It’s so hard! (to say goodbye)
Even though I’ve only known them for 9 months or so, it makes me really sad to think about our second years who are finishing up the program and possibly leaving. Let me just say this: DON’T GO!!!
I’ve learned so much from the writers in this program (not to mention, of course, the brilliant professors). Some, of course, I’ve worked with more than others. Scott, papa-to-be and king of sarcasm, taught me that it’s OK to say if you don’t know what the hell is going on in class, and how to put your head down and get to work, and also how to see through literary bullshit. Asa’s friendliness made me feel so at home, and cripes, is she articulate. A physics teacher and an amazing writer. I haven’t picked this skill up yet, but I’ve watched Amaris sit back, listening quietly, and then pop up with this amazing comment or critique. Also, Amaris taught me about the em dash, which I didn’t know existed. Mauler (Amanda) taught me how to unpack things by asking me questions, and is an amazing reader of nonfiction and poetry alike. Really, I think I’ve learned something from everyone this year, from every genre.
So thank you, EWU, for admitting me. (did anyone look back at their writing sample that got them in, and laugh like mad?)
Other things I learned this year:
- How to pronounce ennui
- Essays are not just stories!
- What makes an essay (still in the process)
- How to scan a poem (fun and useful!)
- Writing is about stealing
- It’s still OK to use topic sentences
- The freshman 15 also applies to grad school first years (OK, maybe just me)
- That MFAers love to party
- That MFAers are good babysitters (and often free!)
It’s going to be sad to go. These people feel like family to me. We’ll have to keep in touch, Tanya!
yes, please!
Yeah, it’s gonna be weird/sad to see so many go; it’s like Jupiter falling out of orbit, or something. I’m also excited about the new first years, though; I may move into a bigger place, so I can actually throw Voice Over/visiting writer after-parties. Woohoo!
I’m excited to meet the new students as well. I wonder if we’ll appear to know what we’re doing, like everyone did when we started. hmm.
You’re not the only one who got the first year of grad school 15. All that sitting and reading. Or the sitting and writing. Or the sitting and thinking (usually about reading and writing).
Right! Plus eating while doing all of the reading and writing and sitting and thinking. Plus, for my job i sit on my ass……sigh.