Getting started

I thought living in America would be a lot less crazier than living in China, but I'm starting to think that's not true. Or least in attending a grad program that is tied for #1 with Harvard. How did they let me in anyway? I thought I was an over-achiever some days, but my fellow students put me to shame. They speak 4 languages, spend their summers in Uzbekistan or Ghana, and are related to the president. At least I'm cute!

Our week-long orientation is nearly over. It's been a long, but good week. I'm realizing that I've really gotten myself in deep. I'll be taking classes like Public Finance and Budgeting, Public Management Economics, Statistical Analysis, and Public Management. And I'll also be working for a city department at least 10 hours a week. It will be great experience, but I'm not used to expending much effort of late. :)

I met some of my professors, who are really friendly and intelligent. However, they warned us, "You will not have a life. You will not have free time." We don't even get Labor Day or Fall Break off like the rest of the university. I guess I just signed up for boot camp.

One of the reasons I chose this school is that they offered a funded fellowship. Today and tomorrow I'm interviewing for jobs with the city. That called for the purchase of my very first, grown-up business suit, of which I am now a proud owner.

Overall, life is okay. It's still strange to be in America with lots of Americans. One of my lessons here is to learn how to love Americans! I already love internationals more than anything, but I've been convicted how I also need to love my fellow country people.


People take me seriously now.