It has been just over a month since I left England. Since leaving, I lived in two different places in Massachusetts and then moved out to California. It was hectic, and I admit it is strange to look back on the past semester. It feels like it couldn't have been real, somehow. There are things I wish I'd done while over there; some big things like taking more trips to places, others smaller (yet more important) such as conversations I wish I'd had with people. I take comfort in knowing that I can go back to London someday, and I certainly plan to. The conversations are another matter, but in my experience life has a funny way of working itself out. We'll see what happens. In the words of the Happy Mask Salesman: "Whenever there is a meeting, a parting is sure to follow. However, that parting need not last forever...Whether a parting be forever or merely a short time...That is up to you."
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| Normally I don't recommend taking comfort in anything this man says, but I think he was on to something there. |
This semester was great both in England and back at MCLA. In my absence from North Adams, I won a Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities award and got inducted into Llamda Iota Tau, an honors society for English majors. Meanwhile, in England, I regained a little something called self confidence. I knew I would "find myself" a bit in England, but sometimes the things I found were things I thought I could never get back. When I found them, I realized how strange it felt to be without them, and how important it was to never lose sight of them again. It was a semester of self-discovery, and I am grateful for everything that I learned.
Readers with impeccably good memories may recall the first post I made about my arrival in England. Recap: I had talked to a man who lived in America and he told me about his "America moment", the moment in which it really hit him that he was in another country. Well, I had an England moment. It was nothing like I imagined it would be, but here you go: I don't remember exactly when it happened. One day I was just walking through Surbiton. It was cloudy, raining, and I noticed that everyone I passed was wearing black and looked depressed. It was as if everyone was attending a funeral in really bad weather. That was it. I started laughing out loud and thought, "Oh my God, I am in London!"
On the subject of rain: England has a lot of it. The only way I can think to describe it adequately is with this video:
Despite all of the rain and the cold, I had a blast in England. I really miss that country, and I will visit again someday. Thank you for a great semester, England!
So what happens now? Well, I am in California, as you know. I have spent most of my time organizing a spreadsheet and Word document filled with stats and notes about various graduate schools I want to apply to. The process of choosing a school, getting all of the information I need, and ultimately deciding if I want to apply looks something like this:
I kid, of course. It's actually all quite exciting! I am learning about a bunch of really engaging MFA programs. I will be applying to around 10 or 11 schools, most of which I would be very lucky to get accepted to. I do have some safety schools in there, of course, but for the most part I would be both happy honored to get into any school on my list. They are all institutions worthy of their reputation, and I can get a fantastic education at any one of them. Once my applications are sent in this Fall, I play the waiting game until around March and find out where I'm going. As of now, I could end up in any of the following states:
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| Technically the Massachusetts one is low-residency, so I wouldn't necessarily need to live there. Also, Oregon and Iowa are possibilities I am looking into. |
That's where things stand now. Until I can send in the applications, I will be studying for GREs, working on my writing sample, and trying to find work so I have an income (always helpful).
That about wraps things up. My next adventure will likely take place in the United States. I don't know when, but I will be sure to write all about it!
Thank you for reading! I know this was a short post. Hopefully I will be writing again soon. Now, I formally give my final English goodbye: Until next time...Cheers!
