The Journey Continues

Well, I've decided, after being away from it for about five months, I've decided to once again begin posting on this blog - at hopefully a frequent rate. Since getting accepted to both Stirling and Edinburgh Napier, I've decided to accept Napier's unconditional offer as opposed to Stirling's conditional, not that it was much of a difference. I would just have to submit my end-of-the-year transcripts to Stirling, and as it turns out I need to do the same with Napier, but anyway, that's beside the point. The thing is, I am going to grad school in Scotland and cannot contain my excitement!

I've been in regular correspondence with Napier's postgraduate admissions, and they have graciously guided me through the process of applying for accommodation and visa attainment information. Apparently I need some sort of a code provided by the university in order to apply for my student visa. I haven't received this information yet, but I don't really need to worry quite yet since I can't apply for my visa until May 23, which is 3 months to the day I want to arrive in Scotland. There is a policy stating you cannot apply for a visa earlier than 3 months before your departure date, so...no worries!

Also related to postgraduate studies, I get to apply for accommodation this coming Sunday. Very excited for that, since I am anxious as to where I will stay when I'm there. I'm hoping to stay in university-provided accommodation. The place to which I'm applying is 5 miles from my main campus, but it's close to the city centre and where most of the postgraduate international students live. The university preferences international postgraduate students, so I hope to get accommodation without too much difficulty! If you're interested, you can check out the layout of the apartment complex - Morrison Circus.

In other news, I've received a summer internship! The internship was offered through Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society on campus. It is an international organization that, every year, chooses one person from a pool of applications to intern at the prestigious Penguin Group USA. And, well, a after a rigorous application & selection process, they chose me! I'll be working in the editorial department alongside associate editor Emily, who will be my supervisor. I am working within the division of Penguin known as Berkley imprint. They publish science fiction, fantasy, fiction, and some non-fiction works, and my duties will entail reading manuscripts, writing evaluative reports (summaries of the manuscripts and my opinion on them, as well as whether or not they're marketable), and other office managerial jobs. Needless to say, I am EXTREMELY excited! Nervous, too, since I'm not entirely sure how living in New York City for 10 weeks will be, but more excited for the opportunity to work at Penguin than anything else. I just can't believe I've been chosen!

Also in the works for summer plans is another trip to Scotland. I graduate May 16 and will leave for a 10-day vacation to see Fraser on May 19. I won't get into Glasgow until May 20, but I am soooo ready to see him and to be with him and to just enjoy some of the first days of summer with him. I cannot wait until August, when I'll move there, but this time together early in the summer will also be incredible. :D It will be great. I guess we are going to an engagement party for one of his friends, as well as to coffee to visit friends, and a dinner with some of his relatives from the States, who he's never met. Yeah, it's going to be amazing just being with him again. I'm so thankful to have the chance to visit again!

This is all I have to say for now, friends. Hope you enjoy your days, and I will keep you updated on my life progress soon! Also, if you're interested in hearing about my experiences as an Editorial Aspirant, check out my new blog detailing my semester's enrollment in an independent study course on editing and publishing. There are some helpful hints for aspiring writers, editors, and publishers that hopefully you will enjoy.

Thanks for reading! :)