Where I Go From Here

If you read my article on Wednesday, you know I didn’t get into grad school. Well, I didn’t get into my top choice grad school. I have changed my plans. I’m applying to more. I am unwilling to give up on my Fall 2021 semester. That was one school out of the ten that I could apply to. I am a worthy applicant and my drive and passion for Disability Studies are evident.

I found out Monday night and automatically looked at the deadline for my second choice. After giving myself Monday night to be upset, I pulled myself together. I went into task mode. I became very aware of how much I’ve been procrastinating this semester. Naturally, I rewrote all of my assignments. I became proactive instead of feeling constantly behind. This is very much where I was at in the Summer but with the Fall and Covid, my priorities changed. I lost a lot of my drive. Getting denied my top choice reminded me how much fight I have in me.

Wednesday, I spoke with the co-chair of the Critical Disability Studies Collective (CDSC). She gave me a lot of great insight about how to go about my next applications. She also pointed me in the direction of programs I would never have thought to look at. All of this information made my soul sing a little bit. I went from devastated to hopeful and filled with optimism. What she stressed to me is how important it is to reach out to advisors ahead of time. After I got off the phone with her, I got right to work.

I reached out to a woman who I’m very interested in having mentor and advice on my graduate experience. She also has a chronic illness and interests in the arts. I’ve purchased a read of her work and all of it seems more than promising. To my surprise, she got back to me within hours. She was very interested in my work. She went so far as to ask to meet with me on the phone next week! This set my soul on fire.

I am filled with optimism. I may not get into this program either and that’s okay. No matter what, I am suddenly aware of all the opportunities that are out there. I can’t believe how much I limited myself before by dedicating time and resources to only one school. Even if I stay in Minnesota, I’ve been offered a leadership position in the CDSC. No matter where I go, I can continue my work in disability studies. Whether I take a gap year or go to graduate school, I can do what I love. That makes me really happy.

I hope you’re having a wonderful day. I hope that your day is filled with joy, positivity, and laughter. I hope you find peace, love, and happiness.