Post-Graduation Update

Hey y'all!

This is the Rachel that just graduated from college. Woohoo! I can't believe I'm an alumni of U of M, and that I have two B.A.s. This is so unreal. I've been working toward my degree for so long that it doesn't seem like it should be over yet. I still feel like I'm 18 and I got three years to go-- but it's happened. I did it!


My family came for the ceremony and lunch at Weber's where apparently they went after my dad graduated from here. I love traditions- that's so like a two, wait... what am I again? Oh well. The parents threw a nice party afterwards. It's a shame my family couldn't stay but I'm so grateful they at least came to the ceremony. The coolest and scariest thing was that we each were asked to give a speech on the porch. If I had known that was going to happen I would have prepared something thoughtful to say but, knowing me, my mind went blank and then I started crying. Doik! In retrospect the main message I would have wanted to say was that I am so grateful for my parents' support, emotionally and financially. When I was applying to U of M my Dad took me to the Art School and set up an orientation appointment, encouraging me to pursue my passion, regardless of how much (or should I say "little") I would be able to make with a bachelor of fine arts. I also understand how much effort and sacrifice went into paying for my tuition and living expenses. My Mom wasn't able to finish college because she couldn't afford it, and my parents worked long hours to pay for me, while at the same time paying for my brothers' college and high school.

I'm also really glad I got the college experience. I got to be independent and see what it was like to live away from my parents. My eyes were opened to new religions (that I haven't even heard of), and I met people who had different viewpoints. I got to dance, which ranks pretty high on the list of why U of M is awesome! I got to room with my other half for two years (darling ;) )and live with a dynamic group of super-women. It was amazing how our personalities were all different and we balanced each other out. My only complaints were the over-priced rent, small bathroom, and paper-thin walls. But it was a good experience.

I also got to be good friends with a group of guys (of all people). Sophomore year was definitely my favorite. A room to myself made it so easy to study and our hall was so racially diverse I felt like I was living in the UN. That hall was also where I found my first relationship, which had its ups and downs, but overall I'm glad I got to experience what it was like fall in love with someone who felt the same way.

Having to say goodbye to people you've lived with and loved for two years is pretty hard. By that time you feel like a family, and family members can move away but you never really say goodbye. Hopefully it can stay that way with us roommates- we'll move away but still keep in touch.

But anyways, to wrap it up, since I've kept this draft on the shelf for too long- I'm in Ann Arbor for the summer. I heard back from MSU, and it's a no because I don't have undergraduate coursework in speech pathology. The ironic (and frustrating) thing is that none of those courses are offered at U of M. I'm still waiting for EMU- apparently they only have 25 spots to fill, so I'm getting pretty nervous. Good news, though, is that I have a temporary job at the University Center for the Development of Language and Literacy where I get to be a teacher's assistant for the first grade-kindergarten starter program. I'm really excited for that! I'm also employed part-time at the Great Harvest in Ann Arbor, and I might be getting some extra hours doing research for the Center. So I'm just keeping my fingers crossed, and trying to make as much money as I can so I can afford to live here until August.

Ok, Starbuck out! PS- check out facebook for photos of my trip to the Detroit Zoo.

Ouais- "that's the only way I say it now"

Well I'm starting this up again, partially for nostalgia (remembering the good ole times in high school) and partially for reaching out to people I don't talk to as much as I should. Right now it's my last semester at U of M and things are going just fine as usual. The workload is a little bit too much- readings mostly. I also work as a volunteer at a speech clinic for one of my ling classes (15 hours a week) so finding time to do homework is not always easy. I can't wait to be done with school but at the same time I don't want it to end. I'm sure a lot of you feel the same way.

First semester was rough on a whole bunch of dimensions- one being my health. So far in Ann Arbor I never EVER get sick during school- I can usually ride it out until a break, but I caught three colds in a row...plus tonsilitis (That was fun. I couldn't eat solid food for weeks.)...and then mono. I think I'm mostly over everything now but I'm not completely sure.

I've been incredibly sad that I haven't been well enough to dance this semester- it probably would've ruined my grades, but nonetheless I'm not happy about it.

So after this semester it's either EMU or MSU- assuming that I get accepted to both (fingers crossed). There are pros and cons for both and right now I'm leaning toward MSU but knowing I'm not going to be happy with either choice. The pros for MSU are that I'd get to save money by living at home, I'd have some access to a car, and there's a study abroad program in London I could apply for. The cons are that I can't afford to live anywhere else but home, and there are no good opportunities to continue dancing. The pros for EMU are that I'd be able to live near the AA area, I'd be living on my own, and I'd get to stay on the UofM dance team. The cons are that I'd get in more debt than I would if I went to MSU, and there aren't any study abroad programs that'd apply to speech therapy.

But who knows, maybe I'd only get accepted to one of those two schools which would make the choice much easier. I'm just trying not to think what I'll do if I get rejections from both.... I just keep telling myself that it can't happen because MSU accepted me for undergrad.

Well anyways, that's the jist of my life right now.