New Twist

I have decided.

Loyola has a wealth of opportunities and research in the area of classical Roman studies. 

Loyola also has two really good archaeology professors.

Hey. Here's an idea: since I love art, anthropology, Europe, and lasagna - why not try to go to grad school for classical Roman archaeology????!!!!!

There are lots of grad programs in archaeology. And plenty of jobs in the field too, so I could work my way through a PhD. 

This is looking better everyday!

Thanks to everyone who has called me, texted me, emailed me, or even walked up my three flights of stairs and knocked on my door to tell me what they think I should do about grad school! I'll take all the advice I can get!

I thought I had the perfect idea: an applied anthropologist working for Disney. But then I did some research and found out that Disney doesn't really like anthropologists. And I don't want to turn my adoration for the happiest place on earth into a love-hate relationship. I'd much rather keep it a place my family can go to and just be happy, free, and full of laughter.

I feel a great sense of relief and comfort in having a plan for grad school finally. Now I think I can actually enjoy the rest of my time at Loyola instead of constantly worrying about what my next move will be. I never was a good strategist. More like a feather blowing in the wind.

Here's the big news: I have to get a part-time j-o-b! Yikes!

I need to find $5000 so I can go to field school this summer. And unlike fictional storybooks, money doesn't grow on trees. And $5000 is more cash than I have in my pocket at the moment. So a job is in order. I have gotten pretty good at juggling family and school in the past semester. But throw in 20 hours of work, and I might start to crack! So we will just have to take it slow and ease our way into the new lifestyle. It seems there aren't many scholarships for women in their 30's with three kids and a 3.2 GPA. And I am maxed out on student loans to pay for Loyola's ridiculously high tuition. So my only option seems to be to come up with the money myself.

This just reinforces my idea that only the fortunate people in the world are the ones with opportunities to study abroad. Tons of grad programs want the applicant to have the experience of living in a different country, or studying in a foreign institution, but only the wealthy seem to have the means to actually do it. I am by no means wealthy, but I plan to trump the whole system by finding a way to do it without winning the lotto, or robbing a bank.

So there it is. My master plan is in full swing. I even get to register for a bunch of Roman art and history classes next semester! And the best part is - if I work hard enough, I might have a chance to get into U of M's classical archaeology program for grad school! Archaeology and living in Ann Arbor again? It must be a dream!