Graduate School

It has been a long time since I posted here. My apologies to my loyal legion of fans....

The news of the day: I have been accepted into the M.A. in English Literature program at Villanova University. Some of you may know that I decided early this year that I wanted to pursue a master's degree, then a doctorate, and eventually start a career as an English professor. This is step one.

I put everything on Villanova, the only place I applied to. I didn't have a back-up plan, had Villanova said no. Good thing it didn't matter.

Initially, I planned to begin in fall 2009, but if I can secure financing, I've decided to start in the spring, which would mean mid-January. So soon! Hopefully I'll be able to finish the program in two years, taking classes at night while continuing to work full time at my current job. My boss has been very supportive and told me in no uncertain terms that he would be flexible with my schedule, if the need arises, so that I can go to school.

I feel lucky. I have a good job with a boss who work with me to ensure that my education plans can proceed freely, even though my chosen direction will necessarily take me away from this job in a few years. I got into the school I wanted. I've already been happy lately, and now I'm even happier.

While at Messiah, I never thought I'd enter an English literature program, but things change. I feel confident that I can do well, but I know it'll take a lot out of me. It'll be a challenge, but I'm up for it.

At the moment, my top choice for a doctorate is Cornell University, which has the third-ranked literary theory curriculum in the country (behind only Duke and UC-Berkeley). I don't know if Ivy League is dreaming too big, but I think I have no reason to discredit the notion right now.

I don't know what will happen in the coming years. All I can do is take chances, believe in myself, and hope for the best.