Sitting at a patio table on campus and soaking up the late-summer weather, I’m marking the first day of my Fall 2025 classes at George Mason University. What was supposed to be a lighter semester—just four courses to meet my G.I. Bill requirements—quickly changed when a newly listed class caught my attention. Now I’m tackling a five-course lineup.
Looking back at the summer term now in the rearview, I’m grateful that my coursework at GMU finally dives deep into my chosen major and two minors, instead of slogging through the lower-level general requirements I endured at Northern Virginia Community College. Ironically, with a few grants in play, this four-year university is actually costing me less than the affordable community college I transferred from.
Summer itself was no stroll through the park—I carried a full load, again to make use of my veteran benefits.
- Case Studies in Persuasion: I especially enjoyed learning about persuasion models like Social Judgment Theory and Cognitive Dissonance, and can see where my future advocacy efforts will benefit.
- Advanced Composition: Much of it revolved around museums—outside my major—but it still turned out to be surprisingly entertaining and useful.
- Geographic Information Systems: Learning ArcGIS and being able to explore Arlington’s excellent open data portal was a highlight. My final project—a map of Rosslyn-Ballston residential zoning within a walkshed—was well-received by the professor and social media.
After that whirlwind, a short three-week break was just enough to lay the groundwork for a nonprofit organization I’ve been envisioning for over three years. I teased this project in last week’s newsletter, but the full reveal is coming in September.
This fall’s courses cover all areas of my degree: my concentration in Nonprofit Management and my minors in Political Communications and Urban Studies.
- Money, Markets, and Economic Policy: A casual economics course taught in true old-school style—paper, pencils, and lectures. My tech brain will just have to adapt.
- Administration in the Political System: A broad overview of public administration that I expect will be foundational for my career.
- Media Criticism: A deep dive into analyzing mass media, perfectly geared to my Political Communications minor.
- Transportation Geography: A rare “select topic” gem that connects to my Urban Studies minor and my role on Arlington County’s Transportation Commission.
And then there’s the wild card—the extra class that tipped this semester into overdrive: Modern Nonprofit Leader, an “Apex” course designed to prepare future nonprofit leaders to manage and evolve their organizations for a rapidly changing world. The title alone is irresistible, and the content promises exactly the kind of challenge I will sink my teeth into.
With a calendar this packed, the next few months will be a balancing act. Here’s to a season of growth, momentum, and maybe just enough sleep to keep me alive.
🤞🤞🤞🤞
