I feel like every time I write a post, I have to apologize for it being so long since my last update. I know it has been an incredibly long time and a lot of you are probably wondering what is going on in my life. There has actually been a good reason for me not sharing what has been going on. As I was going through all of my graduate school interviews, I did not feel that it was best to share my thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc until my final decision was made. Yes, that means I have made my final decision. Many of you have a pretty good idea of which school I have chosen, but I would like to touch on the process before I reveal it officially. Please know that I will not be sharing everything that I feel and if you want any information on a specific school or how to pick a school in general you can contact me individually.
My first interview was at MUSC. As it was my first, you can imagine how nervous I was. It was also the first time I had to fly by myself, so that added to the anxiousness. I am an advocate for pushing yourself through your fears to eliminate them, so it was a great experience. During my visit to MUSC, I learned a ton about graduate school and what things to look for in a program. It is all about what program fits you. MUSC is a great school with a great graduate program in biomedical science. However, I knew before I left that I would not fit there. There is nothing bad I can say about the program, it just wasn't what I was looking for. Again, if you want more details about specific reasons you can contact me individually.
My second interview was at USF. I have always loved Florida, so I felt pretty comfortable there off the bat, but most of my comfort came from knowing exactly what I should be looking for in a program. The people I met were very friendly and the visit was very informative. I think what I liked most was that everyone was so honest. Another plus to their program is that they have the Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, which I even got to tour. I left Tampa (sadly, because it was in the 70s and I had to go back to single digit temperatures) thinking that USF was somewhere I could really see myself.
My third interview was at GRU. I've never been to Augusta, so I was excited to see what it was all about. It is a pretty small city compared to the others I visited, so I really had to think about what kind of area I want to live in. The program that they have really impressed me, and the people were really great. Again, everyone was so straightforward and honest. I probably learned the most about graduate school in general during this visit, like how to look for places to live, how to pick a mentor, etc. It was a really great experience, and I am really glad I got the opportunity.
When all is said and done, I had to pick the school that was the overall right fit for me. I was looking for a school that is excited about the same research as I am, that has a number of different mentors I can choose from, that is very collaborative between departments, that has faculty that really cares about their students' successes, and is in an area I would enjoy to spend the next five years of my life in. The only school that met all of those requirements was the University of South Florida in Tampa. Therefore, I'll be moving there in August. I am really excited to start the next chapter of my life.
Unfortunately, I still have a lot to do before then...like graduate. Classes have been going well so far, and I really can't complain about the extra time I have had from taking a lighter course load. I have been picking up extra hours at work, however, due to such a busy time at the office. It is a slightly stressful environment but I couldn't pick a better group of people to work with. I have also been working on my honors project fundraising walk to benefit the Alzheimer's Association. We have made great strides in planning the event. If you are interested in registering to walk or making a donation, you can visit the website at http://alzwalk2013.wix.com/lookbackmoveforward.
Well a huge weight has been lifted now that I do not have to worry about what I will be doing after graduation. It is going to be difficult to wait for my next steps, but I am really going to enjoy the time I have left to spend with my family and friends before I move away. Like I mentioned before, if you are interested in graduate school I am always open and willing to offer advice or help talk it out. Thank you for all of your continuing support. It means so much to me.
Thanks for reading!
All the promises of God find their Yes in Him. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
