Yale, how did I get here?

Yale, such prestigious sound and experience that I often find myself wondering how I ever got here.  Why was I one of the chosen few to receive this opportunity? It’s not something I sought out for myself.  Rather, I kind of stumbled upon the whole situation.

It was another sun-filled day in San Jose when one of my colleagues approached me wondering if I would join him in an adventure to Yale.  Was this some nearby off-shoot city that I'd never heard of?  No, he said, his eyes in a sparkle, “Yale University.”

I’d never considered studying at Yale.  I had recently been wondering if and when I should go back to graduate school.  I was halfway through my third year teaching ELA in the middle school.  The educational community was slowly putting pressure on me to get a Master’s degree, which would be nice, but expensive.  

Yet, even though I quite enjoyed the idea of furthering my education, I imagined adding the cost of grad school to my already substantial mound of student loans.  Was there a way to further my education and still keep costs down?  Perhaps this sincere desire in the face of financial adversity was all the universe required to propel my life forward.

I quickly agreed to apply for YNI with my colleague.  Writing my application, excitement built, fueling my mind and spurring thoughts into heightened realms of sensational education.  Soon, though, my colleague backed out from the application process.  He told me the timing was off.  He needed to be there for his kids.  He just finished grad school.  

I was only slightly disheartened.  I was already determined to move forward with my career.  No one could sway me otherwise.  Again, I understood the importance of furthering my education. What better way than a free trip and professional development at the prestigious university of Yale?  

After all was set in motion, I received feedback on my application.  I was accepted at a local and then a national level! The feeling was exhilarating.  My family, principal, and district were proud.  My colleague was a bit glum with regret.  

I felt in my heart that this was a move in the right direction.  So, here I sit, at Yale, typing away in the heart of the dream.  Let me tell you, it feels good.