For those of you who don't know (and I realize that "those of you" means most of you), I'm 29 years old. That means that I've been out of school for a relatively long time. Only problem with that....I forgot how to study, how I used to study, how best to study. I did well in undergrad and do remember that I studied, but the details of it are blurred. Did I just read and reread materials? my notes? the book? Well, since I really couldn't answer any of those questions with 100% certainty, I decided to make flashcards. (tada!) One of the things that seems really different between undergrad and grad school are the powerpoints that professors pass out at the beginning of class---meaning that you only really take notes on that which isn't already there. In thinking about it now, the practice of taking notes used to be very helpful for me, and so it makes sense that writing out flashcards is also very helpful. The stack's pretty big and takes me about 20 minutes to read through, but it's worth it. (I hope). First midterm is today; second is Wednesday. It's been CRUNCH time as of late, friends. Last week I had two papers due and now...midterms....already??? I can barely believe it.
In other and more exciting news, I'm going to an informational session this afternoon on the India program. I know very little about it right now, but apparently UMB has a relationship with a university in Southern India that has a social work program, and last year for the first time they sent a small handful of social work students there for 6 months to study/do fieldwork. Right now it seems almost too good to be true: doesn't set you back any in terms of graduation, doesn't cost any more in terms of tuition, etc. I'm having to remind myself to keep my feet on the ground....haven't even applied yet. But I know that I will and I also know that until I hear otherwise I will pleasantly assume that I got it! My best friend was recently telling me that's the secret of the universe. If you see it, if you want it badly enough, if you will it to be it will be. Do I really believe that? Hmmm..not sure, but it's worth a shot. Anyway, yes, India. It's been near the top of my "must see" list for quite a long time and I can't wrap my brain around how fantastic it would be to live there, and on top of that, to be taking classes and be working in the field there. Breathe, Kim. Get through this week and these midterms before you begin packing....

More soon, friends. Take care.