What the !@#$%^% have I done??! and Maya
I have just spent the last 4 hours or so looking into grad school information. I have started reading my Graduate School: Winning Strategies for Getting In book that has been lying about our apartment for 2 years. (I am not sure it is going to be that helpful to me since it seems to be tailored more toward research masters candidates on PhD tracks- ahhno!- but I am not that far it in yet so we’ll see.)
Then I went online to do research on what programs are actually out there. OHMYDEARGOD. It takes so long to go through the different search engine sites and then go to the actual university’s site to look into the program and then realize it is not what you want and then go back to the search engine site and BAH!
The real problem is that I really don’t know what I want to do. I would really prefer a coursework program instead of a research program (I think…) and I am interested in several fields, without really knowing what they really mean. (International Education, Social Anthropology, Cultural Studies, etc etc…) I also am interested in going abroad if possible but navigating universities’ websites overseas is impossible. I understand the words but not what they are talking about.
I am screwed. and feeling so overwhelmed. and I have quit my job. I am idiot.
ahem.
To cheer myself up, I am going to rewind to this past Saturday when I met Maya and her boyfriend Steve! yay!
She is just as witty and smart in person as she is on her blog and Steve was a blast to hang out with!
We may have also gone to a certain yarn store…
We had fun running around and showing each other the green yarn. 
Also, our guys are silly. haha
July 20th, 2005 at 12:18 am
Is there someone at the university that you can consult with? I’m sure since you’ve put it out there, someone out here will have the perfect suggestion. Take a deep breath…it’s all going to work out perfectly!
July 20th, 2005 at 7:04 am
THose sound like really fun topics. International education especially. Anthropology is fun too. Don’t worry, everything will be fine. You will be so happy the first day of school organizing your folders and such.
July 20th, 2005 at 7:51 am
I feel for you… I just quit my graduate program yesterday (leaving with a Master’s instead of a Ph.D.) and I am freaking out. It will all work out though, right? Good luck!
July 20th, 2005 at 8:00 am
Try Getting What You Came For… everyone tells me it’s the best grad school book. Not that I’ve, um, actually gotten around to reading it yet…
July 20th, 2005 at 8:02 am
Its all going to work out, don’t worry. Quitting your job was a great move, you seemed so unhappy there.
By the way I’ve just resurfaced from seeing the wedding pics. LOVE THEM! You looked so beautiful.
July 20th, 2005 at 9:05 am
Do you have an advisor or professor from your undergrad years that you are still in touch with or not shy about e-mailing? I’ve gotten lots of good advice from mine, and if they know someone in the field you are interested in, maybe they can put you in touch with them and you can pick their brain about what schools/programs are best. Career counseling from the pros!
July 20th, 2005 at 9:28 am
I am going through a similar situation now, having declined two invitations to a grad program I thought was the best for me. And now I’m stuck with the “what the heck happens now?” phase… may I suggest some things that worked for me at the time? Find a career counselor or take a career orientation course at a local college. There are standardized inventory tests that can help you identify strengths and interests. Also, the main branch of my city’s library has an amazing career section, with some of those tests online for free and many many books and resources. Its a lot of work, but its worth it even if all you do is narrow down the possibilities.
July 20th, 2005 at 10:30 am
Noooooooo. Please don’t leave Boston…
July 20th, 2005 at 10:45 am
It will all work out – I know it! I think it’s important to do your research, visit programs you like, talk to people at the schools, and then go with your gut feelings. It can be scary to follow your gut, but it’s usually right. Oh–and I think reading helps too. 2 career-related books I love – “I could do anything if only I knew what it was” and “Career Guide for Creative and Unconventional people.” Definitely worth having on your shelves.
So fun meeting you and Casey! I think Steve doesn’t think blogging is so weird now. Glad you had fun too…
July 20th, 2005 at 11:03 am
Oh, sweet Jess!! I have every faith that you’ll find your way – I chime in with those folks who are saying to use your connections – old professors, etc. The right way will come! Sending you lots of good thoughts -
July 20th, 2005 at 11:30 am
I love the pic of the boys reading a knitting book!
What about UGA? I think whatever you pick…you will love. You did the right thing to quit your job. Take your time finding a program. What’s the rush? You’ve got the rest of your life.
July 20th, 2005 at 12:10 pm
Maybe it’s cause I’m a bit of a nerd, but there are so many interesting things to study. I’m so lucky that I have a scholarship that will let me take my time with school and take some fun classes. Anyhow, don’t stress too much, you will get everything figured out. You’re just a bit overwhelmed. Take your time and make sure you find the perfect program
July 20th, 2005 at 12:58 pm
AM is right – UGA clearly is the best choice for all of your grad school needs. Hee hee.
Take your time – you JUST quit your job – you’re allowed a minute to breathe and research. I know you will find something you are totally excited about it, and then you will blow everyone in the program away with your fabulousness!
July 20th, 2005 at 1:12 pm
I’m sure everything will become clearer as you start visiting schools and talking to admission reps. Some schools just have more research based programs than others. A good MA program will have both traditional theory type coursework and research. I’m sure you’ll find a great place! So jealous…I want to go back to school again!
July 20th, 2005 at 2:58 pm
Darling Frecklegirl, you are so not screwed. You are just perched upon opportunity on opportunity. Embrace the freedom (and more time to knit and hang with your Mr Husband!). I am so sorry I’ve been so crap online lately. I send big happy congrats to the nonemployed life for now and the happy matrimony and friendmaking. Yay!!!!!
July 20th, 2005 at 5:02 pm
No panic!!! Deep breaths!! I’ll send you my most comforting thoughts…
you will be fine.
July 21st, 2005 at 11:12 am
It will be okay. You will figure it out. It will all make sense soon.
And, you are getting verrrrrry sleeeeeeeepy…
Aren’t I persuasive?
July 21st, 2005 at 4:35 pm
Don’t stress yourself out and feel pressured to make a decision right away. Do your research, find a field of interest, and then talk to people in that field so see what it’s like…kinda like a mentoring situation. Once you take some time to slow down and think about what you REALLY want to do, you will feel much more secure about your schoolin’, and you’ll wonder why you ever stressed at all.
July 25th, 2005 at 5:53 pm
Odd question perhaps, but the yarn store actually let you take pictures inside?
Lucky you, getting to meet Maya