Following the Big Meltdown

Since a number of people have commented on my "Big Meltdown" post, I thought I should update you guys about what has been happening since then.

Firstly, I went to the graduate funding guy at my university to discuss the possibility of getting bursaries or scholarships.  He was quite positive about my chances, and I filled in all the paperwork and have submitted my request.  Now I just have to wait and see what happens.

Secondly, I clarified my options for studying further.  I have three main ideas.  The first is to get funding to become a full-time student and complete my research masters thesis (I'm studying the social psychology of some online support groups - not this one though, so don't worry!!).  Having the funding to be a full-time student will allow me to manage my diabetes better, and I will have more time for exercise. 

The second idea is one I've wanted for a while, and that is to become a clinical or counselling psychologist.  I've sent in an application to the school I want to attend, and am waiting with baited breath to hear from them.  They said they would contact me some time in the first 2 weeks in August.  If I do hear from them and have been shortlisted, I'll have to travel up to Tshwane/Pretoria for a couple of days of interviews.  If I make it through the interviews, I will be accepted for the course next year.  I have no idea how I am going to pay for it and my living expenses (other than my savings and tiny pension fund), but I figured the process was difficult enough without me worrying about the funding aspect yet.  If I get in I will hustle to make some kind of plan.

The third idea is a fairly new one.  The university I'm currently attending offers a full-time, one year graduate course in journalism.  There is funding available from a media house, and the chances are good that I will get it.  To pay the media company back, you have to work for them afterwards.  This sounds like a really great idea for me - I get to study something I like, have my expenses covered, and then walk out of the course right in to a job.  One of the speciality areas of study is "New Media", and that's the one I'm hoping to follow.  I'm working on my application for this at the moment.

The way forward for me then is to complete my journalism application form, and then it's a waiting game to see what funding I get and which courses I get accepted for.  Wish me luck!