As I am still settling in, I wanted to take you along on a few days in my life as an IEDP student at GSE.

I usually start my day with a quick check of my emails, Slack, and Canvas to check my schedule for the day and make sure I did everything I was supposed to do. There might be some last-minute tasks as I’m still working on my time management. 😀

On some days, like the one of my culture share presentation, the morning was busier as I baked German bread to share with my cohort (no jokes about German bread here; I am very serious – there is no better bread around the world).

Usually, I grab a quick breakfast at home and try to prepare a snack for the day, but as I tend to be late, this doesn’t always work out, so I have to rely on GSE’s snack corner or my beautiful, caring classmates. 

I commute to campus by taking the Subway. It takes me 20-30 minutes to GSE (so I’m usually not the first one in the classroom), but I particularly enjoy the short walks and fresh Philly air before spending the day at GSE.

While in class, lecture and discussion times go hand in hand.

I established a color-coding system for organizing my notes so I remember what we discussed at home. It also helps me to get an easier overview. 

I love the discussion times as we get to know the different perspectives on the topics, get into critical thinking and reflection, share our opinions and thoughts, and use the knowledge our extensive readings offer us.

My schedule is built up from one class on Monday, over two classes on Tuesday, and my long Wednesday with three classes.  As most of my classes are with my cohort friends, I especially enjoy our little in-between-class picnics, where people always make sure that everyone gets a little snack. And a shoutout to my Wednesday snack friend. It might be just a granola bar, but it helps me through the long day. 

I particularly enjoy the learning atmosphere at GSE and the interactive way our classes are designed. It is very different from what I was used to, and the workload is up, but it is a privilege to learn in a cohort like mine with our professors, and I am grateful for all the knowledge I have already gained and know I will gain during this time. 

After class, I squeeze in a study session at the library or our favorite spot, the grad center, as there is always something to read and learn. 

But even though university takes up most of my days, there is still time for other things.

I try to attend some sports classes at the rec center (which doesn’t really work out – and school work is primarily an easier way of saying I am lazy :D). But I love my weekly choir sessions, and we find a lot of grad events with free food on campus. My highlight was the friendship bracelet making – which, in the end, didn’t involve bracelet making but was a fun bingo game to get to know others. Thanks to my friends, I got my friendship bracelet heaven the next day.

I also still enjoy the late summer/early fall days walking home and getting to know the new city better. There is still a lot to figure out, but day by day, I am getting more used to everything and more settled in my life as an IEDP student. 

Thank you for joining me this week!