I never thought I’d have to think about graduate school now. At least not for a couple of months. Actually, I figured that I could start this summer after returning from Italy.
I had a meeting about various fellowships and scholarships this evening.
“Is anyone interested in the big scholarships?” asked the professor in charge of the evening.
I raised my hand. I then discovered that I probably should have given this more thought–such as starting freshman year. Prepare for many meetings with various professors and scurrying about writing personal statements.
Ah, the challenges. This is something that I’ve wanted since visiting Oxford University nearly eight years ago—to do my graduate work in the UK. It’ll be long and stressful–the prof warned us we’d probably burst into tears at random moments–but ultimately it’ll be worth it. Even if I don’t get the scholarship, the process will teach me a lot about myself.
Mostly, I haven’t given much consideration to what I want to study. I know that I’m not going to study creative writing or another English-major type subject. I’m considering science writing/media/communication or public health.
And I need to figure out if I’m a memorable person or not…”Hi! I’m Beth, and I’m writing a WWII novel about RAF pilots!”
Ned Wolfe 
Good luck!
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Thank you! 🙂
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I set my first novel in Oxforshire/Midlands (Woodstock to be precise). Perhaps one day I’ll will visit when they make the movie-from-the-book?
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WOW. I totally want to visit Oxford one day. Would rock if you were studying there. 🙂
GOOD LUCK!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Thanks!
I won’t be officially applying until next August, but until then I will be in training, Pygmalion style.
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I heard the main library is HUGE! (runs underground across a street!).
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I’ll be in all my glory! 😀
When I was in Oxford, I wasn’t old enough to go into the Bodleian Library. I was so disappointed! At least now I’m old enough.
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They have an age limit? I find it baffling that a library, any library would have an age limit. Then again they do have very rare books, but still….
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If you know the first Harry Potter film, there is a Restricted Section in the school library at Hogwarts. Those scenes were actually filmed in the Bodleian Library, in its actual Restricted Section.
I think the books there were considered too “mature” for younger readers back in the day. Now I suppose most of them are so rare and valuable that they must be protected.
Never been, but I’d like to go.
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I went on a Harry Potter/Alice in Wonderland tour at Christ Church College! It was very cool. I wish that I had recorded my trip a bit better–I kept a journal for my English class, but nothing in much depth.
We also visited the Eagle and Child Pub, where CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien held meetings of the Inklings, their literary club. 😀
I’m hoping to do some traveling in England in the spring; if Oxford is an option, I’ll be sure
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OH MY! I had no idea. Man, I am itching to visit…. 🙂 🙂
Thanks for sharing that 🙂
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Since I set my first WIP in the Midlands I had to research the Bodleian library (two of the characters go to Oxford, the younger sister is modeled after Emma Watson).
The scene has the main characters searching for his would be love interest among the stacks of the library.
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Very cool!
I’m anxious to travel back to Oxford. I’m also looking forward to returning to Cambridge as well. I love English university towns. The architecture is so lovely.
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Some people have all the luck!! And more to you, Beth. Enjoy and Learn!! I could kick myself for never going.
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Thank you!
I’ll be sure to keep everyone updated on the application process. At the moment, it is a lot of research about the various scholarships/universities/colleges and making my resume more professional/attractive.
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good luck good luck good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
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