Grad School

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I posted something on my MySpace blog and then completely forgot about this one. I received a reply from UF a couple of weeks ago. It was a very slim envelope, so I knew as I pulled it from the mailbox that it was not good news. Sure enough, it was a notice that I had not been selected for UF's history grad program. I was devastated. My professors were as stunned as I was.

I couldn't rest on my laurels, though. So I began the process of applying to UNF's master's degree program within days of the news. UNF is a smaller state university in Jacksonville. It doesn't offer a doctorate program, but it has a decent master's degree one. And while the opportunities UF offers are superior, I think UNF's program may be a better fit for my needs. For one thing, it has a more balanced approach, so I'll have an equal dose of American history to go with my European history focus. I like that.

Plus, shortly after starting my application process, I got an email from the graduate director of the history department. He said I was a very strong candidate for a teaching assistantship and urged me to apply. UNF's TA program actually teaches you how to teach, so if I can get into that, I'll be in good shape.

I don't anticipate being denied entrance to UNF. So I expect to be matriculating there come the fall. The big question is what do I do afteward? Will I get a good teaching job without a doctorate? I want a PhD, but I would have to go away to get it. I rather like being with my husband, so it's a difficult situation. Steve says I should just go to Oxford. Yeah, I wish . . . .

So that's the low-down on the school situation. It's not the news I wanted to post, but it's not all bad.

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