And you don't wanna live here in the future...
Okay, so let's Pro/Con list the shit out of my options for next year (next semester, specifically.)
-For about a week now, I have been considering studying abroad...and next semester. Considering I'd like to go to New Zealand, that would mean I would be leaving in early July...of this year. It is April in a few days -- talk about sudden. I did my research and though it is really soon, there is really very little getting in my way of going, so this is a possibility.
-However, before I made the study abroad realization (exactly one week ago,) I was stressing about my housing options for next year. I applied for the Music Interest Floor in my craze, knowing that the chances were slim because it is so late in the year. (Housing contracts are due next Wednesday.) I had an informal Skype text interview on Saturday and knew that my chances were low because the interview was so odd. On Monday, they asked me back for an in-person interview for Wednesday night. I agreed to go because I had no reason not to. The interview went well, I thought, and I felt comfortable with the people. (Not surprising, in my opinion...a good deal of my high school friends were musically-involved.)
-In the mean time, I talked to my friend Gaby about living situations next year and she offered me a place in her intended suite. I was also in talks with my friend Courtney, who ended up also getting a spot in Gaby's
suite. So there is that plan.
This afternoon, I met with a study abroad counselor, who was basically useless. However, she basically told me there is no reason I wouldn't be accepted. I also got an e-mail that I was accepted to MIF.
So, now what?
PS: If I don't go abroad this fall, the following fall (senior year) is still very much an option. Spring is a kind of option; I'd really rather not go then, but if that's the only thing that will work, of course I'll do it.
Next Fall:
Going Abroad - Pros:
-I've always wanted to go abroad (this one gets extra weight)
-The idea excites me
-It's an experience I'd never elsewhere
-It provides new opportunity
-I think I need a break from my life right now
-I'd meet new people/new friends
Going Abroad - Cons:
-It's really late planning; (this should have been done in February)
---I'd have to have all my forms in within 2 weeks
---I wouldn't hear back until late April
---I've already missed a majority of the scholarship deadlines
-I haven't saved the money (this is a big deal...I have about $2000 savings)
---I need to pay for a flight (about $1300, if I'm lucky, plus shipping my luggage)
---I need money for living somewhere else for 5 months (food/clothes/books/living expenses...a lot)
-I'd be giving up half of my summer (I made a quasi-complete peace with this already)
---I was looking forward to working the concerts
---I look forward to spending time with my friends
-I worry about the guaranteed homesickness, as I've found I am hugely vulnerable to regular homesickness
-Very few courses are offered which may even be relevant to my needs to complete my degree, so I'd essentially end up behind
-I'd come back in the spring and my spot would be gone, therefore making for another potentially miserable semester.
-Again, it's very last-minute and that makes me feel unprepared
-I've kind of been stressing out about this/not feeling like I'm ready
Staying Here - Pros:
-I have somewhere to live
-This is very planned
-I can knock off more of my degree requirements
-This may be an opportunity to actually be happy with my life here
-I just got re-elected to hospitality for UR Concerts, and I'm excited
-I have a job (though this may be impacted by my schedule next semester, which is not very job-friendly)
-I'd have my summer/friends/job/way to earn money
-I'd have more time to apply next year/research my best options
Staying Here - Cons:
-I wouldn't be abroad
-I'd be afraid I'd regret not going abroad
-The semester could be just as miserable; I already know it's going to be really school work intensive
Oh, and the housing draw for MIF is on Sunday...so I need to give these people an answer ASAP. I also really need to tell Gaby if I am to decline her suite...which will not make her happy, so she needs an answer ASAP as well.
-For about a week now, I have been considering studying abroad...and next semester. Considering I'd like to go to New Zealand, that would mean I would be leaving in early July...of this year. It is April in a few days -- talk about sudden. I did my research and though it is really soon, there is really very little getting in my way of going, so this is a possibility.
-However, before I made the study abroad realization (exactly one week ago,) I was stressing about my housing options for next year. I applied for the Music Interest Floor in my craze, knowing that the chances were slim because it is so late in the year. (Housing contracts are due next Wednesday.) I had an informal Skype text interview on Saturday and knew that my chances were low because the interview was so odd. On Monday, they asked me back for an in-person interview for Wednesday night. I agreed to go because I had no reason not to. The interview went well, I thought, and I felt comfortable with the people. (Not surprising, in my opinion...a good deal of my high school friends were musically-involved.)
-In the mean time, I talked to my friend Gaby about living situations next year and she offered me a place in her intended suite. I was also in talks with my friend Courtney, who ended up also getting a spot in Gaby's
suite. So there is that plan.
This afternoon, I met with a study abroad counselor, who was basically useless. However, she basically told me there is no reason I wouldn't be accepted. I also got an e-mail that I was accepted to MIF.
So, now what?
PS: If I don't go abroad this fall, the following fall (senior year) is still very much an option. Spring is a kind of option; I'd really rather not go then, but if that's the only thing that will work, of course I'll do it.
Next Fall:
Going Abroad - Pros:
-I've always wanted to go abroad (this one gets extra weight)
-The idea excites me
-It's an experience I'd never elsewhere
-It provides new opportunity
-I think I need a break from my life right now
-I'd meet new people/new friends
Going Abroad - Cons:
-It's really late planning; (this should have been done in February)
---I'd have to have all my forms in within 2 weeks
---I wouldn't hear back until late April
---I've already missed a majority of the scholarship deadlines
-I haven't saved the money (this is a big deal...I have about $2000 savings)
---I need to pay for a flight (about $1300, if I'm lucky, plus shipping my luggage)
---I need money for living somewhere else for 5 months (food/clothes/books/living expenses...a lot)
-I'd be giving up half of my summer (I made a quasi-complete peace with this already)
---I was looking forward to working the concerts
---I look forward to spending time with my friends
-I worry about the guaranteed homesickness, as I've found I am hugely vulnerable to regular homesickness
-Very few courses are offered which may even be relevant to my needs to complete my degree, so I'd essentially end up behind
-I'd come back in the spring and my spot would be gone, therefore making for another potentially miserable semester.
-Again, it's very last-minute and that makes me feel unprepared
-I've kind of been stressing out about this/not feeling like I'm ready
Staying Here - Pros:
-I have somewhere to live
-This is very planned
-I can knock off more of my degree requirements
-This may be an opportunity to actually be happy with my life here
-I just got re-elected to hospitality for UR Concerts, and I'm excited
-I have a job (though this may be impacted by my schedule next semester, which is not very job-friendly)
-I'd have my summer/friends/job/way to earn money
-I'd have more time to apply next year/research my best options
Staying Here - Cons:
-I wouldn't be abroad
-I'd be afraid I'd regret not going abroad
-The semester could be just as miserable; I already know it's going to be really school work intensive
Oh, and the housing draw for MIF is on Sunday...so I need to give these people an answer ASAP. I also really need to tell Gaby if I am to decline her suite...which will not make her happy, so she needs an answer ASAP as well.