Returning Home

My last week in New Orleans turned out to be pretty crazy trying to get everything done and studying for the exam. Tulane changed their requirements right before I started and all students are now required to write a paper or take an exam in order to graduate. Since I have to write a paper on my practicum anyways I decided I'd rather take the exam. It was offered for the first time last May and I had heard it hadn't gone well so was really nervous about it. I found out in the middle of the week that I was the only one taking it and they wanted to know if I could take it on Monday instead of Saturday. That wasn't going to work since my parents wanted to leave Sunday morning so I took it on Friday instead. It wasn't too difficult but there were definitely questions about things I had never heard of. The first half was suppose to be based on the 6 core classes everybody takes so I should have at least heard of everything. I took a half hour break between the sections & by the time I went to start the next part, I was told that I had passed the school section. That boosted my confidence for the rest of the exam. The second half was for my department and had questions based on the 2 required classes for the department--one of which I had exempted. I found the questions easier for the class I didn't take then for the class I took! I also had to do a case study. This section was hand-graded by a faculty member as soon as I finished and I learned that I had passed it as well. I had figured it would be weeks until I knew so it was exciting to know it was all good.

My parents arrived while I was taking the exam and we went out to dinner that night and walked around the French Quarter. Saturday my mom helped me pack up my room and I took care of several last minute things. I turned in my keys and stayed in my parents hotel that night so we could leave early. Sunday morning we headed out around 7:30 am with a quick stop on Canal St to get a picture of school before getting on I-10. The drive wasn't bad and we decided to just keep going instead of getting a hotel for the night. We made it back to West Bend around 1 am. Now I'm busy unpacking all my junk, sorting what I need now or during PC, and storing everything else for the next 2.5 years! Both my parents are pack rats so of course I am as well and can't bear to throw anything away that I might need in the future!

Since I'm saying good-bye to New Orleans, I thought I'd add a few pictures from my memories this year at Tulane.

Allison & I at the All-Grad Student Party at the World Trade Center Building.

Inas, my friend & Fulbright Scholar from Iraq, and I at a SPHTM party at Rock 'n Bowl.

Halloween Party at Dr. Mason's house.

Ashu & I at the aquarium.

Katie & I collecting beads.

Anna & I enjoying Mardi Gras.

The Vagina Monologues cast.

Celebrating the end of the semester at Aiesha's farewell party.

Tidewater--where the School of Public Health is located

And a few around New Orleans...