scheduling for the fall

It looks like next semester will be at least a little less stressful than this semester. I meet with Dr. Price tomorrow to talk about my schedule, but here's what it's looking like so far:

Mon 3:30-6:20 Leadership Development
Tues 12:30-1:45 History & Systems (psychology)
6:30-8:30 American Sign Language
Wed 11-12:15 Leadership Development
Thurs 12:30-1:45 History & Systems
8-9 Percussion Ensemble

Possibly Research in Perception Tues/Thurs 11-12:15, but I'm looking into doing an Independent Study instead since perception really does not interest me at all. That would give me an independent research project as well as finishing my thesis, so a lot of research, but more free time to work on it. I'm also hoping that in having a lot of open time I can get sexual assault hotline training and certification at the YWCA, something I wanted to do last year, but did not have time for because I think it's Tues & Thurs afternoons.

I really want a more relaxed schedule next semester because I'm feeling incredibly overwhelmed this semester and want to be able to focus on my thesis and research.

Another thing I'm looking into is a winter break trip to Thailand. I went to the informational meeting today, and it looks like a good trip. We'd be going to Bangkok and Chiang Mai (northern Thailand) for about 2 weeks, Dec 27-Jan 10. We'd be touring some of the more famous sites as well as visiting students at Thammasat University to see what college is like in Thailand, a "monk chat" program at a temple where we learn about Buddhism and the lives of monks, we'd spend a day at an orphanage, an elephant training facility, and possibly an agency dealing with sex trafficking. It's about $2400 plus most lunches & dinners and spending money. I'd like to go, but really can't afford it, so I'm praying about it. A friend of mine knows someone who works at a sex trafficking agency and might go on her own to help out there. I think a more hands-on trip would be more of what I want to experience, so we'll see what happens.