Graduation and afterward
The world feels great and wide, and, after Alma College, I have a number of options available. My plan has always been, and remains, to pursue a Ph.D. in literature, eventually aspiring to professorship. My recent research has reinforced my belief that, in order to feel fulfilled, I must continue down this path. Unfortunately, being overseas complicated the process. The distance combined with culture shock upon re-entry to the country left me unprepared and unready to send out applications before the major programs’ deadlines. My grades, test scores and writing samples should be more than enough to garner entrance into a very competitive school; I refuse to settle for a less demanding program because of my problems this year.
In putting off graduate school, my dream is to do good work—something meaningful as opposed to typing reports in a cubicle. A decent paycheck and extra bullet point on my CV would be beneficial, but empty. After studying in London, I received a glimpse of what our country and society is truly like; I want to change it. I have applied for web design and media jobs with several non-profit organizations. This would allow me to use the skills I have learned from Alma College to make the world a better place. Experience in a truly meaningful job would make all the difference.