Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Grad school breakdown!
This is way overdue--I'm finally posting the results:
I applied to 9 programs, all terminal Master's (I want a transition before moving to doctoral studies, rather than going through a straight-to-PhD program, for various reasons I won't bore you with here). All had strong programs overall, seemed to be more Continental in their bent (or at least Continental friendly--I enjoy Analytical stuff, but given my background, I lean less "Phi of Mind" and more "Phi of Art") and each had strengths or potential for expansion in my area(s) of philosophical interest, Aesthetics and Ethics.
The schools were:
Miami University (in Ohio)
University of Toledo
Kent State
Ohio University
West Chester University (near Philly)
Oklahoma State
Colorado State
Washington State
California State-L.A.
Most of you guys already know this, but for the uninitiated: don't pay for grad school. Typically, one receives a tuition waver, plus a teaching assistantship to cover living expenses (well, at least ostensibly--it's not like you've won the lotto, or anything). I was hoping for decent financial offers from both Washington & Cal State, because I miss living in both places (in Cal State's case, I'm right back in L.A.; in Pullman, at least I'm a few hours' drive from Seattle).
Anyhoo, I was accepted at all 9 schools, which is awesome. However, not everyone ponied up the $$$. As we all know, times are tough, and budget cuts affected nearly everyone. I did receive a couple of measly offers--one from Ohio U., and the suggestion I "might" be eligible for money in the spring at West Chester, but a substantive one came in from Oklahoma, so they took over as my front runner. Then, I received a personal phone call from the head of the department at Toledo, and everything changed. First off, he told me I was their top candidate (which is an ego stroke I haven't gotten in some time, so I had to revel a little). Also, he was so enthusiastic, collegial (philosophy types aren't always the most accessible folks) and sold the strengths of the program so hard to me, I had to sit up and take notice. A decent financial offer was extended, _and_ to put icing on the cake, the guy who will be my graduate advisor emailed to let me know that he was co-founder of a theatre company in Toledo, and that if I "wanted to do any more acting, we could make sure it fits around your seminars."
Once an actor, always an actor...let's just say that helped tip the balance, even though I was already sold. Sure, it's not L.A., but performing is performing, and keeping my artistic side exercised is always something I want to do, despite the career goals that have replaced professional acting.
So, after my study abroad in Scotland this summer, I'm Ohio bound. I never pictured myself living in Toledo for two years, but the strange and sometimes wonderful twists and turns my life has taken tell me to never dismiss anything out of hand, and to remember "beauty's where you find it."
I knew I'd find a way to work in Madonna. Viva Toledo!
I applied to 9 programs, all terminal Master's (I want a transition before moving to doctoral studies, rather than going through a straight-to-PhD program, for various reasons I won't bore you with here). All had strong programs overall, seemed to be more Continental in their bent (or at least Continental friendly--I enjoy Analytical stuff, but given my background, I lean less "Phi of Mind" and more "Phi of Art") and each had strengths or potential for expansion in my area(s) of philosophical interest, Aesthetics and Ethics.
The schools were:
Miami University (in Ohio)
University of Toledo
Kent State
Ohio University
West Chester University (near Philly)
Oklahoma State
Colorado State
Washington State
California State-L.A.
Most of you guys already know this, but for the uninitiated: don't pay for grad school. Typically, one receives a tuition waver, plus a teaching assistantship to cover living expenses (well, at least ostensibly--it's not like you've won the lotto, or anything). I was hoping for decent financial offers from both Washington & Cal State, because I miss living in both places (in Cal State's case, I'm right back in L.A.; in Pullman, at least I'm a few hours' drive from Seattle).
Anyhoo, I was accepted at all 9 schools, which is awesome. However, not everyone ponied up the $$$. As we all know, times are tough, and budget cuts affected nearly everyone. I did receive a couple of measly offers--one from Ohio U., and the suggestion I "might" be eligible for money in the spring at West Chester, but a substantive one came in from Oklahoma, so they took over as my front runner. Then, I received a personal phone call from the head of the department at Toledo, and everything changed. First off, he told me I was their top candidate (which is an ego stroke I haven't gotten in some time, so I had to revel a little). Also, he was so enthusiastic, collegial (philosophy types aren't always the most accessible folks) and sold the strengths of the program so hard to me, I had to sit up and take notice. A decent financial offer was extended, _and_ to put icing on the cake, the guy who will be my graduate advisor emailed to let me know that he was co-founder of a theatre company in Toledo, and that if I "wanted to do any more acting, we could make sure it fits around your seminars."
Once an actor, always an actor...let's just say that helped tip the balance, even though I was already sold. Sure, it's not L.A., but performing is performing, and keeping my artistic side exercised is always something I want to do, despite the career goals that have replaced professional acting.
So, after my study abroad in Scotland this summer, I'm Ohio bound. I never pictured myself living in Toledo for two years, but the strange and sometimes wonderful twists and turns my life has taken tell me to never dismiss anything out of hand, and to remember "beauty's where you find it."
I knew I'd find a way to work in Madonna. Viva Toledo!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thich Nhat Hanh Facebook Updates
Monday: "Thich is washing his bowls."
Tuesday: "Thich is sitting."
Wednesday: "Thich is sooooo sleepy!"
Thursday: "Thich finds contemplation in 'Three's Company'."
Friday: "Thich is working for the weekend, but is still in the present moment."
Saturday: "Thich is solitary."
Sunday: "Thich maintains that all is suffering."
Tuesday: "Thich is sitting."
Wednesday: "Thich is sooooo sleepy!"
Thursday: "Thich finds contemplation in 'Three's Company'."
Friday: "Thich is working for the weekend, but is still in the present moment."
Saturday: "Thich is solitary."
Sunday: "Thich maintains that all is suffering."
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Be seeing you.
'Prisoner' actor Patrick McGoohan dies in LA
The Prisoner
Patrick McGoohan
Your brilliant and prescient ideas still ring true. Safe journey.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sasha’s Irregular Slot: Tomorrow!
Monday, December 29, 12-2 pm EST / 9-11 am PST
Listen here
And be free!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Pontifications.
L.A. is indeed a harsh, but beautiful mistress. I can never let her go.
The older you get, the more difficult and bizarre relationships (or attempts at them) become. Do not doubt me on this one. People get more complicated and idiosyncratic the older they get.
Fatty's in Pasadena is probably one of the best restaurants at which I have ever eaten. It is exquisite.
Never underestimate the power of revealing conversation. Also, never underestimate that it could be simply that, and nothing more. And try not to be disappointed.
Beer tastes even better after the end of a long, hard semester. Actually, beer tastes good after a lot of long, hard things.
And finally, never underestimate the simple pleasures of accomplishment, whatever form that takes for you.
The older you get, the more difficult and bizarre relationships (or attempts at them) become. Do not doubt me on this one. People get more complicated and idiosyncratic the older they get.
Fatty's in Pasadena is probably one of the best restaurants at which I have ever eaten. It is exquisite.
Never underestimate the power of revealing conversation. Also, never underestimate that it could be simply that, and nothing more. And try not to be disappointed.
Beer tastes even better after the end of a long, hard semester. Actually, beer tastes good after a lot of long, hard things.
And finally, never underestimate the simple pleasures of accomplishment, whatever form that takes for you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
