So, this is my first ever blog! Can we say excited? I don't know exactly what led me to setting up my own blog, but I think it has everything to do with what is happening in my life.
Tomorrow, I graduate high school, among the top in my class.
Tonight, I freak out about my future.
See, I'm the kind of person who likes to have a plan, and for most of this year, I haven't had one. It's only been very, very recently that the stars have aligned perfectly for me to get a glimpse of what I believe I want to do with my life.
But the thing about the stars aligning perfectly is that somewhere in the universe, the meddling Fates decided to throw me a wicked curveball, one that is fantastic and mind-blowing and completely unreal! Just as I was getting used to the idea of attending Barrett, the Honors College at ASU in the fall, I get an email, from a Dean of Admissions from the University of St. Andrews in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Yeah, Scotland.
See, I had applied for this program with St. Andrews and the College of William & Mary in the winter, crossing my fingers and praying that I would get in. Sadly, and much to my bitter disappointment, I did not. Hence the reason why I was committed to Barrett (which is a fantastic school, it just wasn't my first choice). Now, literally two days before my high school commencement, I am offered the chance to attend the program with St. Andrews as my base school, rather than William & Mary.
This is the same university that J.K. Rowling, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and endless other lauded alumni attended. So where's the hesitation?
If I could send in my acceptance of the offer and the check to accompany it, I would do it in a heartbeat, no if, ands, or buts. But, alas, as is the common swan song of most lower-middle class HS graduates, it all comes down to the money. And Scotland is no picnic (despite its gorgeous locale for one).
I've been in contact with the Dean who messaged me, trying to see if this would even be possible. I've already begun the process for applying for the financial aid that St. Andrews provides with collaboration with FAFSA. But I know for a fact that it won't be anywhere near enough to cover the expenses.
My other options are loans, scholarships, and sponsorships. Joy.
I would like to not take out loans, but I know that if I must, than I will. Not much of a choice, really.
St. Andrews offers several scholarships for International (specifically US students), however, those deadlines have long since passed.
And now comes the golden ticket; sponsorships. If I can get a corporate/international sponsor to pay for my education, then they'll accept it as financial aid. But I've never dealt with anything like this before, so I'm extending the hand of desperation to anyone who reads this and has any advice or knowledge for me.
If you know of anyone or anywhere that would be willing to sponsor me, I'd be much gratified, and before you all ask, this is what I'd be earning/studying and what my intentions are for my future career goals.
1. I'd be earning an Honours Bachelor's Degree in History from both St. Andrews and William & Mary
2. I'd like to double major in Political Science with a minor in Foreign Linguistics
3. I'd like to become a United States Ambassador
Lofty goals they are, but it's all I can think about. And this curveball has thrown me for the biggest loop of my life.
So, if you're reading this and you have anything to offer me in the ways of knowledge and or advice, please, LET ME KNOW! You could one day call in a favor for a US Ambassador ;)
Ciao!
