Over winter break I submitted my applications to four Ph.D. programs in Communication. Ideally I'd like to attend at one of the programs closer to where I currently reside, but I have no way of knowing which program will be the best fit. In so many ways, I am excited and scared. In thinking about the programs and hearing what everyone (my advisor, professors, colleagues, family, and friends) has to say about where I applied, I can't help but feel a little bit like Prince Charming looking for Cinderella. I have an idea of what I am looking for and it fits neatly into a plan for the future (e.g. the slipper), but I do not know which program will fulfill my thoughts and carry me through the future. In other words, I don't know which one will be the right fit, even though I have ideas about each.
What perplexes me the most, though, is that the right fit might very well be the program furthest away from where I currently reside. It's a thought that has crossed my mind, but one that I haven't given as much thought to because of what it ultimately means.
If the shoe fits, do I take my place with Cinderella and see what the future brings or do I place myself in the company of those I love and make the shoe work as best as possible?
On a completely unrelated note: The "Springsteen Slide!"
Monday, February 02, 2009
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3 comments:
in my opinion, you can't sacrifice a good program for location or proximity. this is your future you are working for and you definitely need the program that will give you the best preparation.
that being said, i'm not one who leaves family or friends behind easily, and i don't envy the decision you have to make. good luck man.
Ah, I know this dilemma all too well. I put on the glass slipper, so to speak, and ended up in the middle of a desert thousands of miles from all the people I love - doing my dream job. Do I miss my family and friends? Every day. Do I love my job? Every day. I don't have any sage advice on this kind of decision-making other than to say, I'm kind of a go-with-your-gut type of person - wait for the answer that feels most right and that's usually your best bet. (Dang, would you look at me all philosophical or whatever tonight.)
Thank you, both of you, for the advice. I appreciate it.
It's been hard to think about and I know it's going to be even harder to make the decision.
I just need to take time with my decision and figure out what is best for me.
For now, though, I need to take it one day at a time.
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