Sunday, March 29, 2009

the ballots are in...

and we are both into graduate school--at the same places to boot!  we have known for a couple of weeks that we both got into university of minnesota duluth.  brandon got a sweet financial package (full ride!) and i got an in-state tuition waiver, with the possibility of more funding through a fellowship.  we were all amped up to go to duluth, where neither of us have even been near and try out a new adventure.  i wasn't thrilled with the program, but then again i was accepted into grad school so i was content with that.

and then, we heard from wyoming.  on monday i found out that i was accepted, which lead to an interesting domino effect that tumbled in over the course of 3 minutes.  that's right, i went to the bathroom and when i emerged, brandon told me life just got really crazy.  i'm thinking, "no way, i was hardly out of the room!"  anyhow, the news he got was that he got a full-ride to wyoming (with even more of a living stipend than minnesota offered).  the catch was that they HAD to meet him in person before this offer was "official".  however, we have to let minnesota know our intentions by april 1; this my friends is why brandon will board a plane tomorrow morning, bound for laramie, wyoming.  the geology department is paying for the whole thing (including the last minute airfare from small airport to small airport)! 

after the flight was booked for him, i got a call from the director of the social work program--the director of the whole department!!!  anyhow, she called and let me know i was one of their top 5 students and that they really want me there.  they will cover all my tuition, most of my student fees and insurance, and pay me a monthly stipend (which happens to be more money than i make working two jobs now!).  

so it all comes down to brandon's trip if we go to wyoming.  we were stoked about duluth and the charm of a new city and an unfamiliar part of the country.  however, free has a beautiful ring to it, don't you think?  all we asked for was that we both get into the same place and now the grace is pouring in and we are being so taken care of.  

here are the two places, neither a bad choice i don't think:
duluth waterfront, reminds me of magnolia or ballard in seattle.
and the amazing rocks and mountain ranges that surround laramie

i am especially proud of brandon for the way that these two places are pursuing him.  it is obvious that he is very much wanted by each program!  he knows i think he is brilliant and gifted, but to have people he hasn't even met confirm that makes me happy.  he deserves this big time!

5 comments:

Kathryn said...

You two are in my prayers, big time!

mommarazzi said...

I want to move to Duluth!!! I tear up every time we come over the hill and see the "big" lake for the first time when driving to Michigan.

There is nothing like it. But then I grew up by the shores of Gitche Gumee. About 230 miles northeast of Duluth.

No matter where you end up it will be together and that is the most important thing.

Renae said...

Congratulations Linds! I miss you guys so much! And I hope grad school goes great for you! How long of a program is it? I'm coming up on the end of my first year..only one more and than my 6 month clinicals! It'll be great to be done huh??

Maryann said...

Congratulations! Either place does look awesome!

andreaandwill said...

Linds and Brandon! This is such GREAT news! I hope the flight to Wyoming went great! Either place will be AWESOME and you'll both enjoy embarking on a new adventure/chapter in your life! We wish you the best and we'll continue to pray for the both of you while you're in this decision making process! Look forward to seeing you soon :)
Loves!