Preparing for Graduate School and Post-College Life (College Series #4)

 

Hey everyone!

Today I am going to be discussing my plans for after I get my bachelor's degree in May and what else I want to do with my post-grad life!

Current semester and what I am doing!

This semester, I am taking five classes (13 credits). I took Principles of Marketing last semester and I really found it interesting, so I decided to take another marketing class this semester, Retailing. So far, it has been super interesting! I am also taking Environmental Justice (I wasn't sure if I would like this class but it seems like it will be fun and unique), Introduction to Brewing Sciences (I am learning about the sciences behind making beer), and Activities for Stress Management (I wanted to take this class to not have a repeat of last semester with my stress levels and mental health). I am also doing my communication studies internship with WarriorNow (I am doing social media posts and similar activities). 

Continuing my education at the University of Northern Colorado

I recently got accepted and decided to attend graduate school at UNC. This was something I was seriously on the fence about with considering. For starters, I have been kind of burned out with school lately and wasn't sure if I wanted to continue school at this point in my life. On the other hand, I got accepted into the applied sociology program and this will open more doors for me with what I want to do with my career plans. 

With that, I decided I want to take my advocacy skills and use them to advocate for others like me and with other disabilities in higher education. I have had many unique experiences when it comes to being an individual with an "invisible" disability in college. I have dealt with difficult professors, had people who turn away when they find out about my differences, and I've also had some other personal challenges that I've had to learn from. 

I want to help continue to make college a possible option for those who may think they aren't capable or it seems to far out of reach. Everyone deserves an opportunity to attend college/post-secondary education if they want to!

To help make my decision, I talked with several other people I know that are currently doing graduate studies as well. I learned what the course load will look like, how much it would cost, and what resources are available to me while I continue my education. I took a lot of time before fully making a decision. 

There was a lot to consider in this process but I am very happy with my decision and excited to see what my future holds come next fall!

Post in the comments about what starting adulthood was like and if you still have things you want to try in your future! Always open to hearing new input for my blog as well!

Until next time,

Caitlin

Start of the New Semester and Looking Back on Last Semester

 This week was the start of the spring semester at UNC! I am super excited, especially after having a nice and refreshing winter break! 

Looking back on last semester, I have learned a few things. My procrastinating ways finally caught up to me and that was a difficult thing to face. Every semester, everyone tells (and I tell myself) to not procrastinate, but I end up doing that anyways. My emotional and mental states were not the best (I should've had a more positive attitude). 

Anyways, this semester is off to an amazing start. I have some pretty cool classes and not as stressful of a workload. I also have an internship, so that's pretty cool! Some things I am doing to prevent a repeat of last semester include taking an activities for stress management class, continuing seeing my counselor, and writing more. 

Let me know in the comments section what your stress relieving techniques are!

Preparing for the New Semester!

 Hey everyone,

Coming back from Winter Break (or any break from school) can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. There's getting everything cleaned up in your living space, checking what textbooks and supplies are needed for classes, and much more. 

This upcoming week, I start my final semester of senior year and in undergraduate studies. I always feel more stressed at the beginning of the semester. This semester is different being that it is my last one and there is a lot I need to think about in terms of post-college life. I recently got accepted to continue my studies at UNC in the sociology graduate program. I really want to consider this option, but school is very expensive and I also want to look into other possible options. 

The beginning of the semester is stressful in general due to new classes, a new schedule adjustment, different professors than the semester before, and there may be more or less homework on the agenda. All of those things combined with making time for friends and self-care, it's a lot to handle. 

In the 7 semesters I have been in college, I have learned to rely on all of the people in my support system to get me through the start of the semester and to always ask for help if I need it. This is the time where I need the most support because it is a CHANGE, and change for me is NEVER easy. I just learn to adapt to it in order to be successful! 

When it comes to school, what is/was the most stressful time for you?

Until next time,

Caitlin