Thanks giving, Week 11

I haven't written much here about my graduate program, mostly because I see that as my workplace, and I feel like it shouldn't be as public.  My career is only now beginning, and I don't want a running commentary of for a future employer to read (posts about Lucy's treat preference or Oliver's bowel movements are much more appropriate for the public domain, don't you think?).  But I do think it's okay to talk about my classmates because, well, they're wonderful.

I am in the Learning, Diversity, and Urban Studies program, which is a new master's program at Vanderbilt, so there's just five of us in our cohort.  It's doubtful that the program will stay this small, though I know the faculty involved hope to keep the cohort manageable.  It's unusual in almost any situation to find five people who come together for one purpose and get along so very well, but we do.  It's fair to say, unless someone is doing some great playacting, that we actually like each other.  Our interests run the gamut from policy to math to teacher education to higher ed to social studies.  Some of us will end up at the university level and others will return to the classroom, but we have all learned and grown a lot in this program.  We talk about readings and class discussion outside of class, have meals together when we can, and share our news, both exciting and challenging, with each other.  I love to hear everyone participate in class discussion -- there's no one who is the "Oh, she's talking again" (oh wait, maybe it's me!).  Everyone brings a different perspective, life experience, and respect for what others have to say.  I really couldn't have asked for more from my classmates.

I realized when I got my acceptance last week that my time with these women is coming to a close.  Though one or more may remain in Nashville, I will no longer have class with them, and several will be leaving the area for their next step.  These were my first friends in Nashville.  They were the first people to visit the house en masse.  They listen to stories about Oliver and all watched the video I made of him.  They even brought a cake last week to say congratulations on my big news (something I hope to do for each of them as they get news about next year!).  I sincerely hope I stay in touch with these girls for years to come.  I am thankful to have known them all and for what they have added to my life.