Elke's Blog

Last time I wrote, I was gearing up for attendance at the American International Model United Nations Conference in Chicago. It was very conveniently scheduled for the weekend before Thanksgiving, extending a much anticipated break from school… although the reading and homework assignments didn’t do itself and somehow I managed to complete the majority during the 8-hour bus ride to Chicago.
The conference was fabulous! As a delegate of Argentina, a leading South American country, on the United Nations Environment Programme, I made sure to make myself heard. Teaming up with other South American countries, I got to see my resolution on funding for “green� development passed by the committee and sent to the General Assembly. It was a new experience, promoting the agenda of a country that I did not necessarily agree with 100%, but I was there to represent Argentina not an imaginary idealized nation.
After spending the Thanksgiving with family in Indiana and then shopping in Chicago, I returned to the University of Minnesota with only a week and a half left of classes before finals week. Thanksgiving break is brutal. It like being able to smell fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, and getting none to eat. The Thanksgiving break comes at a time when it is much needed, but it is way too short. I was just getting used to relaxing, when BAM! I was back in classes with papers up the wazoo and final exams just around the corner. Luckily winter break is going to start at the end of next week…

The first week of classes after break were per usual, but this week has been brutal. Somehow I never seem to learn to start papers earlier so that I don’t have a combined 30 pages to write in 4 days… but it always works out with many late nights and so I never learn. Walter Library has been my savior! It’s amazing how focused I get when surrounded by a hundred or so other students who are studying as well. I fell guilty if I stay on Facebook too long rather than writing my paper.

Currently I stand at 2 papers and 2 assignments down, 1 paper and 5 exams to go. One day at a time. I finally sat down and wrote a study schedule so that I can prioritize and stay on track. I’m always afraid that I will forget to study for an exam simply because it wasn’t in my schedule, but I’ve double and triple checked it… One can only hope and do one’s best.