I finished (finally) the application process to the University of Michigan this evening. I'm of two minds about the whole thing. On the one hand, I would be completely offended if they rejected me, because I'm too cool to reject. On the other hand, I'm not really that gung-ho on the whole deal - I have mixed feelings about the University, about the PhD program (two more years of math? Do I really need that?), etc. And, of course, there's the third element - what would I do in Ann Arbor if I don't go to school? Is there actually anything else to do? I'm too overeducated for a coffee house job, and too undereducated to teach at one of the schools. It's a crazy place. And it's in the US, which makes it all that much more difficult, especially given the current political (etc.) climate. We watched an amazingly disturbing show recently, a program the BBC did on 'middle America'. Now, I'm sure they picked a real winning city for their show intentionally, but nevertheless the idea that there are towns like that fills me with dread of returning. I just can't face the idea of being surrounded by that much ignorance and fear.

Chipper, aren't I?

But, the truth is, I like Ann Arbor - it does a good job of trying. So if they decide to let me try for yet more paper, I'll see what I can do about adding some additional letters to my name.

What else is there to do in Ann Arbor? There's always software development to fall back on, provided some jobs open up in that area. With a Master's, you could teach in K-12 (though there might be other qualifications) or at a community college. Washtenaw C.C. is a nice one.

Yes, teaching certification is needed to teach full-time at K-12 (though anyone with a Bachelor's can be a substitute teacher). But yeah, a Master's opens some doors when it comes to Community Colleges. Glad I won't be looking for a job until over a year from now!!!