Journey to the Ivy Leagues: PLOT TWIST

When Journey to the Ivy Leagues was in the beginning stages, my intent was to document my acceptance into the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution. I tried to keep up with the things that I felt were important to document, so that, upon my success, someone else could follow through too. My journey was never limited to just my process of getting into UPenn, it was to document my entire journey so that my readers could follow with my growth, to know that there was someone who was going through this journey with them and to find a space for me to figure out this process myself. My most recent update was all about my feelings of getting declined from Temple university, which was originally my back up plan. This final blog post was supposed to be my celebration of getting accepted into UPenn and sharing those feelings of accomplishment, as well as encouragement for those who are in the process of, or considering attempting to follow into a similar journey. Well, this blog is not about that at all actually.

A few weeks ago I received an email over breakfast telling me that my admission's decision was posted on the online application portal. Before I opened the email, I had to really gather my thoughts and composure because I was out in public and I wasn't really sure how things were going to go. It turned out that I did not get into Penn and to be completely honest - it really sucked. I was content with the answer because deep down inside I knew that most people who were getting into those institutions were already accepted (Applications were due in Mid December/Early January). More than anything, I was excited to have an answer from them so I could figure out my life. Luckily for me this plot twist doesn't end with a no, but a yes!

Prior to hearing from Penn, I was contacted by Sonoma State University in California about their summer program for a Spanish, Master's degree, one which I would be spending a few weeks each summer taking intensive courses. I figured why not take my summers and travel and take the academic year to travel some more? I get to be everywhere I want to be at the same time. Not to mention the program is right down my ally - Spanish Lit. I get to stay with my family during the holidays, be in the city with my love, see my girls throughout the year, keep traveling, and still doing what I do best - be a student. I think what scared me the most about not getting accepted by both Temple and Penn, was that I was afraid of taking a year off! Anyone who knows me, knows I love being a student. Don't get me wrong, I was upset. I did have to take my time to mourn this lesson because I know I am beyond qualified to get accepted into any university I want to. That application was fantastic and both Temple and UPenn  are going to be incredibly sorry I am not one of their illustrious alumna, however I think there were some technical difficulties and simply put - God had something else planned for me! I am really excited that things have fallen into place. I'm excited about what's to come because there are so many great things changing in my life. I hope to be publishing a small work of poetry very soon, I am getting ready to start my next work and novel that I hope to self publish, I am graduating from The Lincoln University and I am a few steps from conquering the world. This by no means is the end, but a true beginning.

So ultimately, I didn't get into an Ivy League. And I know that was the whole purpose of this thing, but as I have learned in the past, your path is not always what you anticipate it to be. You can do everything in your power to do something and still not get what you want, but that doesn't mean what do you get from that is not good. Sometimes, it is much, much better. I ended up where I am today because of a similar, but very opposite situation. I received some form of a scholarship from every institution that I wanted to go to expect for my first choice. And now, there is no other university that I would rather call my Alma Mater than The Lincoln University. Maybe Sonoma will be the same. My life is constantly changing but the lessons I've been learning are evolving me for the better.


Thank you to anyone who's followed this series and to all those who stop by to ready my blog.
This blog truly is something that I love and cherish and it brings so much joy to know that people, anywhere, take the time out to read my blog. Keep coming back...please? :)

- Tiana