Almost Ivy

I was never really one for higher education, or education in general. But it's always been expected and encouraged of me. So I got into a really good college and just loved it. My classes were interesting, I liked the higher thinking expected of me, and really thrived in college like I never had before. So afterwards I really started to think about graduate school, something I never really considered before. I found a program I loved, but it's a super exclusive Ivy League university and my chances of getting in were slim to none. But my mother encouraged me to visit the campus and I really liked the vibe of the city and the school. I had an interview and the night before was reading the profile of the students there and almost had an anxiety attack. The admitted class of 2009 included a doctor changing careers, a founder of a non profit group for children, an Ivy League professor and so on with impressive accolades I was nowhere near having. I was so discouraging because I really felt like this program as perfect for me, I just didn't have the resume. But I applied anyway and this week I got the decision. Sorta.

I've been waitlisted.

I've know some people who have been waitlisted before and they acted like it was the end of their world. It's probably one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. The letter said that I had been identified as a student they wanted to admit, but didn't have room for. A friend of mine explained that a lot of grad schools are accepting a lot less this year because of the economy, so I probably would have been accepted otherwise. I just can't believe they want me, even with my lack of accomplishments. And getting in would be a nice way to be a little smug to those married 20 year olds. And 50 year olds who wonder why I'm not a married 20 year old.

The only thing that keeps me from wallowing in self pity over my unwilling single status is I'm pretty happy with my life. And with what I've accomplished. I would have been perfectly fine with having a baby at 19 then, but now I look at Teen Bride with a mix of disgust and pity. I will have kids someday, she won't have a college degree. And getting into this school would a) be a big accomplishment for me and b) would vindicate me a bit to the older generation. It's a little sad how much I want to defend myself to them. They never say anything, you can just tell in the way they talk to me and the questions they ask that they're starting to wonder if I'll ever get married. Screw you. I'm going Ivy.