I have some big news to share. It isn’t necessarily dog-related, but it will affect our family as a whole. I learned today that I have been accepted into the Sociology Ph.D. program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa!! I have been trying to get into graduate school for a year and a half now, and after 8 rejections total so far (yes, that’s right, 8), I finally received my first acceptance. I am beyond excited, and also overwhelmed. I opened the letter while sitting in my car and started sobbing when I finished reading it. I couldn’t believe it at first and re-read the letter about 5 times before it sunk in! It has been a frustrating and long journey so far, so good news is definitely over-due. I want to earn my Ph.D. so that I can teach sociology and conduct my own research, so this is the necessary step I need to take next.
So, to answer the question many people have already asked: YES, we would bring the dogs! I would never leave my animals behind – they are my family. It will certainly be a hassle to transport all of us and our stuff over there, but it can be done and should go smoothly with careful planning. Mind you, I have not actually made a decision yet. I am still waiting on decisions from UConn and UMass Amherst, and I also need to figure out what kind of financial aid I can get from UH. There is a lot to figure out still, and Hawaii is only one of the possibilities. Regardless of where we end up, I am excited for a change of scenery and to finally be back in school and doing what I love. I think the dogs will be happy no matter where we end up, and we will make sure that both are comfortable and happy. But boy, wouldn’t it be nice to live in Hawaii!
Little Miss!
Tired girl
Hugs and kisses from Lexi and Zev!
Zev Love and Lexi 
Hawaii is definitely nice but very high cost of living. Congrats on the acceptance though!
Thank you! I definitely need to make sure I can afford to live out there before I make any decisions. I am hoping to secure funding through the sociology program that will cover my tuition and give me a living stipend. And John, my boyfriend, has a good friend living on Oahu who thinks he can get him a decent job. Fingers crossed!
Wow, HI … made for the Weenie! She’ll have to trade in her jammies for a swim suit! Huge congrats and good luck!!
Thank you, Laurelin! I think she would look pretty cute in a hula skirt :). We’ll see what happens!
I am so happy for you. Congratulations. Good things happen to good people. Never give up on your goal. Never say never. I look forward not only to updates on the babies, but also on your adventures in higher education.
Thank you so much, Randi! I could have easily given up on my goals after receiving 7/7 rejections last year (it still stings a bit to say that…), but my friends, family, and mentors really pushed me to try again and not to give up hope. I was discouraged for a while but I am proud of myself for trying again and pushing on. The four of us are up for some big adventures!
Congratulations, I like hearing about hard work and perseverance paying off. Well done.
Thank you!!
Hawaii sounds amazing (especially after this wicked snowy winter we had in Maine)! Congrats. Keep us posted on your decision. 🙂
Thank you! I am very tempted by the fact that it is currently 78 degrees and sunny in Honolulu right now…but I shouldn’t get too far ahead of myself just yet!
Wonderful news, congratulations! I too would love to see Miss Lexi in a hula skirt! How cute would that be? 🙂
Hawaii is gorgeous but expensive. Congrats on your first acceptance letter!
Thank you all!