T-Minus Ten Days (and Counting)

Posted August 26, 2016 by Tara Pealer

In theory, I have ten days left in the summer to chase excitement, hunt down adventure, and capture magic.

In reality, there are only ten days standing between me and the semester, and I am not ready.

Don’t get me wrong: I have the binders. I’ve rented the books. I’ve figured out my class and work schedule. I’ll be meeting with the rest of the LISSA leaders today to discuss our plans for the semester concerning events and other exciting plans. I even–get this–went to the Annual SLIS Retreat to learn more about the future of SLIS as a school and as part of Simmons College as a whole.

I know I can handle classes, though I’m taking Database Management, which is a different kind of approach to information than I’ve taken before. And I know I love what I do and where I work. I’m excited for my classes and for the kind of work I expect to be doing in them.

So, technically, I’m more ready for this academic year than I have been for any school year in the past eighteen years. I mean, it’s my last one ever, and that’s how it should work.

However, as the semester winds its way to the start, like every student, I’m suddenly pretty sure that I’m not ready. It’s similar to Imposter Syndrome, except I know everyone else feels the same way and that no amount of habit charts, timekeeping apps, and cute stationery will prepare me for classes. I mean, I have all of those, but it’s a bit more of a swim and sink issue. I know how to swim, and I’ve been practicing, but there’s that sinking fear that somehow, I’ll mess up and I’m not ready for that.

On the other hand, I think things are looking good for these last ten day. Tonight, I’m going to the Dresden Dolls concert, and yesterday, Dunkin Donuts released their Pumpkin Spice Latte. I’ll be hanging out with friends and meeting so many new SLIS students at the Introduction to SLIS. Plus, once the semester gets back into full swing, I’ll definitely be ready for anything SLIS can throw at me.

Probably.