A few weeks ago, I chose to drop one of my courses, changing my credits from 12 to 9, and ultimately changing my graduation date from December 2014 to May 2015.

This was not an easy decision as I’ve always seen dropping a course as quitting. Actually, this was the first time I dropped a course in the beginning of the semester before I knew how well I would do. Dropping this course was something bigger than quitting. It was about pacing myself and ensuring that I wasn’t burned out before I could actually reach my ultimate goal, graduating.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes my mind is so set on what I want to do and what I think should happen, I sabotage myself from taking a better path. My pride wanted me to finish in three semesters. It didn’t want me to take my time. But what sense did that make?

The iSchool gives you 2 years to finish an MSIS degree on a full-time basis. This gives me more time to do other things that would give me a fulfilling experience. I can do research, travel, lead organizations, enter into contests, effectively do my job, support other students/friends and still have time to explore Pittburgh. If I had kept my four courses, my head would have never left my books to breathe!

I know that last semester, I was ready to really challenge myself and keep pushing. But, goals change! I only intend on being in Pittsburgh for two years. I really and truly love my time here as a friend, student, and Commonwealth Scholar. So, while I have the opportunity, I want a well-rounded experience of what life and the iSchool has to offer. I can still be an amazing student. As they say, “slow and steady wins the race!”