Updates
A lot's changed since the last time I updated, and I know that there are some people I don't talk to regularly who might still occasionally wonder what's going on with me. I'm in sort of an introspective mood, so here goes nothing...
Firstly, after six months spent more or less consumed with graduate school applications, I've decided that I'm going to the University of Chicago next year for my Masters in social work. It was, all-in-all, a really interesting, if expensive, process. Social work programs aren't the most competitive, and some of the ones at bigger name schools are surprisingly uncompetitive, but I'm still really pleased with the final list of schools I had to choose from. UPenn, Boston University, NYU, Virginia Commonwealth, Bryn Mawr College, Hunter College (the most competitive, interestingly), and UChicago. In the end, my decision came down to financial aid and Chicago vs. New York City. I was absolutely blown away by the staff and students at UChicago's School for Social Administration, and really enjoyed the time I spent in Chicago visiting Deb, so those factors along with the really flattering scholarship offer swayed me that direction. Me, in the Midwest? What's that? It's funny how that was a long-shot, afterthought of an application -- thank goodness it worked out.
The most difficult thing about deciding to move to Chicago was the prospect of being so far away from my wonderful boyfriend -- which fortunately shouldn't be an issue since he seems pretty on board with moving with me. That's the other Big Life Thing: sometime in the latter part of last year, I fell pretty spectacularly in love with the guy I've cared for as an internet friend since I was 14, and adored since I finally got to meet him last summer. It's my nature to be sort of flip about this sort of thing, and not to let myself get too sappy or sincere, but I'm incapable of being that way about this. There's no one more genuine, trustworthy, or, honestly, who knows me better than him at this point. I've learned that I can be myself with him, be expressive and take risks, show vulnerability I don't let other people see... It sounds really heavy, and in a lot of ways it is because there's so much emotion and history involved in our relationship, but in other way's it's refreshingly carefree and I have so much fun when I'm with him and we're easily compatible on so many levels. Our relationship is this really deep, solid, constant thing that right now I can't imagine my life without. Which is really interesting reflecting on a year ago when I was really doubting that there was anyone out there for me or thinking that maybe I'd have to start compromising some of my ideals. I think there was always a part of me that knew this relationship was a possibility, but it seemed too absurd a notion to entertain at the time.
So anyway, I guess those are the essential things that anyone keeping up with this might like to know. Honestly, I'm really pretty content with life right now and optimistic about everything that's coming next. Now if only I could find a summer job to tide me over until September when we move....
Firstly, after six months spent more or less consumed with graduate school applications, I've decided that I'm going to the University of Chicago next year for my Masters in social work. It was, all-in-all, a really interesting, if expensive, process. Social work programs aren't the most competitive, and some of the ones at bigger name schools are surprisingly uncompetitive, but I'm still really pleased with the final list of schools I had to choose from. UPenn, Boston University, NYU, Virginia Commonwealth, Bryn Mawr College, Hunter College (the most competitive, interestingly), and UChicago. In the end, my decision came down to financial aid and Chicago vs. New York City. I was absolutely blown away by the staff and students at UChicago's School for Social Administration, and really enjoyed the time I spent in Chicago visiting Deb, so those factors along with the really flattering scholarship offer swayed me that direction. Me, in the Midwest? What's that? It's funny how that was a long-shot, afterthought of an application -- thank goodness it worked out.
The most difficult thing about deciding to move to Chicago was the prospect of being so far away from my wonderful boyfriend -- which fortunately shouldn't be an issue since he seems pretty on board with moving with me. That's the other Big Life Thing: sometime in the latter part of last year, I fell pretty spectacularly in love with the guy I've cared for as an internet friend since I was 14, and adored since I finally got to meet him last summer. It's my nature to be sort of flip about this sort of thing, and not to let myself get too sappy or sincere, but I'm incapable of being that way about this. There's no one more genuine, trustworthy, or, honestly, who knows me better than him at this point. I've learned that I can be myself with him, be expressive and take risks, show vulnerability I don't let other people see... It sounds really heavy, and in a lot of ways it is because there's so much emotion and history involved in our relationship, but in other way's it's refreshingly carefree and I have so much fun when I'm with him and we're easily compatible on so many levels. Our relationship is this really deep, solid, constant thing that right now I can't imagine my life without. Which is really interesting reflecting on a year ago when I was really doubting that there was anyone out there for me or thinking that maybe I'd have to start compromising some of my ideals. I think there was always a part of me that knew this relationship was a possibility, but it seemed too absurd a notion to entertain at the time.
So anyway, I guess those are the essential things that anyone keeping up with this might like to know. Honestly, I'm really pretty content with life right now and optimistic about everything that's coming next. Now if only I could find a summer job to tide me over until September when we move....