One down, three to go.

I must admit, graduate school didn't seem like that daunting of a task when I first applied. I didn't think it would be like going back to third grade or anything, but I underestimated what it takes to excel in a program like this. All of the people I've met this semester have been nothing short of impressive. Very impressive. It's not intimidating per se, but I know I have a lot of hard work to do to keep up.

Nearly six months ago, I got on the B30 bus from BWI airport in Baltimore, hopped onto a train at Greenbelt station and spent an amazing two and a half months at my summer job on the University of Maryland campus. Months later, as an official Maryland resident, I found myself completely and utterly lost driving back and forth past Greenbelt station looking for my hairdresser's salon. Needless to say, I missed my appointment. I've traveled roads and rails in the DMV so often that now, I can find my way to Greenbelt without even using a map. I drove past UMD last night on my way home from DC; feeling nostalgic, I tried to head to the reflecting pool in the center of campus- it was my favorite spot this summer. I forgot, though, that I used to maneuver that campus in a golf cart, and my Altima couldn't whip through posts and over sidewalks quite as easily. I guess when you grow up and move on, coming back "home" isn't always so easy. What once used to be familiar has become the way I used to do things, and new routines have taken the place of "normal."

The independence and confidence I gained during this summer were so important in succeeding on my own here in the DMV. My coworkers went from complete strangers to like-family in no time flat. I was myself and made no apologies or accommodations for the sake of others. During the semester it wasn't as easy to be on my own, no friends or real family around to fall back on. But, I had already become comfortable in my own skin, and soon realized that I didn't need any one to vouch, speak, or explain for me. I was just, Celeste...and, what do you know? I made friends just fine.

Life's happening you guys. I think why I didn't realize that grad school would be so hard is because I've never known any one very personally who went through that experience. So, I just saw it from afar and clapped with the crowd when they got hooded. But it's real, and I'm here. There are so many slogans about making the most of your day and living each like it's your last. To me, we've done a terrible job at that because we assume that means don't sleep, work hard, get rich, and die. What about taking time for phone calls to old and new friends, or saying your prayers every night, or enjoying a cookie and milk? It's simple, and seems petty, but I put as much importance on doing well in grad school as I do in being present in every moment. In six months, when I look back on today that reflection will mean as much to me as it did to drive past UMD yesterday, and being able to tangibly measure just how far I've come.

Deliberate. That's my word for 2011. Forget new year's resolutions- everything I do and every decision I make will be done with deliberate thought and action. That's the only way to make sure I'm experiencing every moment for everything it's worth. It's been real folks- see you next semester. Happy New Year. Make a choice.

Poetry.

I know it's been a while. The end of the semester is upon us and I have been doing my due diligence to do well on finals, but I did have time to finish a poem FINALLY! Such a relief...

Check it out at Down in the District.