I went to Wisconsin to interview for Graduate Assistantships at ten different schools to hopefully find the right one that I wanted to go to next school year! After those ten interviews, I was extended nine on campus invitations. This was very humbling for me. i know that I can do my job and that I can do it well but nine schools out of ten asking me to visit their school was overwhelming. I ended up turning down five schools based on my perception of them, finances, and the fit of their graduate program for what I wanted.
I ended up traveling to Oakland University for my first on campus! It was so much fun. I loved the people and felt that if it was the only school to offer me a position I would feel completely confident in going there. The very next day I flew down to Fort Lauderdale, FL to experience Nova Southeastern University for five days! It was an absolutely fantastic trip. I met many great people throughout the weekend and felt at home there! I told myself that if I was extended an offer to their university I would say yes no matter what. The school was a great fit, the people were a great fit and the program was fantastic! This school was my number one before even meeting them in Wisconsin. So, I felt pretty fantastic about them when I flew home but knew that there were a lot of great people interviewing for the same positions as I was.
A week later, I had the opportunity to travel to Arkansas Tech University and spend the weekend there. Again, I fell in love! The campus is beautiful, the weather is fantastic and it is right by the mountains! I can't imagine how people cannot believe in God when they see the sights that I have seen!
Throughout the week before Arkansas Tech I decided to cancel my very final interview with University of Nevada, Reno. They were a great school but I knew I needed to narrow my search more and unfortunately, they were the one school I didn't have the opportunity to travel to. They replied to my email saying they were so sorry that they weren't able to have the chance to work with me. Yes, stick a knife in my heart and turn it! But, I knew it was the best option. Besides, all of these schools are so different and have so many different things to offer I really didn't know what to do.
Throughout the entire time God has been my rock. I didn't know if I would get offers, I didn't know who I would say yes to if I was fortunate to get more than one...it was all so crazy! This is my life for the next two years. Ahh! Well, as we are faithful, so is God. My devotions that I do every day really helped me through this time. They gave me verses helping me to be confident in my abilities and not to compare myself to others. We are all special and unique in our own ways so there is no reason to compare ourselves to others who just have different abilities!
So, as it played out...I was offered a position to: Nova Southeastern University, Arkansas Tech University and Oakland University.
More than just being offered on campus interviews my top three schools all offered me positions! Man, when God wants to show you how to be faithful He really shows you. I have never felt so blessed in my entire life. I had the opportunity to meet three completely different universities and fall in love with all of their programs. In the end, I of course can only pick one!
I have decided to attend Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I will be the Graduate Assistant of Training and Development for Orientation. I could not be more excited. My masters will be in Student Affairs with an emphasis on Conflict Analysis & Resolution. My first day is July 23 and I am hoping to move a week or so before that.
I have put my faith in God and He showed me throughout the entire process where I need to go. From day one, NSU was my favorite university and it ended up being the school I accepted to!
Trust in God, He will never leave you or forsake you.
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