EntourageDude1995

Hi everyone, Firstly, let me say this is my first post here, and I just made an account today. This is my first post. Now, onto my post... I'm in my second semester of a 3-semester Masters program in International Peace & Conflict Resolution at a small university in Pennsylvania. I don't work because I'm a full-time student and live with my family. I graduated with a Bachelors in International Studies from the same school, and since I'd already taken some of the classes from the program, I decided to apply. I got in and enrolled for the fall after graduating, even though I felt burnt out, because it was only 3 semesters and my family was pressuring me to do so. Initially I felt good about going in. I took a mediation class that got me certified and only lasted through the end of October. I'm taking a 6-week internship in Cyprus over the summer, which really excites me. And I'm also interning for a think tank here in the states. However, now I'm feeling disappointed and burned out. One of the reasons is that the program seems more counseling-focused in certain ways than related to international affairs or conflict resolution. Two of our required classes are really boring and cheesy--basically, one consisted of journaling online about our life trauma and the other consists of sitting in a circle every class and doing the same thing. The other required class--which includes a 10-day trip to Northern Ireland--is also taught in a dull manner. My two electives this semester are Social Movements (which I love) and a class about Sierra Leone that includes a 10-day trip there in May--this class is just OK. One of the issues I think is that I've taken the more interesting courses that the program offers either last semester or in undergrad. That's making me dread the thought of taking classes in the fall (besides my capstone) that could very well turn out to be boring/unhelpful. Secondly, a few members of my cohort caused quite a bit of petty drama last semester that is still lingering and creating bad vibes. Already, two people (including one of those who stirred the pot) left the program and another is leaving after this semester for another program. Almost everyone in the cohort is disappointed with the program, and feels it didn't live up to its promise. I'm not leaving the program, because I'm nearly halfway there and I do want my Masters. But at this point, I'm only here for the traveling, and I know a few others feel the same way. I dread coming to most of my classes, because I know that I'll either waste my time with bullshit required courses, or I'll be bored and could've spent more time doing internship work or something else. I do have Thursdays and Fridays off and I go to the gym, walk my dog, etc. While these things sometimes help, I'm still feeling depressed and overwhelmed and have no idea what to do. I just feel like my life has become too routine and quite disappointing, partially because of school, and dropping out has crossed my mind at times. I used to want to go get my PhD years down the line, but now I’m not so sure just because my experience with graduate school so far. I hate to sound like I'm just whining or complaining, but I honestly don't know how to overcome this and I guess I need advice on how to cope from those who have done this before.