Month in Review

It's been awhile since I last updated, but I've been keeping busy!  Here's what I've done in the past month:

The East Lakeview Art Festival at the end of September:

Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the world reknown conductor, Muni.  This was a FREE concert ant Millennium Park, look at the GORGEOUS background of the city lights.  I was there with 7 other classmates, we had a picnic on the lawn.  It was a gorgeous night and a beautiful concert.  The whole place was packed (they had to shut down the entrance 1/2 before the show started).  At the end, there was even fireworks!!

Now that I'm a member of the Chicago Architecture Foundation, I've been taking advantage of the bus tours and walking tours that they offer.  I've been to two so far:  The Great Chicago Fire Tour and the Loop Tour.  They were both great.  It was fun to learn more about the city and to walk around and just relaxing after a full week of learning.

The Chicago Fire Department.  The art piece marks the site where the Great Chicago Fire originated. 

Another free concert at the Millennium Park.  This was the Chicago Country Music Festival.  It had been a long stressful day of studying, so it was so good to take a break with one of my classmates and listen to some awesome concert, by Jake Owen and then Jewel.  Jewel yodeled.  It was random, but great!

 

And lastly, it was my birthday yesterday.  I had SUCH a wonderful day.  I had so many people wishing me happy birthday (thanks Facebook!).  I got a very sweet phone call from my lovely co-workers at EComm.  I miss the girls at the fire pod.  It was so great to hear from them.  I wrote an exam (and learned today that I received the highest mark in class!  WOOT!), my classmates got me a birthday card and mini cupcakes (totally unexpected, SO sweet of them!), and we all went out to celebrate after class.  The bar we went to had trivia night.  My team got 3rd place (with VERY little help from me), and this was my prize:

All in all, a fantastic month.  I feel like I'm getting the hang of grad school.  It's a lot of work, but I think I'm doing pretty well.  My past two exams have been good, anyways.  I love everything I'm learning, I LOVE my new friends, I love the new city.  I'm just too happy for words, and just so so lucky. 

The next month should be pretty hectic - I've got even more exams coming up and many papers and assignments all due within a week of each other.  But there are also lots of other exciting things:  we are taking a class trip to Wisconsin for a workshop over one of the weekends in November, for one.  Halloween is coming up, and I think I just might dress up this year if I can come up with an idea. 

Good Learning

Today I had the best class since I've started the grad program.  It was a Medical Genetics PBL class on translocations of the chromosomes.  I know I said I don't like PBLs, but I learned so much this class!  I have enjoyed most of my classes so far - but I find some of them kind of repetitive and dry (research methods, etc.).  Since I've tried to keep up with all the readings, a lot of times the lectures are just reviews of what I've already read, with few new and interesting ideas.  I prefer to learn something new when I'm in class, and when a class is largely reviews, I find my attention start to drift.  An easy solution could be to not do the reading before class so the materials would be new, but I don't want to fall behind on my reading and look like an idiot in class.  Anyways, tonight's class was great because our prof taught us things that were either not in the textbook or very confusing to learn on our own.  She really challenged us to think more about the confusing aspects of translocations - from the patient's perspective, and with real scenarios and test outcomes.  I really felt like I learned something new today.  It was VERY satisfying to realize the complexities of the mechanism and the AMAZING way our body copes with these random errors.  It was even more satisfying to feel like I understood it, and that there are more about it that I want to learn.  I loved that this class was so dynamic - more of a discussion and problem solving, rather than just passively memorizing the information.  All I want to do now is go and review the concepts I learned and apply them to some problems!  I think that's the only thing missing in this class and in grad school - there isn't a lot of "practice tests" like in high school or some university classes because teachers and students focus less on the evaluation and testing portion and more on the learning portion of education.  I learn by doing so that would've helped.  I could just make up some of my own questions, but that somehow doesn't feel like actually testing the limits of my knowledge since it was created from my knowledge. 

