Lonely Londontown?
June 9, 2011
I am tired. For the past few weeks, I have been holed up at a two-story Starbucks in central London prepping for my first exams at the LSE. This British system is difficult to adjust to. I have no idea how the exams are graded and thus my mood swings all day between “oh my goodness, I am going to…
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The “Real” World
February 13, 2011
We are entering week 16 at the LSE, and that means the final quarter of the year. Where did time go? I am finally putting on my game face and am finally feeling the pressure of life in this “real” world. There seems to always be something going on – places I need to be, things I need to do,…
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Thoughts on the LSE MPA
December 29, 2010
With one term under my belt, people have been asking me what I think of the LSE and the MPA program so far. So here are some personal insights on this prestigious institution and one of its many graduate programs. The London School of Economics and Political Science is fancy, and there is a reason for that. This year, yet…
Read MorePutting on My Debate Hat
November 25, 2010
I haven’t written much about the academic aspect of my experience thus far here at the LSE. To be honest, I really am still trying to figure out what is going on and what is the best strategy in tackling the course work and getting organized so I don’t seriously freak out come April. One thing for sure, I have…
Read MoreOy Grad School!
September 18, 2010
Today was the first day of graduate school, but it really was just a meet and greet with everyone in the MPA program. Monday begins the pre-sessional courses which will entail two weeks of intense math and statistics classes. Bundle of joy, I tell you. But the math nerd in me is sort of excited to get back into the…
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Back in Londontown!
September 15, 2010
I’m back in London after 3 years of wildly amazing experiences, and I’m deliriously happy. It could be because I’ve hardly slept in the past 36 hours, but I remember this state of contentment from my previous stays. I arrived in London Heathrow at 7:30am. After a long wait at the customs line, I finally pushed all of my luggage…
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Life Brainstorming
February 19, 2010
After a long silence, Sciences Po Paris finally gave me an answer. They admitted me, and gave me a oodle of money from the Emile Boutmy Scholarship. The catch: they think my profile is better suited for the international affairs program in international political economy. Now the catch within the catch: this program is in French! I had to submit…
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London Real Estate: Student Edition
February 1, 2010
Since housing in central London is pretty outrageous, living in student housing does come out to be more cost-effective.The process to sign up for LSE accommodation will begin any day now (in February). I have spent the past few days researching the different availabilities and deciding which housing to put on my preference list. I am to pick 3 residential…
Read MoreOld Habits Die Hard
January 31, 2010
I’ve always been a terrible procrastinator. In college, the semesters when my grades were less than stellar were the semesters when I didn’t have a sufficient part-time job. I take the free time for granted and I procrastinate. In the end. I don’t accomplish as much. Being busy in a way manages my time for me. There are only so…
Read MoreDecided
January 29, 2010
Today, I took the plunge and made a final decision on graduate school. I will attend the London School of Economics for the MPA International Development program and pursue a dual degree with Sciences Po Paris the following year. It seems silly to make a decision before I have all the admissions results. Yet, I know what I want. All…
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