Taking That Leap of Faith
The idea of attending graduate school at Arcadia University didn’t happen overnight. I had been wrestling with the idea since my senior year at Temple University while completing my degree in journalism almost nine years ago. Unsurprisingly, it was the Castle that caught my eye when I thought of Arcadia and returning to writing creatively. Before Temple, I had studied creative writing at the Community College of Philadelphia, but stopped once I began to focus on my journalism full time.
I remember speaking to a few professors as well, and though their opinions on graduate school varied on whether it was worth it or even needed once I had my bachelor’s degree, they agreed to support me.
I wanted to take the next step in furthering my education, but I wasn’t sure how to do it or if I was ready to commit so soon to another few years of school. In the end, I put the idea of graduate school aside, and the answer to why is not always clear to me. I think it was a combination of fear of failing and the expense of it all, and just being afraid. My educational journey, I had figured at the time, had come to an end.
And in truth, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do with myself after graduating from college. I was adamant that I would find a journalism job, continue telling good stories, and advance my career. Part of that happened. I was able to land a few fellowships, freelance some, and hold a steady job with a nonprofit. But I never felt fulfilled, and both creative writing and Arcadia would creep into my mind for the next few years.
It wasn’t until the years of dealing with COVID-19 that I decided to take a leap of faith and apply to Arcadia to work on my Master’s degree in creative writing. Nothing was holding me back, and there was nothing going for me or anyone else. The city was still more or less shut down, and like many people trapped inside their homes, I had time to think and do a little soul searching.
True, I liked reporting, talking to people, and sharing their stories. I still do, but I also remember the earliest feeling I had when reading The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis when I was younger and wanting to develop characters that were brave and true, like the Pevensies. Or when I first read a Toni Morrison novel while still attending the Community College of Philadelphia and wanting my writing to be just as raw and beautiful as hers.
And so, I applied to Arcadia’s creative writing program and was accepted. Even though I’m just starting the second year of the program, I still find myself surprised that I was allowed in. There are times when I wonder if the program director made a mistake and if I’m accidentally taking someone else’s well-deserved spot. Silly, I know, but the thought has lessened as I move further into finishing the program.
It sounds cliche to write this, but I’m glad I took the chance to apply. I still feel some hesitation about whether or not I made the right choice and if I’ll be successful post-grad, but there’s a certain calm that I also feel and an eagerness to continue on. If you’re like me, inquisitive about graduate school and what to do next in their own educational journey, I would suggest that you apply. We can sometimes overthink ourselves into paralysis and block our own possibilities. Really be true with yourself and what you are feeling in the moment, and ask yourself: Is there really anything going on around me that is holding me back?
