Juggling Work, Practicum, and Classes

I have received a few emails from future/prospective students about what it's like juggling multiple commitments in graduate school. It can defiinitely be overwhelming at times but, ultimately, it's completely manageable. Time and stress management is key of course and, conveniently, the Graduate Student Center (http://www.gsc.upenn.edu/) offers plenty of free workshops around those topics (among other useful and fun things :-)) if you feel like you need some tips. I would say I am lucky to be in a program with such understanding and caring professors. If you ever run into a crisis or conundrum, they are always there to talk and support you in whatever way they can. Your peers will become a great resource as well. Because the Counseling and Mental Health Services (CMHS) cohort is relatively small (~30-35), many have grown very close as friends. We consistently have hangouts together throughout the semester to destress. Gym membership, unfortunately, is not free for graduate students but it is offered at a decent price (~$30/month) and all instructional classes (dance, karate, yoga, etc.) are open to us as well for a small fee. I am currently taking a karate class at Penn's Pottruck Health and Fitness Center (http://www.upenn.edu/recreation/facilities/pottruck.html) and am loving it! There are definitely many ways to keep yourself sane during your graduate studies, so don't worry about it too much :)!

-L

Just a reminder:

The opportunity to interview with a Penn GSE alumnus/a ends this month! If you are interested in participating in the alumni interview program, you must submit your application and request form before the end Feb. (Interviews are an optional component of the application to our master’s degree programs. The interviews serve as an opportunity for you to get a better sense of GSE from an alumnus and an opportunity for GSE to get to know you better!) Follow the link provided if you are interested!

http://www.gse.upenn.edu/admissions_financial/alumni-interview-request


**Please note that GSE may not be able to accommodate all requests for interviews and you are in no way disadvantaged if you do not request or receive an interview.