

Friends
After this year, my beloved college friends will be scattering to the far reaches of the galaxy, off to pursue whatever plans they might have. Probably a fair number of us will go abroad. Others will continue their education immediately. Whatever the case, senior year is going to be my last chance to live in close proximity with all these important people. It had better be good! We'll be gathering for weekly TV and hang out sessions, checking out the night scene in Eugene, hopefully traveling to Bend and Ashland, the coast and the mountains, and also just spending time relaxing together. In the midst of all my other plans, it is incredibly important to me that I always have the space for my friends.

Classes
I'll write more about these when I have more details. Class begins Tuesday, September 29th. But here's the quick version of my class list:

Comparative Literature 301 Approaches to Comparative Literature
This is an introduction to literary theory and comparative study. I couldn't take this class last year because it conflicted with other classes, but I like the professor and think it will be very interesting.

Comparative Literature 415 Capstone Seminar

Advanced literary theory and research

including a large research project, undertaken with all senior COLT students, with my COLT advisor Professor Kenneth Calhoon.

Spanish 490 Twentieth Century Chilean Literature
Contemporary Chilean authors will be read and studied in Spanish, with an emphasis on the changing nature of the nation and political roles. I am really, really excited about this class.

Volunteers in Medicine
I will be returning to Volunteers in Medicine as a Spanish/English translator (please see previous blogs). I have had such wonderful experiences at VIM, I am truly excited to continue. I'll be working Monday mornings, and can't wait to start back with those people and that organization.

Teacher's Assistant
I will be working as a Teacher's Assistant for Greg Bothun's Honors College Class "Topics in Global Energy Policy." I took this class during Fall term last year.

Rock Climbing
I just purchased my very own rock climbing harness! I hope to climb at the UO gym at least twice a week, and to climb outside at least four times during the coming year.

Wesley Center
I'll be continuing my attendance at the Wesley Center this year, which is a campus ministry group of the United Methodist Church. I attend weekly dinner/class activities, in addition to taking part in a writer's group and serving on the directors' board.

Internship
I will hopefully be involved in a very exciting internship project during all of senior year. Unfortunately, this has yet to be finalized, so I must remain mysteriously silent for now.

Work
Blogging: That means you, beloved reader. Two blogs each week, written just for you.
Honors College tour guiding: Introducing prospective students and their families to the Honors College.

AEI tutoring: Working one-on-one with international students, providing language and cultural support, and generally acting as a resource for English Language Learners at the UO.

Reading: I have a friend in the Comparative Literature Program who is blind. I'll be working with her as a reader during the academic year.

Thesis
This will be the driving force of my year. My thesis has been a consuming part of my summer, involving many hours of research and planning. My current plan is to complete my rough draft by March 21st, the day before my 22nd birthday. Then I would have spring break free of thesis concerns, and return to school with three weeks to edit, revise, print, and submit what will probably be approximately a 50 page research paper by my personal deadline of April 22nd. That will leave me time to enjoy the spring without a huge project hanging over my head. We'll see if I can stick to the schedule! What is certain is that, by graduation in June, I will have completed and defended my thesis project.

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All these plans have to balance out in a way that will still leave room for adventures and down time. I might have to eliminate a couple of smaller commitments in order to maintain my sanity. But I was thinking about all of this as I was writing, and discovered that I am incredibly excited for this year! I have so many opportunities this year: I will end college with a huge array of new experiences, added skills and networks, and many memories.

It's a little early to say, but right now I feel like this will be the best of the four years. You know I'll keep you posted.