If you're a partner, you likely already know that Preterm is a fantastic time to be here in Philly - students are getting to know one another and are happy to know you too, and there are great social activities happening every day.
That being said, it also presents its unique challenges.
PRETERM I
Number 1 struggle [for me]: Names.
At the very start, it's incredibly difficult to remember 70+ cohort pals in addition to all of the other partners--- especially because students retreat with one another, take classes together all day, etc. Bumping into people 1-2x a week at events is not conducive to retaining all of the details you'd normally like to if you were meeting, say, 2 people at a time.
At 20 faces/night = I don't imagine you'd remember my name either, unless you use a cool device like 'KrazyKurls Kathleen' or sub in some other unflattering & memorable dimension of my appearance ala Michael Scott's technique: http://www.hulu.com/collections/208/56364
Number 2: Stamina
There was literally something every night. And almost every time, when I went to 'the thing', I had a blast. So, I was trained, like a Pavlov pup, to roll out every evening-- even through the sniffles or the massacre of my weekly budget. It was super exhausting, but I kept thinking 'Never again...I'll never get to do this again! I have to champagne firehose myself to the brink of life!'
Number 3: Making the budget
If you were like me and living on a restrictive budget during preterm & trying to find a job in Philly, then you may have done what I did and put together some idea of a budget for what was appropriate to spend...
Then you may need to close your laptop, say 'whatever' and toss it off the balcony of your [or your boyfreind's] 'luxury rental'. Once you head out and buy yourself a newer, better lenovo with crazy processing speed and windows 7, you can weep in style at your NEW budget, which will be more accurate and therefore more depressing. Mayn, Wharton parties are expensive!
PRETERM II: UPGRADES!!!
First and foremost: You will know a ton more names. It's much easier to compliment an individual on his shapely thighs in neon women's leggings when you know him by name. You will remember all of the students you went toe to toe with on 80s costumes, the ones who portrayed you during Follies, and the ones who helped your student limp over that 9 am deadline on some OPIM project that turned 5 hairs on every student's head gray (aka the Learning Team).
Second, Parties are much more flexible- you'll be excited to see everyone but won't feel the urgency to attend every social event, as you'll remember the richness of the entire previous year. Going out on Monday isn't only for preterm- it can and will happen all year! So pacing yourself doesn't feel like a letdown so much as the type of decision that will help you avoid Cirrhosis. The more you know!
Finally, Preterm 2.0 rules because you're much better prepared for budgeting. No, I am not Scrooge McDuck bathing in gold coins and Kiehl's $25 version of hand soap, but I have a job this time around, which makes the revolving door of cash in-> shots much smoother! It's a good thing to have had some time to adjust to Wharton expenses and know where to cut and where to spend. It's still expensive to blow it out, but it's much easier to pick and choose based on what your schedule will accommodate!
Thus, in summary, CONGRATS to all of the Partners and Students from 2011 that just made it through their first preterm [just = several weeks ago], but don't forget to look forward to next year's preterm festivities!
-Kathleen