When I began writing the 70-something blog five and a half years ago, I had no idea that I would be a graduate student at age 75. But this will not turn into a student blog.  I will continue to comment on the pleasures and challenges on my journey from young-old age to old-old age and I will write about being a student only when it is particularly relevant or when I can’t resist.  

However, I have to say that this week has been a huge transition.  When I walked out of my office on Wednesday to become a student and join my new classmates in (of all things) a quantitative, and then an economics placement exam, my head was spinning with emotions (and not nearly enough economics and math).  And it hasn’t stopped. 

I have 214 new classmates from 62 countries.  We are taking a four-week summer program before the actual school year starts that will prepare us  for the year ahead.  At the same time I will be passing my job responsibilities on to those who are going to take them over.

It’s a bit overwhelming.

On August 30^th, the office that has been my second home for years will no longer be mine.  I will have only a locker for my belongings just like I did in high school.  Will my (former) colleagues allow me to store a suitcase or something in their offices if need be?  I think so, but only if they would do it for other students.

I am determined not to look back or to critique my successor.  I am in this for real.

Please stay with me on this journey.