Lucky for me, this phone call wasn't one of those. We had a nice chat about the program, though in retrospect, I probably should have been more focused on the writing requirements themselves and less on the residencies. That said, I was accepted into their fiction program, with the option to start in the fall. My initial intent had been to start an MFA program in the spring because the fall tends to be a really busy time for my office. However, with Covid-19 shutting down the world, our sister division who conducts audits hasn't conducted any yet this year. While senior leadership is optimistic we will conduct some audits, it's unlikely to be enough to cause a substantial increase in my workload.
With that knowledge, I accepted the offer almost immediately and have decided to jump right in for the fall semester. A few days after this offer, I received an offer from my second choice school. While the program at this school is an equally awesome program, their requirements are far more strict. For instance, if I can't attend for a semester because of work obligations, they ask that students withdraw for an entire year and then come back. This would not work for me with my current position because I have no idea if next fall will be busier than this fall, with the unpredictability of the pandemic. I need more flexibility and that's what my first choice offers. They literally have stated on multiple occasions that the program fits the student, not the other way around.
I'm excited and very, very nervous. Aside from a class over spring semester at my local community college, I'm fairly out of practice with creative writing. I've been working on a novel since December, but it hasn't been a consistent thing for me. But I'm hopeful that with practice and perseverance, I'll find my way back to writing regularly and improve my skills. I also liked this program because it promises to teach me how to read like a writer to better critique other people's writing, which I think will be beneficial not only in pursuing my own writing, but also with my day job. Becoming a better writer overall will absolutely assist with both.
Being accepted to these programs was extremely validating. I've lost a lot of myself by pursuing a career so distant from what I dreamed of as a child. Finally deciding to follow that dream has felt like coming home. This is who I was meant to be. I was meant to tell stories, to pour my heart and soul out through words. I'm good at being a paralegal, and I'm good at my current job enforcing healthcare policies, but my passion, my drive, the reason for my existence, has always been to be a writer.
Applying and being accepted into a MFA program is only the first step and I know I have a lot of work cut out for me. I also know that it will be worth it, and I'm excited for what the future has in store for me!
Last week was a bit of a whirlwind of good news. Not only did I get accepted to two MFA programs, but I also received official word from OPM that my conversion is complete. My first master's degree has served its purpose: it helped me to join a fellowship that brought me into the federal government and completing that fellowship has earned me a spot in the competitive service. With my career on a positive path, it's time to go back to my roots, to my first love. It's time to get back to writing!
