Better By Nightfall

I've been feverishly working on countless applications over the past few weeks. It's fascinating how quickly my life changed once this semester started. Where break was relaxing and noncommittal, school has been intense, demanding, and itinerant. It's been difficult, but fun and worthwhile.

As of late I've found myself looking back over the last couple of years. Indeed, some of my applications and school assignments have required thoughtful and deep reflection of previous experiences. I suppose reaching senior year requires some reflection. After all, I wouldn't be the person I am today nor would I be here now if it wasn't for the composite of experiences that summoned me to this point. In addition to my previous post, I've been thinking about how each experience at college has allowed me to grow. Looking back over the last few years, I've certainly had my ups and downs. Some semesters were good; others, not so much. All in all, college has been quite an emotional, mental, and physical rollercoaster, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

In addition to looking back I've been forced to look ahead. All those applications hold potential, but they also have quick deadlines that call for immediate action!¹ I recently finished my application for a summer internship. It is an extensive program that offers multiple venues in various states, thus the appeal. I'm not sure what I'll end up doing based on the venues I chose, but I hope it is one of the historic, communication, or interpretive internships. The others I listed are mainly there as backup options that I wouldn't mind doing, but would prefer to do only if nothing else is available.²

I've also been working on my graduate assistantship application. Going through the motions, I've set up meetings with the proper people (the GA coordinator, the department head of graduate admissions, etc.) and requested numerous recommendation letters. With a little luck, all will go well for this application. It's a bit of a shot in the dark since there are only 5 GA positions, but I know that I have the potential to get one. Plus, it'd be nice to actually apply the lessons I have known for years to something I'm certain I want to do until retirement.³

In the meantime, I'm going to keep moving. The mountain ahead stands tall, but the journey up doesn't seem so rough. Besides, once I get to the top I'll know where I'm headed on the way down. That illumination is what I'm looking forward to this semester, and it's not as far away as it seems.

_{1: Or maybe I've been slacking?
2: Basically it's either internship or Barnes and Nobles or selling myself on the street!
3: Or until I win the lottery, whichever comes first.}