Big Decisions

So, if you are one of my 13 loyal followers, 12 of whom I know and 1 of whom works for my Dad, you have noticed that as much as I am recounting my epic tales of glory, heartache, daring adventure, and startling banality, you have also noticed that this blog is a post-grad existential crisis journal. (That, by the way, is a doozy of a sentence. The best edit wins a prize!)

And, after much rumination and a fair amount of wandering in the proverbial woods, I have made a decision concerning my future here in Cairo, and my future in general......

I am dropping out of grad school.

This decision comes from these points of discussion:
1. Going to grad school right after college was more of a decision for the sake of having a decision made, rather than a real passion and drive, or desire to actually continue with school.
2. Coming to Egypt seemed like the biggest adventure, which was a big part of my decision. Not because I had any sort of marked interest in Arab or Egyptian culture or Arabic language.

After I decided not to continue with school, I had a brief internal struggle regarding whether or not I should stay in Egypt. I decided not to, after considering these points.

3. As per point 2, it was not Egypt that brought me to Egypt, but Grad school, which I no longer want to do.
4. I have no desire/no qualifications to work at an NGO, I don't want to work in a school, and few expats who work for Egyptians/Egyptian companies actually enjoy their jobs (most of them love Cairo). The only expat I know who likes her job is Jenny, and she works at the British school and shadows an autistic boy.

And so, come January 7th when I fly home, I will be coming home for good. The next step is figuring out what to do next.

I have decided that I definitely want to take extended trips to the Ithaca area, New York, and the DC area. New York and DC specifically to see people, but Ithaca for more than that. Not only do I want to see my friends, I also want to talk to some of my professors whom I never gave a proper goodbye, and along with that some closure. For as much time as I spent trying to get the hell out of there, I realize only now how much I really loved it. Alas, they paved paradise. Along with the trips, I will also look for -prepare yourselves- actually better yet, prepare MYself- A REAL JOB. Not that there are any and not that I'm counting on finding one, but I totally know a couple people with jobs who could help me get an interview somewhere. If only this were Egypt, then I could just ask for a job and my relatives would be almost obligated to give me one. Except that minimum wage here is 80le a MONTH (yeah, $16 a MONTH, even though theres legislation in the works to raise it to a minimum of 200le/mo). I am also going to study for and take my GRE's, as grad school IS in the future- just not now, and in a subject that I actually want to do.

I am also planning on a massive, nation-wide road trip. My fun and kitschy pre-concept is "48 States in 48 Days." I am going to at least drive through every state (VT, NH, DE, etc will probably be afforded no more than a stop for gas and a picture), couchsurf with all my friends around the country, and be the tourist I've always wanted to be! It is going to be SUPER awesome and my friend Kendra might even join me for the whole thing! However, I feel like if I truly enjoy a place, or come upon some opportunity or other, that I may stay somewhere. Portland was recommended to me by my friend Sam, on account of my plaid shirt and that I like the Decemberists (a band from Portland). My camp director also offered to make up a job for me should I choose to go back to camp this summer. Should that be my decision, I would need to be there June 4.

So, in the likely event that a real job doesn't happen, I am also looking at things to fill up the next school year. I am looking at City Year and other AmeriCorps things, which would also help should I choose to apply for the Peace Corps. I am also kiiiiind of looking at TFA, but I am not really keen on the commitment, as the going to camp in the summer of 2012 is very important to me. I'm not sure WHAT I'll do. But I'll figure it out.

I know this is a big decision, and I know that some of you may be put-off by it. But it is the right decision. This I know because I am happy about it and excited for my unplanned future.