Rare are the moments when what happens next will influence the rest of your life.
But that’s exactly where my life is today. It’s both exciting, and frightening. After years of being in the classroom, I finally graduated last week. I guess that means I’m a scientist. (Weird.) And now that I’m a scientist, at least in my education, it’s time to change the world. How, exactly, I go about doing that is yet to be determined.
Even though I’ve graduated, I’m enrolled in classes for Spring semester. I haven’t had much luck (any luck) finding a job (any job.) Instead of hanging around the apartment feeling sorry for myself, I’m going to use that time to further my education. There were some classes that I didn’t have an opportunity to take before graduation, and now that I have the time, it’d be a waste not to use it to my benefit.
Enrolling in classes isn’t without problems. If I receive an invitation to serve in the Peace Corps, I may have to drop out of school as early as April. But that’s only if I receive an invitation, and my departure date isn’t delayed for any reason. I’ve heard horror stories about that. At this point, I still have to submit what I hope will be the last of my medical information, which I expect will be mailed out within a couple of weeks. I still have one appointment before the paperwork is complete.
For a while I questioned whether the Peace Corps was the right choice for me at this point in my life. I think it is. An opportunity like this rarely presents itself…I’d be a fool to turn it down. And after writing a research paper about the connection between poverty and the environment in Tanzania, I feel like I have a better understanding of the types of issues I might be dealing with during my time in Africa. Knowledge is power! And now that I know more about the problems, I feel empowered to do my part to help. I might not be able to save the world, but I can help dig a well, or build a school.
Two years is a long time, and I know it’ll put a strain on my relationship with Erin. How could it not? Long distance relationships are notorious for problems. As much as I’d like to think our relationship is strong enough to weather the time apart, I don’t take it for granted that we’re not immune from the same problems other couples face. That said, I really think that if anyone can do it, we can.
In the meantime, until I hear something from the Peace Corps, I’ll continue looking for work. My job search will be limited to jobs that I wouldn’t have any issue quitting at the drop of a hat. It’d be a lot more difficult to quit a job I went to school for, and those are the kinds of bridges I’m not willing to burn, even for the Peace Corps.
And if none of the above works out, I’ll begin applying for graduate school. My school of choice is the University of Denver where I’d study Environmental Science, and specialize in Environmental Health. If I can get in. This would knock out Goal #63) Attend college in another state.
What’s all of this mean for my goals over the next year? A lot. If I’m not living in Africa in a few months, 2012 will be the year of climbing. If I am living in Africa, 2012 will be the year of climbing. Next year I’d like to climb Mount Whitney, Devil’s Tower, Kilimanjaro, and Ancient Art. I’d like to spend some time in Yosemite this summer…climbing.
I thought I’d get to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon last July, but it didn’t work out. This year I’ll get my permit application submitted earlier than two weeks in advance. I’d also like to visit the last few states of America, and finally visit all 50. Alaska will be the most difficult, but who knows…it could happen. Anything is possible.
Are you looking forward to what the future has in store for you?
