On the precipice of week six

I probably said this before, but at the beginning of term one, ten weeks seemed like a long time, but that was deceivingly naïve to believe. Now over halfway through the second term, I'm very glad to have only three classes because I there is plenty to do in each of them. I did my best to get ahead on the assignments, so that I could leave myself a block of time to focus on my dissertation proposal. That's definitely the next big hurdle to overcome.

Besides the academia, I can't help but be excited for spring because I think I'll do the cliche thing and go to Paris. I only spent one day there before and that was hardly enough. About two weeks ago a friend and I went to the Chinese New Year celebration in Chinatown. It was cool how big of a turnout they had. The performances were worth seeing despite the frigid wind (just another reason to be excited for spring!)

Time is flying

At the beginning of the first term, ten weeks seemed like a long time, but now I know better. Now at the end of week three it's difficult not to feel overwhelmed by the assignments and dissertation research that I need to get done. This term involves a lot more individual work rather than collaboration in a group. Although it's less frustrating than having to coordinate different personalities, you are also accountable only to yourself which could make motivation hard to come by. I have three assignments to do which are all 1500 words and involve in depth research of selected companies. I also have to do a final dissertation proposal which will require a lot more research on my part. Overlap that with weekly prereading, and you get a situation where it's imperative to set goals, make a schedule and use time wisely. I am learning how to prioritize in the best way possible.

In other news, we had our first few snowflakes yesterday which is apparently cause for excitement, but having lived in Russia and central Pennsylvania, I can't be asked to feel excited about snow that doesn't even stick. You guys haven't seen anything yet. ;)

Who's up for round two?

Can't believe break is already over, but I am actually kind of glad. I like keeping busy. Breaks and vacations make me lazy, so that coming back to responsibility and reality requires extra effort, and I am definitely not the only one feeling this way. I am excited for my friends to be back as well as for this term in general. Since I had five classes last term, I only have three this time (Operations Management, Advanced Topics in International Business and Strategy Change and Leadership). Three classes doesn't necessarily mean an easy time, but it will definitely be a relief, and I will need all the extra free time to start chipping away at my dissertation. In addition to finding a more specific direction for my research, I have to organize my sources. CSR is such a wide subject area that for an indecisive person like me, it's hard to narrow down my options. 

Spring and summer will be even more exciting because I will finally get to travel. Two of my friends and I are planning to do the cliche 'Paris in the spring' visit, and I can't wait to see Versailles because I wasn't able to go there the last time I visited. Hello 2014, and please be good to me. 

An unconventional holiday

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I can't believe 2014 starts tomorrow (I say this every year, but marveling at how fast time flies never ends) 

I had a quiet Christmas here in Birmingham with a few friends. I am grateful to them for making it easier for me to be away from home. (although my mom has me calling her so often that I might as well be there) 

Today is New Year's eve, and some of my friends and I are going to London to watch the world famous fireworks and basically run around all night until our coach home at 6 am. Hoping to get some cool photos to share. 

2013 was a good year for me. I got my first real job, learned a lot, was accepted to all three graduate programmes I applied to, received my scholarship and made some lifetime friends. 2014 has very big shoes to fill, but I am hoping it steps up to the challenge. 

"I wish you 12 months of prosperity, 52 weeks of happiness, 365 days of success, 8,760 hours of health, 525,600 minutes of luck and 31,536,000 seconds of love." Happy New Year!!

A well deserved break

Well I've just survived what I can easily say was the most difficult finals week I've ever encountered. Dozens and dozens of hours were spent in the library and the main building. I had to push my limits every day. I had four finals and two timed essays to do, and today I can finally say that everything has been handed in, and now all that's left to do is wait for the results later in February. I think I did okay because to be honest, I actually did everything within my power.

Like I said last time, I don't think I will be traveling during break to save money for spring and summer travels, but a handful of my friends are staying here as well, so I think it will be okay for me. Kind of sad not to go home for Christmas, but unfortunately my parents don't live in Europe, so it isn't as easy or cheap for me to hop on a plane. The friends who are staying here have booked a table at a restaurant for us on Christmas eve, so that will be nice, and we've also discussed going to London for New Years which, although pricey, would be one unforgettable experience. Other than that my plans for break include dissertation research, an accounting project and job searching. I know these three weeks are going to fly by, and I will be busy once again. And strangely I am looking forward to it. I hope everyone has the best imaginable Christmas ever! Happy holidays! 

Exams are upon us

Well having a life was fun while it lasted, now it's time to work and prove how much I want this. Yesterday, I spent over 12 hours studying for Accounting with two friends. One week exactly until finals. Although it's a really stressful time, it's comforting to know that I am definitely not doing it alone. I am surrounded by those in the same boat who understand and are more than willing to collaborate and help each other get through it. And we'll be stronger once it's over. 

I've decided not to go anywhere during Christmas because I have to do one assignment and begin my dissertation. The topic I chose is 'The food industry and corporate social responsibility.' I am very glad I got my first choice because I am interested in it, and I could see myself actually enjoying the work that goes into it. Now just to narrow it down and make it more specific... My adviser seems awesome and also very knowledgeable on the topic, so I am looking forward to working with her.  

Yes, it's going to be a short post because this is going to be a really long week, and as usual, I am trying to hit the ground running. Wish me luck. 

The topics are coming, the topics are coming!

So today, the International Business course students finally received our list of potential topics for the dissertation that's drawing nearer every day. I have to admit that I have never actually written a paper of this caliber, but I enjoy writing and am excited to take on the challenge. 

Hard to believe that I am already in week 6 of my first term. I must say that all of the group work, reading and obligations have done wonders for my time management and internal motivation. I've been warned numerous times to make sure that I don't overdo it and 'burn out.' So far so good, I am going strong. My early morning runs have gotten cold and rainy. Even the geese near the canal probably think I am crazy, but it's times like this that I compare my runs to all of my academic work and ask myself 'how much do you want this?' Because only I can answer that question and live up to it. 

I don't want to sound like I have it all together, I get overwhelmed, I get frustrated (group work is far from a relaxing experience, believe me). It's so irritating to learn that I'm not allowed to ask from others as much as I demand from myself, but hey, life's not fair, right? 

Christmas vacation is just around the corner, and almost all of my friends are planning to go home. After spending so much time with them on a daily basis, it's sad and surprising to realize how much I'll miss them even during the three short weeks. I suppose I should probably figure out what I will be doing. I am thinking southern Europe with its warmth and sun is sounding pretty good (any suggestions?). That's what I did during my last travel extravaganza, and it would be great to repeat the experience.