So, I am not having the best week in coping with my new lifestyle. My work has been uber-stressful from preparing for the Marshall-WVU (which I have to be at work for) and coping with the increased workload that comes from grad school. The funny thing is, that when I was an undergrad, I would readily write twice what the professor was seeking. Now that I am in grad school, that is what is required and I am struggling. Namely in my Modern British and Irish Poetry class.
I enjoy the professor. I enjoy the class discussions. I am just struggling with writing two pages (single-spaced) every week on the poems we read. I can't decide if it is because I am frustrated with trying to uncover every nuance in the language of poetry, or if it is just because it is a Monday, Wednesday and Friday class and I have to do some of the work during the week. Before, I would just load up my weekends with the readings and assignments for my papers.
One of my professors (actually the one who inspired me to get my doctorate) always suggests writing through the issue. Oddly enough, that is the same advice I would give a reporter who is struggling to come up with the perfect lede (that is spelled right and is the first paragraph of a news story for the non-news folks) for his/her story.
What I think I really came to today is that I need to open my mind some more, which is really what grad school is about. What I am realizing is that I am on the first leg of a long journey. That first leg is usually the toughest. To use a bad metaphor, I have been walking to class (six blocks) three times a week. It has been hot and I have been struggling. Today, it was breezy and in the mid-70s. That is still hot for walking, but I did it with ease. I am strengthening my body and my mind. I just need to remember to not be afraid of the journey.
Wow, that was a little too philosophical. Maybe I am ready for poetry.
No comments:
Post a Comment