School has been great - I think I need more of a social life, though.  We don't have a lot of time for one, and the fact that I don't have many friends in the new city and that I live alone certainly don't help.  (Wow, that last sentence was definitely a run-on sentence!)  The past week also was kind of a more subdued week, where I spent most of my time by myself studying.  This is this "brunch or dinner with strangers" event that is put on by one of the student clubs, I'm thinking of going. 

I joined the gym, and I've been twice already.  I plan to keep up with exercising this time.  I feel really uncomfortable at the new gym, though.  I don't really feel like I know what I'm doing or what I should be doing.  There is a swimming pool and a sauna, but I feel sort of self-conscious using them (I don't know why), so I haven't yet.  There are classes as well, but again, I feel self conscious because I fear that my fitness level wouldn't allow me to keep up with the rest of the class.  I know I just need to get over it and eventually will feel more comfortable at this new gym, but for now, it's a struggle.  There was a personal training program that I could join which I know will make me feel better about being at the new gym, BUT it is $1200.  It simply isn't something I could afford. 

I definitely don't miss having a TV.  It's great!!  The only thing is I feel sort of out-of-touch with the world without watching the news, and I simply don't read news on the internet.  Oh well.  Overall, everything is great, I just feel like I need more human interactions, and maybe a little more social life.  I'm thinking concert in the part this weekend, or maybe opera with a classmate sometime this week.

Future First Author

I met with my scholarship project adviser today.  It was great to get more details of the case I'm suppose to be writing.  Also, she told me that since I was going to be doing most of the work, I can be first author on the paper!!!!  I am SO excited.  I am such a nerd!  SO.  Potentially, I could have a paper published (we are thinking Prenatal Diagnosis, not a bad journal, either!) from the scholarship project, maybe my thesis, depending on what I do... and who knows what else?  2 papers in 1 1/2 years?  I'm definitely counting my eggs way way before they are hatched (or even conceived).  But I'm excited.  Regardless of whether I get anything published - what an opportunity!  One of the authors that we will be corresponding with is probably a huge deal in the area, too - I've seen her name in half of the papers that I've researched.  I couldn't be in a happier place. 

My throat has been hurting since last night - I'm hoping that it's nothing.  I cannot afford to get sick right now.  I have so much to do  - reading, research, studying...  I wish I have more time. 

First Week of Class

The first week of class isn't over yet, and I am already feeling a little overwhelmed.  Maybe it's normal - I hope it isn't an indication that I'm not cut out for this.  I think it is just the fact that it's a complete change of lifestyle.  After all, I've been out of school for so long.

The program started with three days of orientation.  I didn't count that as my first week.  Technically all I've had is a first day of class, not a first week of class.  It feels like it, though.  We had 4 classes today, each were about 2 hours long, with hour breaks in between.  I think what most overwhelmed me was the fact that we weren't given a lot of notice on our reading, and despite my effort to stay on top of things, I'm already behind.  Many of the class syllabus were distributed only yesterday or the day before, yet most of them had (a lot of) assigned reading for the first class.  For the first week alone, I count 12 chapters and 5 articles.  I have never done so much reading in my life.  I enjoy the material, but it is a LOT of information to absorb.  We were also given the "expectations" in class - the usual do your work, don't procrastinate sort of thing and that can be intimidating - our profs actually have high expectations from us.  No hand holding. 

We are expected to complete a thesis project by the end of the program.  It is a LOT of work, it seems.  Some of my classmates are not completely enthused by this requirement, but I don't mind it.  I love research.  However, I'm really not looking forward to the beginning and end parts of this process - finding a research question and thesis adviser and the written report and oral defense.  I know from past experience how important a thesis adviser can be, and I have NO IDEA how to go about finding one.  I really hope I can get someone like Janet (and I don't know if I will - that's a pretty high expectation).  I don't know anyone here and don't really have any connections established.  How would I even start looking for someone when I don't even have a research question?  To me, the adviser is more important than the actual question I work on.  I also feel awkward about going to random strangers and asking them to devote so much time on being my thesis adviser.  I don't like writing (mostly because I am not confident in my writing skills), but I am scared of the oral defense.  I just have this fear that I won't know the answers to what they will ask me.  Lastly, I am maybe too ambitious in thinking this, but I hope to get a published paper out of this project.  I don't know if it's a good idea to put that pressure on myself, or maybe it's good to have that goal.  I also want to have an abstract of the project accepted at a national conference (for a poster or a platform presentation).  BUT, at the same time I don't want to get accepted because I hate presentations and public speaking.  It is such an inner struggle!  I'll submit regardless. I'm scared but I still want to push the limits and be the best I can be. 

