Making the First Baby Step

At exactly 11:53 this morning, I sent an inquiry letter to an organization that awards international student scholarships. In my letter, I wrote about my intention to study in Hawaii and asked whether the program that I'd like to pursue is covered by such grants. After giving the organization an overview of my academic and professional goals, I muttered a breath prayer, crossed fingers and toes, and hit "Send."

Drafting the e-mail was easy. I've always known what I've always wanted to do. My motivation is valid. Of course, I left off the part where I could have said that I'm finally acting on my plans, because my boyfriend broke up with me 2 days after our 5th anniversary.

Now, the difficult part will be waiting for the answer. Will the reply pop that tiny bubble of hope slowly growing within? Will they even respond? I've always wondered which one would be tougher to handle: Getting an outright NO? Or waiting a long time for an answer that you're not even sure would come?

Anatomy Means Structure

Reality Check:

How do I get there?

I'm not poor, but I'm not rich either. I look forward to an adventure, though. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I've got good grades from college and even better grades in grad school.

Possibility:

When I was working for a research organization a couple of years ago, I knew someone who was granted full scholarship to Hawaii. She is smart and talented. She takes calculated risks and has a penchant for "structured  priorities"--as what she calls it. She deferred her scholarship, though, because she got married. She said that once she decides to push through with it, the good thing is that she can take her husband with her. That was three or four years ago. They now have a toddler, and she is very happy. She's been promoted as head of her department. She also hasn't left for Hawaii yet.

Maybe, just maybe, I can have a go at this. Since I'm single, and my own structured priorities are not as major as hers, the opportunity is worth way above the risk.