Spring Has Sprung!

Daffodils!

It's been a while since I last posted. My most sincere apologies. You see, this weird, crazy thing called "school" got in the way. It's rather unfortunate. But, what can I do? That is why I am in Pittsburgh, isn't it?

The William Pitt Union in the Glorious Weather

When I returned to the 'Burgh, I was welcomed by Mother Nature with a glorious warm hug. A two week long warm weather hug. It was absolutely beautiful until this past week, when we have had bipolar temperatures ranging from a high of 46 to a high of 70 degrees. There were a few Freeze Warnings thrown in as well. How is one to dress? In layers! I have been pulling out all my cardigans and such to be ready for whatever might come my way. Speaking of weather--thunderstorms are currently in the area :) I would text my twin sister Val to let her know since she loves the weather--and predictably would be envious--but she is at a retreat for St. John's Student Parish at Michigan State University. So, if you could say a few extra prayers for her and the hundred or so other participants, that would be greatly appreciated!

Me, Christine, and Jefi outside of Towers Patio.

These past few weeks have been filled with studying. Lots and lots of studying. 

Look at how crazy we get!

Christine and Jefi "working."

This past week I had two exams, one in Lifespan Development which is a psychology course, and one in Microbiology. The latter was what I spent the majority of my time on; there is just an infinite amount of material to remember! Between hundreds of notecards and a similar number of highlighted slides, I think I may have done okay. Nowhere near perfect, but maybe I can eek out a B? This upcoming week holds an organic chemistry exam, but I am not terribly worried about it. I will need to spend some quality time with my book and notes though! Perhaps it warrants a coffee date at Starbucks on Sunday? It is a nice environment to study in...quiet and caffeine!
Last Friday I did have the opportunity to participate in a Pitt Arts program--my first in a couple of months!--with Jefi, Valerie, and Christine. Sarah Chang was the guest soloist for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and played an arrangement of "West Side Story". She was phenomenal! We were treated to a post-concert talk with the conductor, Honeck Manfred. He was very engaging and had a noteworthy sense of humor!

Jefi, Valerie, Christine, and Me at the Symphony

I have been contemplating lately what I want to do career-wise--whether to stay in nursing or pursue a different path. While nursing seems like such a practical career--flexibility, job security, in the health field, etc.--I often question whether I rushed into the decision and did not allow myself to explore all my options fully. I always thought I would have the opportunity to take classes such as "History of Latin America" or "Modern African Music" or "Introduction to Entrepreneurship", and really broaden my horizons. However, the nursing curriculum is very strict, and I will have few opportunities to take such classes except for during the summers. Someday I want to own a business, be a personal trainer, and live in another country for a while. I am trying to figure out if those dreams are compatible with my nursing education and career, or if I will have to forgo something. I am not quite ready to turn away from nursing--I will start clinicals (guided experience in the hospitals) in the fall--and would like to give that a chance. I am hoping to take some time this summer to explore as well.
And now, sadly, I must return to the books for some more quality time with them...life as a college student. However, I admit I did not do much in the way of work since the microbiology test, so that is my fault. Oops. I hope to post again soon!