We also have journal clubs and case conferences - this seems like fun, like the lab meetings I used to go to at Janet's Lab - but more intense.  We each take turn presenting, and it is broadcast to all these faculty members who conference in.  From the sounds of it, about 30 people or more tune in to these meetings, and they grill you pretty hard.  I hate public speaking, and even though I've somewhat overcome those fears with teaching all these years, I still feel uncomfortable when I'm in front of groups of people.

One of my courses is in the style of PBL (problem-based learning).  I like the concept, and I tried it once before - but I didn't like it.  I always feel somewhat lost and am never sure if I was answering the questions properly or adequately.  Another thing out of my comfort zone.

I meet with my scholarship project adviser tomorrow, and she seems so nice.  I hope what little I've done is enough to prepare for this meeting.  I don't think either of us know what to expect, so this should be interesting.

So far, grad school is fun, but definitely challenging.  I love my professors, my classmates, and everyone else I've met in the program.  I don't mind the reading so much, although I'm kind of intimidated and don't know how well I will be able to keep up with 12 chapters of reading per week.  My time management skills are definitely going to be put to test.  I have so many different projects on the go, I really hope I don't drop the ball somewhere along the line.  I want to stay healthy and somehow fit exercising into all this, but I don't know how I'm going to do it!  If nothing else, graduate school is definitely pushing me outside of my comfort zone with all the reading, writing, and presenting.   I hope that I will grow, and that this whole process isn't going to induce TOO much stress.

I'm excited!

Grad Orientation and Aquarium

I had my first grad student orientation on Monday (two more to go... who knew it would be so hard to orient to being a graduate student?).  The day reminded me of my first day as an undergraduate.  We had the same sort of opening remarks assembly (make the most of your time in school), break out sessions, and the same chaotic resource fair.  I attended three sessions, one session with the Love Doctor who was hilarious and also inspiring, and then two more sessions that freaked me out over taxes and financial aid.  Overall it was a successful day.  I met all except one of my classmates.  Everyone is so nice and many are just like me, in a brand new city, looking for friends.

After the orientation, some of us decided to meet up for a free day at the aquarium.

It was fun to get to know some of the girls better.  We had a great time at the aquarium and having desserts after.  Tomorrow we have another orientation and then we are going to head to a Sox game (I got free tickets at the Jazz Festival).  My friend, Nichole whom I met in Europe a few summers ago, is going to visit and stay with me in Chicago for a few days, too.  Overall, my move here has been filled with lots of love, friendship, and fun.  I'm so lucky.

We got some of our course syllabus today, and I noticed that we've already been assigned reading - lots of reading.  I've started to read some of them today (in addition to my scholarship project research).  Boy, I think my eyes are going to pop out.  I probably did a good solid 8 hrs+ of reading today!  The good news is I'm almost done!  One more chapter to go, and I'll be ready for the first week of class.  It finally feels like school has started.

Lyric Opera at Millennium Park

Chicago really is a fantastic city.  I LOVE Millennium Park with its many many free concerts, dance shows, operas, and festivals.  Tonight I went to Stars of Lyric Opera.  Basically, they do a selection of all the best songs with all their best singers, in the park, for free.  The place was packed!

My favourites of the night were Mozart's Don Giovanni act one aria "Madamina", sang by Kyle Ketelsen - I loved the humour, and Puccini's Madam Butterfly (my favourite opera) art two aria: the famous "Un bel di" sang by Ana Maria Martinez as Cio-Cio San.  Oh my gosh, Martinez was AMAZING.  I cried (but not a lot, because that would be embarrassing).  I remember crying the first time I heard it with my Grade 10 English teacher, Mrs. Waber, when she took us to see my very first live opera.  Every time I hear the aria, I can just see the red (fabric symbolizing blood) spill over the stage in my mind.  The best part:  Lyric Opera has $20 student tickets!!  Hopefully some of my classmates are into opera and we can go together during the season.  And if not, I'll just have to go by myself! 

