So I thought last semester my schedule was busy, but manageable...now, it's just crazy! This semester I have my internship, classes, and training. Everything looked pretty doable on the calendar, but I somehow keep challenging myself on how much I can take on. I do have to say, I am getting use to this new schedule and absolutely love everything I'm doing.
My internship is amazing, I couldn't ask for more. I'm working at the state legislature, interning for our Senate Majority Leader; 18 hour week. Last week I had the opportunity to meet the Lieutenant Governor and make myself feel at home at the capital. It feels kind of surreal that I'm working in the capital, but it's slowly becoming my reality. I'm new to this whole political scene, but I'm getting the hang of things. I love the atmosphere, there's always something going on, meetings to attend, people to meet, and letters to write. I'm looking forward to next Wednesday when session starts and am excited to see what really goes on in my state government.
As for classes, I'm taking requirements for my human rights major. Right now it's just a ton of intro readings for the classes, but things will start to pick up.
My days are pretty filled. Most of the week I'm working until the afternoon at the legislature and make it back to campus just in time for class. It gets a bit tricky with training. On those days I usually have to wake up for 6 to be in the water by 7 to be back on campus for 10:30 for my class at 10:50. The rest of those days I'm in class until 4. Mondays I work all day and usually come back to my room by 6pm. After that I go and lift. I somehow am trying to fit in doing homework and researching issues for this session on top of everything. I told you, it's getting pretty tricky this semester juggling everything, but so far so good!
Training's going well, but I'm still in the process of adjusting a few things to my new schedule. For instance, I had to switch from swimming Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. I'm also swimming an hour earlier in the morning so I've had to adjust my breakfast routine. In addition, I'm in the process of evaluating when would be the best and most effective days and times to lift after work. I always have to keep in mind physical exhaustion and my limits as that's a main factor for MD athletes to get weaker. I’ll be making up one of my workouts tomorrow as today I didn’t eat enough before practice. That means I'll be swimming after work and classes, but it's doable, I'm a go-getter for things I want! When my body doesn’t have enough energy, I literally want to go to sleep. These are all manageable adjustments which will become my normal routine in no time! I do have to say, being flexible and adjusting to new circumstances is one of the best things I’ve learned over the years.
As for swim meets, I only have one local meet in downstate CT this month and then a disability regional meet at Rutgers next month. Taking care of my body and training to the best of my abilities is really my priority at the moment. London trials are going to be here before you know it and I can honestly say I’m giving my goal every single ounce of effort and energy I possibly have. Although my goal is taking a ton of time, effort, more effort, and challenges, I’m living my dream and I’m holding nothing back.
Round 2 is underway and I'm beyond excited to see what amazing experiences will occur this semester!
Stay tuned :)
