Going Back to School

Tomorrow I will begin my graduate studies as a part time student.  I’m so excited to go back to college and I’m really happy with my new university (so happy that I bought a tshirt).  I’m a bit sad that the combination of distance, time, and finances dictate my need to attend a satellite campus rather than the mother school.  It’s a beautiful place.  There are so many veg*an options, let alone more food options than my undergrad college.  The campus is HUGE with a mixture of old and modern architecture.  There are some neat statues, including a lovely Athena to watch over all the budding (and would-be) scholars.  There are so many active clubs as evidenced by the vivid display of handmade flags in the student center.  There’s even a group dedicated to Pagan studies!  *sigh*  At least I’m somehow a part of that  spirit, even at a distance.  The important thing is that I’m furthering my education, increasing my job security, and, eventually, raising my salary.  I need to keep my eye on the prize.

I have a few more admission-related things to take care of – mostly sending in health forms as that office was closed today.  I did get my student ID meaning I once more get to take advantage of student discounts as museums!  I LOVE that perk!  I’m also still ironing out kinks as far as financial aid goes.  It is such a stressful process…  I don’t know how I did it for my undergrad…

The scheduling is simultaneously strange, agreeable, and annoying.  I have one class every Monday for several hours.  No problem.  The other two classes only meet three weekends total – a few hours on Fridays and many hours on Saturdays.  Basically, I’ll be fitting an entire semester into six intense days.  Those weekends will probably be very tiring but I’m sure I can handle it.  The most annoying thing is that the first Friday class is the same day as my grove’s Imbolc ritual meaning I have to miss the business meeting – and I had to miss it last month.  This makes me feel like a major jerk even though I can’t help it.  I may even be late to the ritual which makes me feel even worse…  I’m also going to have to miss my witch group’s drawing down ritual next month.  Major bugger.

It will be worth it, annoyances and all.  Knowledge doesn’t come without sacrifice.  This week will likely be incredibly stressful (my weekly ogham reading even confirms it), but I know I can do it and will be a better person because of it.  Here’s hoping my grovies aren’t too annoyed with me…