Needless to say, another fantastic night in Chicago.  Tomorrow morning I have brunch with some of my classmates.  I think Sunday brunches are going to be a thing for us this coming year.  Orientation is on Monday, and I can't wait to start!  We got our advisor assignments and class schedules a couple of days ago.  I've made contact with the faculty advisor for my scholarship project, too.  This is like slowly watching your dream being realized.  Totally cool!

Wiki Ramble

Warning:  this entry is just a very boring rant.

I want to learn how to use wikis.  Seems easy enough?  Everyone says wikis are easy to use, what you see is what you get, and all the information is on the internet.  I mean we all use wikipedia.  I was told that creating wikis is very similar to what I do with creating mini posters / mind maps for when I study which is why I want to learn to create wikis - for my studying and information gathering in the next few years.  I will be able to share these with others (presumably), and use it as reference easily later on in my career (again, I'm not sure if that's true).  Having my own private wikipedia on genetic counseling WOULD be kind of cool.

The problem is I don't know how to create wikis.  In fact, I'm not too sure how they work.  I've spent hours trying to figure out what to do or where to start, and I'm still so confused.  I think the problem is that wiki, by it's very nature is a sort of bottom-up information structure, but the way I learn is very top-down.  So I'm left very frustrated.  There are so much information out there about things you can do with a wiki, but not a lot of examples (other than wikipedia) or beginner instructions on how you achieve those things.  I also keep running into terminologies that seem like they are suppose to make sense, but don't make any sense to me at all.  It seems that I'm suppose to download a wiki engine (but there are tons out there, and I don't understand what choosing criteria I should use, and what all these different languages mean.  All I know is I want it for free.  Is a wiki engine like a search engine?  is there a difference between a wiki engine and wiki software and wiki application?).  It seems that I download the wiki engine/software/application, but I use it online.  So what and why am I downloading it?  I don't know where all the information is stored (in a database apparently is the best way - now how do I create this database and where it is kept?  mystery!  Can I keep it on my computer?  If so, how do I share it with others?).  It seems like I might need web-hosting.  Again, not really all that sure what it is, and it costs money to do web-hosting.  I think.  I don't want to spend money on something I don't know what it is and how to use.  And this keeps happening.  I keep running into things like "databases" and "web-hosting", etc, where most people just take for granted that EVERYONE knows what they are and how to use them.  Well, I don't.  It takes several more hours to look those things up and learn what they are because again, they assume that people who want to learn about databases and web-hosting know about computer languages, different formats of whatever... and aaaarrrrgh!!!  Most of the "easier to understand" information are supplied by the companies advertising for their services, and come with exclamation marks at the end.  "Share information with anyone in the world!" "Safe and secure!" "Choose your own web-domain!" (and wth is a web domain?  more looking up).  I could just give them some money, download it and play with it, but again... I don't even know if I need it!  It's like an endless loop of frustration. 

I may seem "computer savvy" to some of my friends, but honestly, I'm just faking it based on my intuition and luck (randomly clicking buttons of unknown functions).  Now the truth comes out - I have no idea what I'm doing on a computer.  And this attempt to learn wiki sure shoves that fact in my face.  Of course, my computer-savvy friends already know I'm clueless when it comes to computers.  Truly, I want to get out of my comfort zone, learn something useful, and enhance my learning experience.  However, I don't know if all this running around and frustration is worth it.  I could just jump in and do something - install something and play with it, but all the work that I put in (if I do decide to take notes and create a database of my genetic counseling knowledge using this tool) could be lost if later on I decide to not use it or never learn how.  I don't know if it's worth it, and I don't know if I have the time.  I could just stick to my good old note taking and drawing mind maps on paper - it certainly is less hassle.  *sighs*  Maybe I just need a break.