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The New Social Worker is the quarterly magazine for social work students and recent graduates, focusing on social work careers for those new to the profession. This blog is a companion to the free online magazine at http://www.socialworker.com.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Back to the Grad School Grind

Ah, yes...

It's late Saturday night and for all intents and purposes, Spring Break is pretty much over for me. I have to write a book review, a paper, and a bio-psycho-social assignment by Tuesday(!?) so it's time to dig in -- again.

I have to say: graduate school is not for everyone. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it, right?

This has been my toughest semester yet, and I know it's because I went from being a part-time student/full-time employee to being a full-time student/full-time employee.

I went to my doctor over break and confessed to her that I have become an insomniac. She prescribed some medicine that is non-narcotic, and that will help me to fall asleep. I have been averaging about four hours of sleep per night all semester.

Sometimes I feel like all I do is whine in this blog. I am trying to share my experience (strength and hope) with you. It is called "An MSW Student's Life," after all!

I am also digging your feedback -- be it your dreams for the future, or your reminiscences of the past. Your words help me to "trudge the happy road" ahead.

I am having some really amazing moments. I hope that shines through, alongside the struggles that I write about.

My acupuncturist, a Chinese man, shared with me that in his homeland, once people reach 40 years of age, they can no longer attend college or university. He said the demand is too high for education. Americans are fortunate to be able to have lifelong educational freedom. I am very grateful.

This blog is a ranting platform for me. It has saved my sanity on more than one occasion. I hope it serves to help those of you who are in the same boat with me, and those of you who plan to attend graduate school in the future.

--Ms. T. J.
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Posted by Southern Social Worker at 10:14 PM
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5 comments:

  1. Welcome back, TJ! I'm glad you got a much-needed break. That's really interesting that people in China are not allowed to go to college/university after age 40. I had not heard that before. I look forward to hearing more of your adventures!
    ReplyDelete
  2. Carolyn PrestonMar 23, 2009 07:49 AM
    Okay, Point Number One: Venting is self care. This is a good thing.
    Point Number Two: The lot of a graduate student is a difficult one. You are supposed to be telling the story of a graduate student. Ergo, there will be complaining. Think of it as doing your job.
    Point Number Three: One of the joys of group work (and I would consider blogging an extension of a peer support group) is knowing that you are not alone. Therefore, you are providing a service to all the students out there that are worried that they are the only ones that ..(fill in the blank).

    Hang in there, you are doing well! And remember, stories about vacations in Virginia are also welcome!

    Take care.
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  3. As a midlife msw student, sometimes I feel this blog is my lifeline, I always enjoy reading it.
    Betsy
    ReplyDelete
  4. Is it hard to go back to school and study social work program after age 50? Please give me your honest opinions. I am eager to learn.
    ReplyDelete
  5. I started graduate school when I was 48 and I will be 50 when I graduate in May 2010.

    I believe it is a challenge for my younger classmates, also. In fact, two young women were treated for stress -- in the hospital -- over spring break. I think the trick is learning how to take care of yourself while you are in school, and that is different for everyone.

    Anything is possible when you are passionate about achieving a goal. And, if it doesn't work out, you can try something else. That is the very cool thing about this life we are given.

    --Ms. T. J.
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