It’s only just beginning.

I love this time of year because it’s all about beginnings. I always find autumn a more promising time to make resolutions and goals than at the New Year. This week signifies the end of summer for me and ushers in a new school year, new goals and a new season of college football.

Classes start on Tuesday at the University of Maryland and on Wednesday for me. Last Wednesday, I officially took on the title of “second-year student” as we welcomed the new, first-year graduate students to the government and politcs department at our fine institution (home of the mighty turtles, I mean Terps). Adding to the excitement of my new status, I traveled to Boston on Thursday to attend the American Political Science Association annual conference. Of course it sounds a bit dorky, but let’s say I’ve embraced that part of myself wholeheartedly.

My expectations weren’t sky-high, but I was looking forward to my first conference experience. Overall, the trip was super. I came away invigorated and more excited about my future work. Sure, I was tired of attending panels by today, but I ended on a great note–with my last panel (research surrounding civic education) being my favorite. I bought a book for $3. I ran into the undergrad professor that encouraged me to go to graduate school. I got to see and even meet some political science “heroes”. David Mayhew and Richard Niemi are real people! And of course, I enjoyed time spent with my fellow graduate students.

School isn’t the only thing beginning this week as mentioned above. I have a few goals in mind, and one of them happens to be the launching of my running hobby. I decided that it’s a really cheap way to stay in shape. To encourage myself in this endeavor, I signed up (as did Will) for a 10k run around the end of October. Official training begins Monday morning.

And finally, this weekend begins (not just) another college football season. Although I was unable to watch the game in Boston, I received text updates from Will. The reports were enough to convince me that the Dawgs beat the Eagles handedly as expected. That’s good. On our way.

In closing, I could think of something cute to say regarding endings and beginnings. I’ll just add this:

Sarah Palin?! What a curve ball. What a presidential election season. And, it’s only just beginning…hah.