Starting over again...

Classes started this week at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I thought I'd write an update before life gets too hectic.

My graduate school orientation was last week, which included a three day trip to the northern tip of lower Michigan with the 120+ incoming students at the School of Natural Resources and Environment. It was fun getting to know people and learn about all the different fields being studied at my school. There are only 13 students in the Landscape Architecture program this year, all with very diverse backgrounds and interests, which should make for an exciting learning environment for the next three years.

Here's a photo of my incoming class with a few of our professors and predecessors.


In other news about my new life in Ann Arbor, I moved in and started my job as the caretaker at Nichols Arboretum, or as the locals say, "The Arb". My job includes free housing on the property of the Arb, where I live with two other graduate students. We are responsible for keeping the park clean, and informing people about the rules. We also spend our weekends doing ecological restoration work removing invasive species and planting natives around the property. There will also be opportunities to take part in prescribed burns within the area.

Here's a path in the "Arb":


My classes this semester are really interesting. It's a cool program which includes lots of science/ecology related courses, as well as art/drawing/design classes. I'm getting lots of practice using both sides of my brain, and a good bit of outdoor experience in my field classes. It's all really exciting, and I'll be working hard to stay on top of everything.

This may be the last time I update for several months. The course-load this semester is heavy. Only three days in and I already feel over-booked and overwhelmed. Be sure to send notes of encouragement along the way! :-)
And even better, send me money! Ha! Grad school is expensive. Wish me luck.