The Light at the End
It is almost impossibly to believe, but I am nearly at the end of my career as a graduate student. That seemingly never-ending sequence of failed experiments, mundane daily tasks, dissertation writing…not to mention missing my fiance like crazy - it will all be over in a matter of weeks. Like so many other long-term life events, graduate school in some regards has flown by, but in others has seemed to take a life time. I feel that my experiences here have absolutely allowed me to form my adult self - independent, opinionated, informed, and most of all - knowing that I can make my own way in the world.
Living on one’s own in a new city, away from friends and family for the first time, is a unique and indispensable experience…one that I think too few people go through. There is a sense of empowerment that comes from creating your own life away from the comforts of home. That being said, I am returning to my undergrad college town (not far from where I grew up) to start a new job and a new life together with my future hubby. I don’t know yet if I’ll miss any aspects of being a grad student. Certainly I’ll miss the people here, to whom I have grown so close, and I will miss the perfect weather runs outside in February and March…but the stress, the ‘dreaded Tucson summer’, and the meager stipend? I think I’ll get over those things pretty quick!
This is my ode to moving on with my life. I think when the time comes I will write Tucson a going away letter, but I’ve still got about four and a half weeks to enjoy the cacti, wildflowers and crisp morning air.
