There is no glossing over the fact that graduate school can be hard and time consuming. Once enrolled, it is very clear that you are no longer an undergraduate student. It would be wrong to assume, however, that just because we are graduate students, we don’t know how to unwind and have a good time every now and then. The old adage of “work hard, play hard” rings true in graduate school, and MCOM scholars are some of the hardest working graduate students I know. So when we get a chance to socialize with each other outside of class, we go for it in a big way.
Last Saturday, MCOM scholars were invited to a spring social hosted by the MCSA (Master of Arts in Communication Student Association). MCSA is the graduate student-led governing body that speaks for all students in the MCOM program. MCSA ensures funding for research and professional development as well as provides grants that enable us to travel to various communication conferences and professional development activities. MCSA also hosts multiple events throughout the academic year where MCOM scholars are invited to network with peers, alumni and communication professionals.
The 2016 Spring Social kicked off the new semester in true MCOM style, with all of us meeting at Saffire, a hot downtown restaurant off of Lockwood Blvd. We had some awesome appetizers, which included Saffire’s famous fried green tomatoes and pesto mozzarella tomato flatbreads, as well as amazing seafood dishes. Unexpectedly, we were also treated to a performance by a group of Scottish bagpipers who happened to be having an event right next to the restaurant. Our surprise soon turned to appreciation, as we were treated to traditional Scottish songs through our meal. It was a wonderful and relaxing evening, with everyone leaving happy and full.
Judging from the kick-off event, I predict that this spring semester is going to be awesome! I can’t wait for the new MCOM adventures that await in 2016.
(Hopefully, there will be more fried green tomatoes!)
