PT School vs. Free Time
I'm back in Pittsburgh with about one week left until the start of classes. I haven't lived here since I was in high school, so it's strange to come back "home," particularly for school. I think I'm going to spend the next week trying to re-acclimate myself to the city and learn what it's like to live here as an adult and student. An urban campus will be a completely different experience from Penn State's farmlands, but a welcome change nonetheless.
Before being accepted to Pitt's program, I signed up for a challenge hike with a friend. The hike will be 34 miles around the Pittsburgh area. The catch? It is to be completed in one day. This seemed like a great idea until I realized two things. First, I'm not in that kind of shape. Second, I will already be in class, which means I will lose an entire day of studying. This is weighing on my mind more than my fitness.
I find myself wondering what kind of time I am going to have to dedicate to extracurricular activities such as this and other social events. I don't know what to expect. I really hope it's possible to maintain a balance between school and fun, but I expect it to be a challenge. After two years away from a difficult academic environment (and therefore much more free time), it will definitely be an adjustment.
Other than that, I'm about to settle into my house and tie up some loose ends. We have a class orientation this coming Friday, and some classmates and I plan to meet up during the week. I'm excited to meet them and see who I will be spending the next three years of my life with.