University of where?

Where would I even begin to explain how my search for the "right" college has been. I believe the search really began when I was a freshman in high school. Maybe even before then. In fact-- I think I can even recall searching for this supposed place of educational utopia when I was in seventh grade. Being the determined thirteen year old I was, I remember a particular incident where I thought my life was over because I didn't get into eighth grade advanced algebra. It was a pretty devastating blow. I was then sure that no college would ever want me. I could see how the conversation with Princeton would go:
"We see you've managed to maintain a 4.0 grade point average througout your high school career," the prestigious man in the glasses and three piece suit would say as he peered at my application from behind a gigantic desk.
"Yes, and I was in all Honors classes," I'd smile, eager to impress.
"Oh, and you were an Illinois State Scholar I see? Oh and class president? Nationals Honor Society as well."
"Yes," I'd nod, "All while maintaining a full time job, and singing in musicals, and madrigals, and a state choir!"
"Hmm... very good, very good," he'd reply enthused with my impressive achievements and time management skills. "Oh but wait-"
My heart would pound so loud as I'd watch the smile slip from his face.
"Oh, no. What could it be? Surely not..."
"Is it true you were not accepted into you're eighth grade Advanced Algebra class?" His eyebrow would raise in my direction and I'd be able to see a certain decisiveness set into his features.
"Well... yes, but haven't you seen my credentials? My references--" I'd stumble for words.
"No need to explain. Thank you, that will be all," he'd interupt, crumple up my application, and toss it along with my hopes, dreams, and aspirations in life into the waste bin.

I was certain it would happen in just that way.

So how did I end up at the last place in the world that I ever wanted to be?

Well.

To cut a long story short-- I thought I had figured everything out, and by the summer before my senior year I had been accepted into my dream college. I figured I didn't need to waste my time applying to other universities when my top choice had already accepted me.

That was mistake number one and possibly the biggest mistake of all in this whole process.

About mid-april of my senior year, when good ol' FAFSA got back to me, I realized that if I went to my dream school I'd end up with over $80,000 in debt by the time I graduated... with an english creative writing major.

Not gunna happen.

So. I had to scramble for a new choice when I hadn't checked out any other school. I applied to several schools, and decided on University of Central Florida for various reasons.

That's right.

Fucking Florida.

I was going to move twenty two hours away from my family and everything I knew just so I could avoid having to go to a community college.

Mistake number two.

I moved down to Florida two days after I graduated.

Moved back to Illinois late July.

Thus. My current state of being a student at a community college.

Now. I have a year and a half to decide on where I should go for college for my junior and senior year. So many options.

What do I want?

I want a school that has a good english department.

I want a school that is not going to put me into $80,000 in debt.

I want a school that provides plenty of opportunities such as internships and double major.

I want to have the chance to study abroad.

I want to be in a metropolitan/urban setting.

Ok...

So...

Now what?

Until next time,

C.R. Daniels