Showing posts with label GRE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GRE. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Culmination of a lot of work ... and a SURPRISE!!

While putting together my graduate school application I had quite a few moments of feeling overwhelmed. In this blog, I wrote about taking the GRE, writing my Letter of Intent and, finally, actually, writing the Letter of Intent and sending off the application. This whole process was quite different than when I applied for undergraduate schools; I think because I had to be more specific about what I really want to learn and do in my future. Well, all that thinking and hard work paid off — I am accepted to the University of Texas at Austin!!


And, as if things couldn't get any better, last week when I found out about grad school, I also had an interview at an awesome company for a major opportunity. I transferred all my energy preparing for the interview and went in giving it all that I had. While afterward I felt good about the interview, the anticipation of the decision left my mind racing the next few nights. Finally, I calmed myself down enough to enjoy a restful weekend, coming to the conclusion that if it was meant to be, it would be.

When I received a call from Liaison Resources on Tuesday, I received the offer (to be a Marketing Communications Professional/Designer contract employee for Dell) calmly, though perhaps a bit stunned as well. I felt that this was the perfect opportunity for me to grow while also using my diverse skills, but until the position was confirmed mine, I still could not completely embrace this new direction in my life for fear that it may not come to fruition.

Now, my mind has been expanded as to what I can achieve. In two weeks, the direction of my life has shifted in a way I didn't even allow myself to imagine. I had been so stuck in Salt Lake City, just doing what it took to get by and not finding new opportunities to grow, that my mind had still been that way until this new job presented itself. Now I feel like I have grasped on to that same drive I had in college; I know I can do whatever I want — the future has opened up.

I am truly grateful for the guidance and help I receive from my Father in Heaven and family and friends. It's wonderful to have friends and family all across the U.S. and world who believe in me and are willing to give, even just a moment, to think about me and send prayers and good thoughts my way. Thank you all!!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

GRE here I come!!

In addition to moving to Austin in the next few weeks, I am also, finally, finishing my application and taking the GRE for grad school. Friday, Oct. 22 at 12:30 p.m. I will be taking the test that determines my future (well, not totally but right now it feels like that). One good thing about not having a steady job is the time I have had to study. I bought the study books (Princeton Review, Cracking the GRE and the ETS study book) back in April and tried to study around my two jobs, but I never gave it enough time. Since last week I have studied every day during the week (I have to give my brain the weekends off). It has been invigorating and difficult.

I have always been strong in English, so the book has given me good test strategy tips. It also makes me realize how I need to continue to expand my vocabulary; perhaps I need one of those word-a-day calendars. Reading has always been fun for me, and I can feel my brain getting excited about the learning. The verbal part I am ready for.

Now, Math, on the other hand, makes me feel like I'm going back to middle school. The only math I took in college was basic statistics and, nowadays, I pull out my phone calculator anytime I need to do basic math. I think it took me the majority of last week to get my brain reacquainted with numbers. Luckily, one day it did, so I'm feeling a little bit better. Though today and tomorrow I begin relearning Geometry. Wish me luck.

Since I made the date I am on deadline, which is a familiar situation. This is when I work my best and when my endorphins kick in; I'm counting on it. So even though the problems may seem enigmatic and my understanding ephemeral, I am intransigent on doing my best. And I am sure my work will be redoubtable.