Triumph and Tragedy

It's been quite a week. We started our year last Wednesday, Aug 1. It was an exciting day with 190 new faces, beginning a year long program at the Kennedy School. We are all 'mid-career' so older than the average grad student. Our class has an average age of 39---I bring it up quite a bit! They told us several times that we really ARE the right people; they didn't make a mistake, that all of has have the capability of doing the work. I think many people really do wonder if they will get tossed out the first day. Anxiety runs high because we spend up to 3 hours taking 'placement tests' in quantitative methods and economics the first day.

I'm happy to report I am in the above average class for quantitative methods--probably average or above for econ but not sure. It doesn't matter--the goal is to get each of us ready for the classes we want to take in the fall. We have lots of class time, homework and feedback so it is really a great system.

I walked with some new friends to Peabody Towers where many KSG students live. Enjoyed seeing their units and realize I could easily have lived there. Most of the International students live there so it is quite a wonderful community.

I got home Wed eve and the phone rang immediately. It was Katie S, a fellow KSG class mate and a State Senator from MN. She was on her way over to use my land line and to watch the horror unfolding in Minneapolis. I was so stunned I think it was morning before the reality of the bridge collapse really settled in. I found it hard to stop crying. My first lesson in how hard it is to be away when tragedy strikes. My classmates have been really supportive and asking the 3 MNtans how we are doing with all of it.

The week has been SO busy---190, 15-sec intros, lunches, picnics on the lawn, out to movies, bars, concerts. Lots of classes all starting at once, homework, trying to keep the apartment going and not turn in to a trash pit.

The focus this summer is definitely on meeting each other (more on that later--it's a FAB group of people) and getting the dust blown off the brain cells. I hope to start writing more often and do just paragraph or two. Stay tuned....