Winter term, 2012

Katie D.

January 13, 2012 - 4:03 PM

It's going to be another whirlwind term. In fact, with graduation and my plans for next year looming, the remaining few months in Eugene will be one grand whirlwind. I fully expect to be ran off my feet at times, and to find some exciting new things to study and experience. I want to make sure to get the best of Eugene and the UO during these final months. So here I go.

This term my two main classes are both offered by geography professors: one is a Migration class, and the other is about the conflict in Northern Ireland. Both classes are shaping up to be relevant and informative, and with a lot to offer in the way of personal growth in my areas of interest. Migration is taught by a great professor, Susan Hardwick, who is retired from the UO in order to work for National Geographic. But she is obviously a teacher at heart and is an enthusiastic presence in the classroom, so I'm looking forward to the migration class this term. Northern Ireland is taught by Professor Shaul Cohen, who I work with for Inside-Out and other social justice efforts on campus, and who includes some simulated peace negotiations as part of the course. He also promised me that, by the end of his class, I will know more about the Troubles than anyone my age who was born and raised in Northern Ireland.

So there's the framework for my weeks: these two classes. And they look like a great place to start.

But I'm sure you won't be surprised to hear I have many additional academic and activist commitments this term as well. After all, there's a thin, thin line between bored and overcommitted. So this is my attempt to find that sweet spot in life:

I hope to write the bulk of my thesis this term. There's a long way to go, and it's frustrating enough that I don't want to say more here. Suffice to say that there is a lot of work to be done in this part of my life. A lot a lot a lot...

I also am working through my internship requirement for CRES. I'm doing immigration work here in Lane County, including event organizing and outreach with various campus and community organizations. Things look good in this sector, although the event is coming up darn fast and there's lots of work left to do.

As part of my mission to live life to the fullest, I signed up for two PE classes, both of which should be awesome. I'm taking a kickboxing class, which promises to be really fun and really informative. I'm going to be ready for some serious sparring here starting Thursday. Can't wait! My other class is Rock II, the rock climbing class focused on conditioning and strength, rather than introduction or skills-focused. I'm excited for this class to help me get back on the wall, and to get me ready for hopefully some rock climbing trips this spring. Wouldn't that be a good way to wrap up these years?

I've been adopted into a writer's support group through the geography department, in which we help each other with editing and feedback for long projects. I've also got work, Inside-Out, other social justice events, and more. This list feels short when compared to what this first week felt like: things are already wild and the weekend is quite welcome.

So look forward to exciting stories from the blog this term. In fact, be prepared for a great read for the rest of the academic year. My goal is to live life to the fullest, and to seize the day while also writing the thesis. An added perk of these goals is that it makes for great blogging.

So get out there, folks. And enjoy the ride, here to June. Happy 2012!