End of the Year Musings

I have officially made it through one entire year of school (I started in the spring of '09). Here is my Top Ten list of things that I have learned, been frustrated by, and dealt with this year (in no particular order):

1) Not all profs are equal - okay that's obvious, but I have to remind myself frequently of that
2) Each school experience is different and unique in its own way (not every place is like Spalding)
3) Undergrads are not always as annoying as they used to be unless they are students in your class
4) Indentured servitude has not vanished - it is now called being a grad assistant
5) Grad advisors are not all the same - some of them actually know what they are talking about
6) There's not much difference between a PhD in theatre and an MFA in theatre here
7) Taking classes with undergrads can be amusing, irritating, and stressful
8) Texas really is a "whole other country" (just in case you were wondering)
9) Lubbock has a fairly robust arts scene - performance & visual
10) Being on a well-cared for, beautiful campus with so much visual art in prominent places is exciting and invigorating (there's a walking tour of the outdoor artworks that rocks)

All in all, I have wised up and realized that marketing is propaganda - once I got here the program wasn't exactly what it was made out to be. I do know that this is a not infrequent occurrence in the world, but it was disheartening for a while. I have also taken a journey that has led me to a new path in my education - I am transferring to the art department as of the spring '10 semester, where I will be happier and have support for what I am trying to accomplish. I have discovered a passion for what my dear friend and colleague has termed "research" theatre. I still enjoy arts administration and will be pursuing that, along with critical studies in arts & humanities. I'm planning for my dissertation to be some type of art project focused on survivors of domestic abuse and their children. I'll also have opportunities to work with the Women's Studies department, which will only deepen my education and aid in my long-term goal which is to join the Peace Corps after finishing here, then working at or founding, an arts organization to work with women and children who have been victims of domestic violence.

While there have been struggles and stumbling blocks aplenty in this first year, I have come through without too many bruises and am excited and ready for the new year and the new opportunities I have coming my way. I have a play being produced, a scholarship I didn't have to apply for thanks to the art grad advisor, and an assistantship there as well. I'm hoping to make my first international trip this summer, to Prague, and hope to be able to finally get back to writing without the fear that someone in authority will hate my stuff and give me a crappy grade.

Happy Holidays to all! My wish for everyone is that your 2010 will find you where you need to be, doing something you are passionate about which makes a difference in someone's life somewhere in the world.