Friday, April 27, 2012

Final Answer

For the last month I have been going back and forth with myself about where to attend school. I've talked a ton of people to death about why I wanted to go to Wharton, Kellogg, and Booth.  I attended admitted students weekends and admit get togethers.  I weighed every pro and con I could think of.  I leaned toward Wharton only to lean toward Kellogg or Booth the very next day.  Finally, last night I did the one thing I haven't done since getting admitted.  I prayed.  I will be the first to admit that I've been quite lax about practicing my faith recently.  But when push came to shove, I went back to the one constant that has yet to fail me. I prayed for clarity. I prayed that I would have peace about whatever decision I made.

I think that's what's been bothering me all of this time.  Whenever I would start to make a decision I just could not get a feeling of peace about it.  I  could not get that feeling of, "this is the right decision and I'm settled with it," to stick inside me.  More than anything I feared regretting my choice.  Even though everyone told me that I could not choose wrong, something in me told me that I might not choose best.  So I gathered all of my concerns about each of the schools and spent this week seeking the answers to all of my questions.  By yesterday night I knew that I had everything I needed to know in order to make a decision.  Instead of mulling over all of the new information, I just let it ride and prayed for a sign.  An unmistakable sign that one school was the right place for me to be.  I didn't have to wait long for the answer.  











I had been leaning toward choosing Booth for the last couple of days, but was still a bit unsure.  This afternoon I received a call from a member of the Chicago Booth Admissions team that removed all doubt.  After a serious game of phone tag Booth's adcom informed me that I have been awarded the Wallman Fellowship. What does that mean? 

The Wallman Fellowship provides full tuition for two years to students demonstrating outstanding leadership, academic and extracurricular achievements, and a commitment to advancing the interests of African Americans, Hispanics, and women in business.

I asked for a sign and I got a freaking billboard.  I am happy, proud, and perfectly at peace saying that this fall I will be matriculating at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Class of 2014. 

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOHOO! OHHH YEAH!! That's awesome, congrats. You certainly earned it. I couldn't be happier for you because you got an amazing scholarship and you decided.

Having decided recently myself i can say it is a great feeling to finally be at peace with a decision. Pair that with not having to swallow a giant loan and you must be a on cloud nine! Congrats again and good luck next year!

-explorer21 from gmatclub

Anonymous said...

awesome.. congrats! there's nothing greater than being at peace with the decisions you make. i'm glad to know you finally step out on faith and your prayers were answered!

congrats again!
-armymba2012

Swati said...

CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so glad you're at peace and your prayers have been met. Very inspiring!

The Applicationist said...

CONGRATS!!!! Hopefully Booth takes me off the WL, and then we can be classmates!
-hello212

Anonymous said...

Congrats! I also chose Booth over Wharton (and MIT) last year.
Welcome to Booth!! You'll love the school ;)

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a great honor! I'm looking forward to having you as a classmate this Fall.
Congratulations!
ls413

Anonymous said...

Great, congratulations!!!! on the big fellowship. I missed this news but I am really happy for you.

Anonymous said...

After reading your blog, I have the impression that you are a meticulous and smart person who is open minded to opportunities. You are in an enviable situation and I am happy for you that you came to a decision. I think you deserve the Wallman fellowship and good luck on your goals. Make your school proud and seize the day, Booth expects great things from you. Great job.

Jock4MBA from Gmatclub

LadyRoadWarrior said...

did you have your celebratory indian feast?
-lrw

Linda Abraham said...

Congratulations! That's quite a story, and it has a wonderful ending.

Anonymous said...

Congrats cheet!!!!

-method

Anonymous said...

congratulations!! been seeing you over in gmat club (chynaxdawl) here and i know how you felt about deciding. everyone kept saying you can't go wrong...which you know, but you want to make the RIGHT choice. booth is awesome and although i'm excited to be going to stern, i'm a little sad about what i won't be going to (booth included). a full-ride is freaking awesome though, congrats!!! i totally would've made the same choice (and i guess i did?)