My Major Life Decision
This first part has been a very long time coming. Actually, it has been more than 8 months since I decided to make a major change in my life. I could literally write pages upon pages to describe why I've decided to change my course, but I'll give you the succinct version in honor of my future profession.
As I was finishing my Master's Degree at George Mason I began reflecting on the 2 years I spent balancing work and taking classes. I had an incredible sense of accomplishment on both fronts. At work I had applied myself 100% and put in many long days to gain as much administrative experience as possible, while at the same time maintaining a 4.0 in a graduate program that certainly can't be considered "easy." I knew that all my hard work payed off and I wanted to keep the momentum going. I have always planned on continuing my education and working toward a doctorate, I just hadn't put my finger on exactly what area that degree would be concentrated in. I always assumed it would be education, but numerous factors (that I could extrapolate on for quite some time, but will spare you) presented themselves and I decided that I didn't want to dedicate myself to something that may end up pigeonholing me into a profession that I may not always want to be a part of. I have plenty of other interests and passions in life and I want to be able to pursue them. I decided that the time was right to dedicate myself to a degree that can open many doors in my future and will allow me to work in a field that affects almost every aspect of our lives. In May 2008 I decided to start researching law schools, the admissions process, the curriculum, and the future possibilities. It seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. I started studying for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) over the summer and registered for a class in Tyson's Corner that would prepare me for test day on October 8. For about 2 months I spent up to 20 hours (or more) each week studying and taking practice tests so I could get the highest score I was capable of. After I took the LSAT I gave myself a 3 week break while I waited for the results. I received the highest score of any of my practice tests so I proud of what I did and knew I had done well enough to at least get me in to law school. The next 6 weeks were consumed with writing my personal statement, which along with my LSAT score and undergrad GPA, are some of the most important pieces of my applications. Around Christmas time I began sending applications and have currently sent 11 in all. I plan on sending 3-5 more apps and then I'll be playing the waiting game again while my fate is in the hands of the admissions counselors.
So this major career change will also come with a change in location. I don't want to jinx anything so instead of listing the exact schools I've applied to I'll run down the list of states that the schools are in. Amanda and I are keeping our options wide open and are really excited about the possibility of moving to Florida, Arizona, Colorado, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Indiana, Pennsylvania, or possibly even staying put right here in Virginia.
I'm going to write a blog at some point in the future about Amanda's involvement in this process and what a source of inspiration, comfort, help, and compassion she has been. I can barely even express how much she has meant to me through all of this.
T.G.I.Fridays
Alright, here is major change number two. Because I plan on being in school full time again in the fall and my income will be reduced to $0, I decided to pick up a second job so I can get my finances in as good a shape as possible before that time comes. Without any real experience working in a restaurant I decided to walk into T.G.I.Fridays and ask to be hired as a server. Well, they gave me a job on the spot, but told me they weren't hiring for the position of server. I accepted a job as a "Service Partner" which basically means I do everything for the servers except take the orders. Oh, and I don't make as much money as they do. I was told when I was hired that there was an opportunity to become a server but it could take anywhere from 2-4 months depending on several different factors. So that's my goal. If I don't move up to server by some time in March I'm going to blow that popsicle stand and look for a place that I can earn a little more money. Overall, the job is incredibly easy, very stress free, and I'm making some extra money, so I can't complain too much.
Everything Else
Other than the 2 previously mentioned changes in my life, nothing much has really happened since the end of November. My life really has been consumed with teaching, working at Fridays, and working on stuff for law school. I guess things haven't been all work, I've found a little time to have fun as well. I had a great couple weeks off from school over the holidays. I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with Amanda's family. It was great to be a part of the Sauer Family traditions. Amanda's parents got me Guitar Hero World Tour so we've spent plenty of time since then rocking out. I also got to go home to Rochester for a few days and hang with my family. It was very low key but it was great to just hang and see my parents, my brothers, and Julie.
Recently my weekends have been capped off with football on Sunday afternoons. I'm not the hugest football fan in the world but I do cheer for the Eagles. It's been pretty cool seeing them make it to the playoffs and then tear through the first 2 rounds. We've been doing it up right by making tons of food, drinking beer, and of course playing the yellow card. Huge one this weekend against Arizona, hopefully we can keep the momentum going!
My best friends from college are coming into town tonight to hang for the weekend. It's ALWAYS great times when Nick, Paul, Brian, and I get together so I'm pumped about the fun we're sure to have this weekend. No big plans, just good times with friends.
The End
Well, no pictures this time around, sorry Nick. But I am excited about getting back into the swing of things with my blog. I'm hoping to update at least once a week like I used to. Amanda and I have some fun weekends coming up soon so I'll be sure to keep everyone updated. Oh, and once I start hearing from law schools you can bet I'll be updating and letting people know who I've heard from!
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