GCU

When I first spoke with the Grand Canyon University, I was very highly impressed.  I was able to have a conversation with the woman; and she truly let me tell her about what I wanted and desired out of furthering my education.  We spoke for quite awhile, and she encouraged me to speak with other universities and even told me good questions to ask.  She encouraged me to do my homework and assured me that she would do hers as well.

In the mean time, I heard from tons of other universities!  And yes, as you could probably guess, I was not nearly as impressed as I was with GCU.  I felt like I was on the phone with telemarketers - constantly.  I asked the questions I was to ask - and did not get the sincere responses that I desired.  Talking to other universities made GCU stand out to me that much further.  The main difference I can find is "support and encouragement" versus "diploma mill."  I'm not saying that all other universities are "diploma mills," but what I can say is that the majority of the other universities that I spent time on the phone with, returning phone calls/emails, etc, I felt either I was on the phone with telemarketers, or together we would come to the conclusion that I was just not a right fit for their school or programs.


Whatever the case, I told my parents what I was actually considering while out for my birthday - Feb. 1.  It was strange to tell them; like I said, this Hyde County girl has never even thought of such experiences.  The idea was new to them as well, but they were supportive.  I stayed in touch with GCU (and other universities, as they continued to contact me) throughout time.  And although it was made clear to me that I could complete the program entirely online (with the exception of a few visits to the university regarding my dissertation), I became more interested in actually meeting these people, experiencing Phoenix for myself, and actually checking out the university

New Dreams

Well - welcome to my very first blog!!  I figured this was a good way to update everyone who was interested in this new little adventure I've embarked upon; I'll try to post at least once a week or so, and pictures too!

So, as most of you who may be reading this already know, I've just moved to Phoenix, AZ from Greenville, NC.  And I'm sure you're all hoping that I'll answer the "big" question......"Why Arizona???"  I do hope to answer that throughout this blog, maybe even this post.  For now, however, I just want to thank all of those who have been very supportive throughout this process - even so last minute, for some of you.

I want this first post to explain why this change came as such a surprise to everyone.  Very little people knew I was even thinking of this move, much less actually going through with it.  Most of my closest friends actually found out as I was en route to Arizona with mom.

I have been thinking about a big move for quite awhile, actually.  As most of those close to me know, I went through a sad separation and divorce in late 2009 through early 2011.  During those times, I was even researching the idea of teaching overseas.  I knew it was important, however, to let myself grieve and that such a big move could potentially be a bad idea during the grieving process.  As my heart has been healing over time, I've questioned how to move on from here and careful not to gather everyone's opinions.  You see, I did that when I went through my separation - gathered everyone's opinions - while, in actuality, it was totally my decision all along and would directly effect ME - not everyone and their sister (although maybe indirectly).  I don't mean to be selfish.  It's just that all of those opinions brought so much confusion.  I could barely hear what my heart was telling me, much less what the Lord was telling me.  So this time - in January of 2013 - I kept much of my thoughts and feelings to myself.

 I've reached a place where I've realized the forever goals and dreams of a marriage and family before the age of 30 are gone; I'm not able to get those back.  I am, however, able to have wonderful, new goals and dreams - and I'm finally letting myself open to these possibilities.  The fact of the matter is - these new possibilities are different - different than the norm for a good ole' Hyde County girl.  I've never dreamed of getting my doctorate.  Heck, I never even dreamed of getting my masters.  Whatever the case, since January, I've been in touch with the Grand Canyon University about a particular doctoral degree.  Please note that I'm not enrolled into GCU and havn't even applied to the program; but I am strongly considering this possibility.  I'm actually still weighing the pros and cons of this decision, and also have a few prerequisites I need to take care of.  Anyways, GCU is what made me even think of Arizona.  And although I could totally complete the degree online, again - I have been looking for a big move.

Getting a doctorate is a big decision for this Hyde County girl.  I might not have a marriage and family by the age of 30, but I still hope to have that one day!!  I know all sorts of things can happen - and God has His own plans for me if I'll just let Him do it, but at times I've wondered if getting a doctorate would put off the potential of marriage and a family for even longer.  Whatever the case, I'm here in Arizona - and I'm going to let God continue to lead me however He sees fit.  I've got so much more to share - but I'll save more for future posts!!  Thanks again for your support!!