And with that another semester has started. I would like to say that I had some respite over the holidays, but that would be a lie. I spent a majority of the break working on my thesis and a publication submission. My supervisor Dr. Catherine Keske has kept me on my toes this past semester and continues to encourage my success at the highest level. It is true when I say I wouldn’t be here without her immense support!
The snow has arrived here in Corner Brook! The winter will be a busy one, but I am looking forward to doing some snowboarding at Marble Mountain with my husband and daughters. I’ve also been dying to try the spider course! Yippee!
I am looking forward to completing this semester. I’m excited to develop my thesis paper further and finish up all the course requirements for this degree. There are three more courses and a 480hr internship, along with my major research paper left.
I have been constantly asked how it is possible for me to be completing this degree and be a mom of three small children at the same time! A question I find quite puzzling. However challenging it is, my children drive my motivation and dedication to successfully completing this degree. I truly enjoyed all of my classes last semester and it really wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Time management is particularly useful; though finding peace in the little moments is truly the key to remaining sane! There is a lot to read and it is all very interesting so it became challenging to balance the course load with my Graduate Assistantship and thesis research.
I have to shout out to Nadia, the secretary for the Environmental Policy Institute. She has been immensely helpful and provided a friendly face each day in the office. Nadia has helped me navigate the administrative requirements for this program. Many times I even stopped at her office for no reason at all and chatted about gardening, family, and even recipes. These experiences embody the very sole of Grenfell Campus. This is a small close-knit campus with a small town feel and supportive community. Every day you run into people you know and who care about your well-being; faculty and staff know you by your first name and ask about you and your family. If you are looking to cultivate yourself within a genuine Newfoundland community setting, Grenfell Campus is the place for you!
I am very happy with the program thus far, my supervisor and instructors have been very supportive and I am looking forward to another great semester, then it is off to my internship – more on that in my next post!
Be well, mes amis!
~Jen