I’ve recently join now a collective referred to as a cohort which is something I have been working towards for a while. What it is, is a simple name for a group of graduate students which come into a department or program the same year you do. In essence, these people are people with whom you’ll be traveling with on the part of your journey to the ultimate goal of the degree.
I have, as always, been thinking a lot about that means. One of the functions of higher learning is to find a place you both you fit, and that fits you. Though in doing masters, it’s the process is a bit simplified because of the supposed two-year time clock that is ticking away until the end. Either way, the people I came in with will still be people who I share this experience with one way or another.
This is not to downplay everyone’s personal intentions for coming to this particular program, but it does beg the question. How do we want our relationship with each other to be and how will that shape the future of our time together? I feel this is extremely important because there are so few of us, that the decision we make individually will affect the group collectively.
My dearest hope is that in some way or another we ban together. As reminiscent of the title I chose, the musketeers, it would be nice to form some sort of bond in which we can really help each other out in our times of need. All for one, and one for all. I know this sounds a bit idealistic, but I think that’s the spirit needed to actually accomplish something great. I’m not saying that we have to hang out with each other all the time or even really become close. What I am saying is that in our times of need or weakness someone is there to help and lend a hand. We will act as both colleagues and rivals. We can set the obstacles and help people overcome them so when the actual danger comes, we will be ready. Even though we go to the end on our own merit and alone, it doesn’t mean that our strength has to only come from within, you are always much stronger with others are helping you.
I think it all comes down to wanting to leave this place a lot better than where I found it. The act of giving is one few things we can do where we end up with more than what we started out with. I honestly believe that if we want this experience to be the most successful, it can be then we must give and not just take. We must utilize what we can and blaze a path for our future. This doesn’t have to be the worst experience of our lives, and even with the difficulties that come with grad school, we will be able to look back and remember something great. It is the beginning of our future.
Too Human 