Well, sort of. It has been a long time since I've posted, but it hasn't been a lonely time. Alas, I couldn't resist the Led Zeppelin reference.
A friend brought it to my attention the other day that he actually read my blog - Whaaaaat? I didn't think anyone read it, so I kind of quit updating it. Now there seems a reason, or a couple of reasons, to begin writing again.
So much has happened since Christmas...
I did an independent study in regional history and loved it. The subject matter is endlessly interesting and I moved forward with plans for graduate school in regional studies. I went and sat in on some grad classes and was hooked! No one was texting, no one was rolling their eyes, no kvetching about workloads, they all wanted to be there and I felt at home.
I took the GRE and I did really badly. Okay, maybe not really badly, I have since heard that others have done much worse, but it was a shock to see just how stinky I am at taking the GRE. That phraseology was intentional by the way. I firmly believe that the GRE is an indicator of how well an individual performed on a specific test on one specific day in his/her life. It is nothing more. I do not believe it is an indicator of performance in grad school. I do not believe that 3 hours of my life should carry as much or more weight than the previous 4 years of busting my hump. I think it's a racket. I was treated like a criminal - I had to empty my pockets! The people who work at the testing center clearly hate their jobs and want everyone else to be as miserable as they are. I will need to take it again before I apply to doctoral programs, so GRE - we will meet again.
I only applied to two programs for grad school. I was blessed, I got into both of them. I had originally just intended to take a gap year and then do my serious applying Fall 2010. That way, I had time to focus on my senior year and get all of my writing samples, etc...in order. In order to fill my year, I started looking at certificate programs and then one thing led to another and another and another. There were some setbacks and moving to plans B, C, and D, but as I look back, I can clearly see God's hand at work. I am right where I am supposed to be. I will be attending grad school in the fall and working on multiple degrees - a history MA and an MA in regional studies. It will add another year, but will broaden my job opps significantly, and make me a better historian by investigating other methodologies.
Some of my friends weren't so lucky. Some only applied to one place and then didn't get in. Now what???? Panic, that's what. If you are reading this and you want to go to grad school, you should apply everywhere that you would even consider attending. Seriously, options people, options! Also, most seem to have sent their apps in cold. Network, make connections, it's the way to go. Do the research about how to apply successfully, what specific programs offer, and put mega time into it - it's your future, treat it that way.
I graduate soon, I have a lot on my plate. Feels like I am putting out one fire, then moving on to another. But I'm sure I will survive.
A proposal of mine was accepted for presentation and I begged for money to any source at the college who would stand still long enough. My dean and my department were able to give enough to pay for hotel, gas, and meals while at the conference. It was in a very nice locale and so I brought the fam and we had a super vacation. After the presenting and hubub was done, I had a moment to sit and absorb. I looked at the hubs and the mini-me, who were having an excellent time, and thought - wow - I made this happen. I worked my tail off and literally willed this moment into being. My hard work was paying off and it was an amazing feeling.
I also applied for and received funding from another source to attend another conference. Great time, I heard sessions wherein the presenters talked about issues that I am interested in. That is wonderful because I often feeling like no one knows or cares about the weird stuff I like. It was also in a great locale, but the fam didn't go for some reason and then got miffed when I came home claiming I didn't invite them. Whatever, I did, but even if I didn't, you're adult enough to self-advocate - if you want to go, then say so.
It's late, I am very interested in hitting the hay. I hope to do better about keeping this up. Feel free to email me and prod!
Miss Clio
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