There is not a better feeling in the world than opening an envelope labeled from a college you've applied to and seeing the word, "congratulations!" It's even more exciting when you didn't expect to get the acceptance letter so early - and having to go to work literally 30 seconds after opening the letter. There was no time to finish reading the letter - and I was probably too excited to read it all anyway. I remember running into the daycare I worked at yelling, "I'M GOING TO COLLEGE!" It finally felt like reality - Arcadia University opened their arms wide open to allow me to be part of the family.
But, Arcadia wasn't my top pick. I didn't know too much about the school, and to be quite honest, I only applied because of the location and because my mom liked it. But, after visiting it, I decided to look more into it. Maybe they accepted me for a reason, and I was meant to go there. I didn't want to wait until April to get my acceptance letter to University of Delaware - but what if I didn't get into Delaware? They accepted less than 50% of applications. This is when it really got difficult.
Two more letters followed - both equally exciting. The first letter offered a $62,000 scholarship - or $15,500 a year. What?! $62,000 could buy a lot of movie tickets, Starbucks coffees, prom dresses, cute clothes - whatever else Seniors in high school were into. But this $62,000 would mean a lot more to me than all those things. It was for my future, for something that seemed like a blur. But, it was right around the corner.
I got another letter a couple weeks later explaining that I was invited to apply to a First Year Study Abroad Experience. Wait - I could study overseas my freshman year in college? That thought seemed crazy - especially with the option of London, where I always dreamed of going. I showed my mom the letter and she laughed. I knew I was crazy, but that wouldn't stop me from applying. I sat in the car on a rainy day when my cellphone rang. It was Arcadia, it was time for my interview. They told me to expect a decision in a couple weeks. Did my mom know I actually applied? Nope. But, I finally decided to tell her. "Mom, don't worry, I just want to see if I get in." Then, the acceptance letter came. I was really excited. I remember looking at the FYSAE program online. I finally got up the nerve to confront my mom. I remember the conversation like it was yesterday:
"Mom, you know how I got accepted to FYSAE?"
"Yeah. You're not going."
"Mom, it's perfect though. Can you at least think about it?"
"No. There's no way I can handle three kids in college - 2 being my youngest and twins - and having one of them overseas. I can't handle that, let alone you being in London."
...Well, at least I tried.
A couple weeks later, I was sitting in the car with my mom when I remember saying, "Mom, I'm leaning towards Arcadia. It's not a definite, I want to see what Delaware says."
Then, I got the acceptance letter to University of Delaware.
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