Category: The Rave Board
I've been wanting to go to Grad School for almost a year now. I applied to two schools last January and was denied. Well, I decided to try again, and I got a phone call today asking me to come in for an interview January 25th. I know it's not a formal acceptance letter/statement, but it's getting closer. I'm excited.
Hey, that's great!
Bob
That is good news. Let us know how the interview goes.
I will. It's going to cost me 500 dollars just to fly there and back. Holy cow! I hope it's worth it.
Oh wow. THat's an intense sum for an itnerview. But if it turns out it will be well-worth it. I wish you the very best during your itnerview.
Thank You everybody. The reason why the flight is so much is because I'm flying into a smaller airport. I'll be honest though, it'll be the most expensive plane ticket I ever bought.
It's great that you are closer to your dream.
So I booked my flight and hotel today. I also started looking at apartments, and I think I've found somewhere to live. Of course, I need to go see it before I make my final decision, and of course, I'll have to be accepted too, but the more I have planned out now the less stress I'll be under later. All this is so crazy but yet so exciting too.
That is so awesome!! I will be praying for you! I hope it all goes well!!
Good luck, and let us no how it goes! :)
Moving to a new city is always a daunting task. SOunds like you're on the right track. Keep us posted.
Well, it's one week away, and I'm pretty nervous. I have an idea of what I'm going to pack/wear, I have my transportation ready to go for the most part, Etc. I just have to keep the thought it just being me taking care of me out of my mind. When I've flown to other states before, I always met up with friends. This time, I'm not doing that. A lot of my family and friends have been very supportive, but negativity always comes from some of the people you least expect, and I've gotten my fair share of that too. I just keep telling them and myself that I'm not even in the program yet so I can't start worrying about how I'm going to pay for school. All I know to do is keep my head up and to keep pushing forward. We'll see what happens. Thanks for the support and kind thoughts guys. It means a lot.:)
You said, "A lot of my family and friends have been very supportive, but negativity always comes from some of the people you least
expect, and I've gotten my fair share of that too. I just keep telling them and myself that I'm not even in the program yet so I can't start worrying about
how I'm going to pay for school. All I know to do is keep my head up and to keep pushing forward. We'll see what happens."
Way to go. You sound like a real go-getter. Don't forget that a lot of negativity comes out of your loved ones fearing for you. So, take that negativity and consider it a kiss for luck!
Bob
That's awesome! Hope all goes well.
Thanks everybody. Bob, I think you are right. In this case though, my friend likes to "play things safe" if you will, and there's nothing wrong with that, but that's not always me. I know if I do get in, I'll have a lot to think about. This school is about 600 miles from home so....yeah. I can't think about all that right now though. I have to focus on getting in. Then I can worry about other things.
Sometimes change is a blessing. I agree with Bob, but I also know how negativity can drag a person down. Keep your head up, and best wishes.
Well, in 2 days I leave for Michigan and 3 days until my interview. I'm so very nervous. I'm trying to keep calm and positive, but I will admit I have cried a couple of times.I think I'll be fine once I get in there and start the interview process. I usually do well under pressure. It's just that this is such a big deal. Thoughts, prayers or whatever you have to offer would be fantastic. This is my first big interview so I'm not sure of what to expect. All I know for sure is I want this and that all I know how to do is be me. I just hope my nerves don't get in the way. LOL:)
When it comes down to it Angel, being yourself is the best thing. Be posative, smile, shake hands and try to be as humblly confident as you can. I wish you the very best in your interview. .... And yay for Michigan:)
Thanks, I'm actually starting to get excited. I feel as prepared as I can be even though the interview isn't until Wednesday. Tomorrow, I'll head out and become acquainted with Michigan. LOL:)
Wow, I just got to Michigan, and I love it. For one thing, the airport in Kalamazoo is tiny, but the best part is the people. Everybody is so nice. I'm stunned. Everyone's so helpful and they truly don't mind helping. Tomorrow's the big day, but I'm expecting everything to go well.
I absolutely love that you're in Kalamazoo. Best name for a city ever!
The people in Michigan really are very nice. I've not had one bad experience there. There are definately horrible people, but that's true wherever you are. I'm glad it's been a good experience for you.
