I think I now know what people are talking about when they say they’re “cautiously optimistic.” I’ve become so used to disappointment that lately I’m almost inured to any situation that would provide me with disappointment, especially with my academics, the present focus of my disappointment.
I’m looking at finishing up earlier than planned at my current college and starting at a different college that fits my needs better. I think I’ve found “the one,” but I’ve thought that before and been wrong. I’ve heard stories of worse, stories of better educational situations than mine.
The overall picture of my academic life has been postponing both what I want and what I need in order to cater to the concerns and interests of universities. I’m thinking that I will finally be able to move on now and carry with me what I’ve learned about academia and myself.
Matt Maday 