Longish story short: I was supposed to go to UC Davis on a fellowship for my first year paid for by the great state of California. This would act as an interim funding source between now (saving) and next year, when I set up my own research funding through the professors (well hopefully through NSF, but that's a whole 'nother story). So the big deal is that I chose to go out there while not accepting better money situations at other schools. However, come July, all of the sudden the state of California begins issuing IOUs to vendors and contractors throughout the state. So I decide to call the Dean of Engineering so see what's going on, find out they are not sure. Blah blah, this goes on until last week.
FINALLY, I find out that my money is going to be there last year and I can at least breathe easy! At least until school starts again and I become crushed under the pressure of being a grad student in a new environment halfway across the world (practically) from where I have lived my entire life. Add to that hardship the fact that my undergraduate institute ran on semesters whereas Davis is on the quarter system and that will be a big transition for me I feel.. Basically, placing the amount of information normally covered in 15 weeks into 10 weeks.
So, there it is. I am going to Davis, California officially and definitely. I'll be there for at least a year, then who knows? Maybe continue to PhD. Maybe law school? Maybe work? It's going to definitely be interesting from here on out. So wish me luck.
