End of "Last Weekend of Freedom"

Well, today brings to a close my "last weekend of freedom." Which, really wasn't all that free. Both of my professors sent me readings to do prior to our first class, including two chapters, an article, and some seriously heavy Karl Marx stuff. I'm definitely excited about it despite the prematurity of it all.

I talked to my mom and one of my best friends on the phone today. It was nice that both of them said I sounded good. In fact, my best friend told me that I sounded the best she'd ever heard me sound. That's great. I feel wonderful. Everyone in the Sociology department is so supportive and positive. They all reinforce my efforts and they help to remove any of the self-doubts I have. And, trust me I have a lot of self doubt. It's a welcome change, I'm not used to being around people who are so positive and supportive, especially in an academic environment.

Started my readings this evening and Karl Marx was an amazing thinker. I've only read 4 of the 60 pages I was assigned, but I feel like I've read an entire book. His work is like that, lots of depth. He's so right on, even 150 years later, about how our production of goods robs us (as individuals) of a rewarding and creative lifestyle. I could go more into it, but I'll spare you. His philosophies on religion also sum up a lot of what I feel, only I could never articulate it in the same manner that he does.

So far in my methods class I am generally surprised by how "easy" my assignments seem. I made it through the intro of the book (the most annoying chapter) and none of the concepts seem foreign to me. Thank goodness I had such an awesome theory teacher, took three methods classes, and a great intro to sociology teacher. I hear their voices and remember their examples as I read through the text. I am surprised at how elementary some of the work/concepts seem and can see where graduate school will be less about learning new information, and more about honing my skills and knowledge into something useful in research.

I meet tomorrow with my professor that I'm GTFing for. Should get the course syllabus and the book. Now, I just need to plan out my first lesson. Little nervous, but I'm sure I'll do fine. Always wanted to be a teacher, just didn't imagine it'd happen this fast.

Here's to a great first week. Wish me luck!