So the interview went really well. I felt really good about it, but today was long with the campus tour, meeting with DSS, Etc. I had a very good day though. I don't want to go home. LOL. This trip really showed me that I can make it on my own. When I've traveled before, it was always to see friends, but this time, it was just me and Whitney. Whitney's my guide dog by the way. She's really been amazing this trip. It's been wonderful!
I could go on and on about my experiences here, but to save time and space, I won't. I won't know if I've been accepted for another couple of weeks which is both good and bad. At least they aren't going to drag it out no matter what happens. Again, thanks everybody for the nice words of support and encouragement. I appreciate them very much.
Very nice. I'm glad you had such a posative experience. Let us know how it goes.
Well, I got an answer from Western Michigan, and it was a no. I was very disappointed, but I'm working on getting feedback on how to be a better candidate. I feel confident that the advice I'll receive will help me a lot. Right now, I'm looking at jobs. I think I need more work experience. We'll see what happens.
Awww, I'm so sorry to hear that. I really really hope they're willing to give you some constructive feedback. Some places are good about that. I know Michigan is really not doing welll at the moment. Not sure if that contributed to the decision at all. More work experience is always a good thing. Though that can be frustrating too when you want it, but can't seem to get it in any other way than volunteering.
Well, I have to be honest, they haven't been really helpful. The reason that I was given for not being accepted was my lack of field experience, but I can't get field experience without a masters degree. Plus, they had my resume long before I went up there. They should've said something then. Of course they didn't, and I've asked all these questions and have gotten no satisfactory answers besides being shuffled around the department. I'm upset, but I also feel that this is a good thing. I know about all this nonsense now rather than to get up there and realize I'm in trouble. I think it's best for me to just cash in my chips, call it a loss, and move on.
Good aditude. The whole lack of experience thing is a huge circle employers and other people use as excuses. Sometimes those excuses are completely understandable, other times they aren't.
I'm sorry you didn't get it, but you should just view this as a learning experience and keep trying. I know that whole "you don't have enough experience" thing is frustrating because, you have to get experience somewhere but how can you if having no experience is an excuse for not picking you. But keep a positive attitude and try to learn something from each experience like this and you will eventually be successful.
one question you could always ask is what types of experience count and what would be acceptable to get it. Volunteering for a disabled advocacy group in your area, classes online or otherwise to enhance your weak areas, types of job experience that would be acceptable. Most field experience in the chosen field is achieved through volunteering. something you said now makes sense. Maybe shadowing your vr counsellor would help get you that field experience or at least be one of many things to draw on.
But see I can't do that because it would be considered a "Conflict Of Interest." I'd have to find another Rehab counselor. It's an ethical thing. I do plan on turning this into a positive experience. Right now, I sort of feel lost. I'll be OK. I know that. I just have pick myself up and try again.
Also, if you're applying for a job with the state, volunteer hours don't count. I tried it. This system is so crazy and so competitive. I understand why a lot of blind people choose to stay at home and live off the government. It's easy. I don't want to do that though. I want to keep fighting and trying.
Trust me it does get better.
These days it seems to take connections to land a good job. Connections require networking. That's why online applications fail; there's no personality involved whatsoever.
Oh I've not given up. I've started sending out my resume again. I'm going to make it. It's just been bumpier than what I expected, but that's life and you just have to get over yourself and it. I know that sounds harsh, but life can be harsh sometimes.
It's also about who you know so get out and network.
Sadly that's very true.
Well, so I started job hunting, and I have an interview for a job in Boston. They're doing it over the phone Monday morning. I'm excited!
Good luck! :) Job searching is something I'll have to start very soon also...
just don't get discouraged if this opportunity doesn't work out; keep putting your best foot forward.
Let me tell you what I've learned: Experience is absolutely essential. If you're in college, you need to bust your butt to get some. Most jobs now want some kind of skill and/or experience, and that's the way it is. I'm not saying that it's not about who you know because sometimes it is, BUT these days, especially with this economy, you have to have experience and/or a specific skill, and a skill needs to be proven on paper. It's been hard, but I'm pushing forward, and if this job doesn't work out, there will be something else. Also, looking for a job is a full-time job. LOL It's crazy.
Well the interview went well I think. It was a phone interview so who knows. I should hear something either tomorrow or Thursday.:) We'll see.