One Month In

It's been about a month since I've started graduate studies. So far I don't want to quit, so I guess that's an encouraging sign. In actuality, though it definitely has not been easy, graduate school is pretty fun and interesting. I'm now realizing how quickly these next two years are going to fly by, so I'm trying my best to enjoy every moment and learn as much as I can in order to fully prepare myself for the future.

The academic load has been pretty demanding. At first glance, three classes doesn't seem all that intense. But it's been consuming my life more than I could've ever imagined. And I just started an intro to Chinese language class, and my life will only get busier with academics. But I can't complain. The classes have been pretty interesting so far. I'm taking two of my three core classes (theories to international relations and economic theories) as well as an elective (U.S. and the Two Koreas) which will count towards my area focus requirement. The two core classes are kind of dry, but I'm realizing how foundational they are for future classes, particularly my specialization classes I'll begin to take next semester. My elective class on Korea has been awesome. The readings have been enjoyable and informative, and our class discussions have been stimulating and challenging. We'll be bringing in Kim Hyun Sik, the former professor at Pyongyang University in N.Korea and the former tutor to Kim Jong Il, who will speak at American University. I had a chance to talk to him briefly when he came to speak at the University of Michigan, and when I heard he'd be speaking at AU, I knew I had to take this course.

Outside of school, I've decided to attend Open Door Presbyterian Church. At the end of the day, I wanted to get plugged in to a church sooner than later, and this church has all the things I'm looking for. It's pretty cool because I've gotten to connect with former U-M alums who I had lost touch with over the years. I'm not sure how actively I can participate in serving and whatnot, but I'm going to try my best to serve in whatever capacity I can find.

I've been resisting in writing about politics on my blog just because politics has the power to divide people. I've been finding myself engaging in some meaty political discussions in the world of gchat, but I will continue to refrain from publishing my opinions online. If you really want to discuss the presidential elections, the economy, international affairs, and all that, then you can find me online or drop me an email. Maybe when it gets closer to the actual elections I will throw in a few entries about how I feel. But I just don't feel like taking my personal opinions to the blogs. So sorry.

But all in all, I'm loving it in Washington D.C. I wish I had a bit more time to just unwind and enjoy what the city has to offer, but I can't complain.