With great gratitude, I walked into Week 11 feeling happy to be done with the second cycle of midterms. Amid the intensities of what is happening in our country, the bubble that is my school life has been so sweet and gentle to me. I can probably owe that feeling to the fact that my course load was a bit lighter this time compared to my past trimesters. Either way, I am happy to be progressing smoothly even during the midterm pace.
Through the fluctuations in temperature, spring is here and the time is now to begin planning a garden cleanup. It is magical to see the seedlings planted at the beginning of this trimester are about ready to be carefully placed in a soft-landing spot in our garden. Plus, I think we students could really benefit from spending some time outdoors after such a long winter! The timing offers a window of calm, and I will be sure not to waste it.
Finding Balance.
Humbly, I am reminded, everything cannot be entirely calm and gentle as I face an avenue of stress with the opening of enrollment for the next semester. It is as if even when I feel like I am catching a break, there is always something. As someone who is a dual-enrolled student, it has been challenging to create a class schedule that works for the programs that I am taking. It feels like I am trying to solve a puzzle.
Phase 2 of my naturopathic medicine studies is more different in structure than I had expected. The variables of clinic hours, lectures and requirements for each of the two programs make it hard to sit and build structure around. If there is a single mismatch, it can disrupt my entire schedule. On paper, creating a course schedule may appear to be straightforward, but it can be extremely complicated when dealing with the number of factors involved while also not fully knowing what my personal endeavors look like or fit in.
Finding Clarity.
For that reason, I want to thank my advisor, Dr. Nooshig Salvador, for helping me to see the clarity in my future. After meeting with her, she was able to explain the changes in the program and provide guidance on how to create a realistic class schedule. Her advice was helpful in removing a significant amount of pressure from my shoulders and reminded me that I do not have to navigate this process by myself. Her help has made an enormous difference in my ability to move forward!
This week, there has also been a significant amount of conversation among the students and faculty regarding the “Big Beautiful Bill” and its implications for our program. I enjoyed listening to the different opinions of students and faculty and considering what we can do today to prepare for tomorrow. At times like these, it reminds me that our education occurs in a much broader context than just our classroom walls. Our field of education includes many factors, including governmental policies and other external influences that shape our educational experiences. Staying informed about these external influences will allow me to prepare better for the road ahead.
Finding Peace.
As far as the world outside of our school goes, there have been a lot of big events occurring, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, this past month has been a very grounding experience for me due to my participation in Ramadan. It has allowed me to step away from the fast pace of life and reflect. On top of that, I feel like I have grown closer to my community during these trying times. I am reminded of the strength of our collective intentions, love and prayer. To anyone who may be celebrating: Eid Mubarak!
I see the silver lining more vividly this week. I intend to use this period as a transitional space. This point in the trimester usually feels slower, like a node and a pause and I would usually spend it treating it like one. This time, I will use this period to prepare more clearly for my future, to begin acting toward being outside with nature and to call in more of what I know to be true in love despite the outside narratives impact on our lives. I trust that all is working out in our favor.
