Well, we finally know. For over eight months now, I’ve been anticipating answers: Where will I go to school? Where will Megan and I spend the next two years of our lives? What kind of food will I be eating?
I found five schools that spoke to me. Five universities in five different regions of the country. Five different prices. All too expensive. Megan thought I was crazy. Not because of my chances, but because of the distance to which I was reaching, the scope of it all. Also, I give her plenty of reasons to think I’m crazy each day.
So, we waited. And waited. And I lost hope. I began to look at plan b’s and cower from fear. Months and months went by. More times then I care to admit, #thewaitinggame got the best of me.
Finally, the letters started coming; better yet, the financial aid letters started coming. Monday morning, my heart shat its pants with joy.
Upstate and Away!
I write this in California. I sit with coffee and think of my family and friends here. Once again, I will be leaving them. I think of our friends and Megan’s family, in Idaho, who once again we will leave.
With a heavy, yet joyous heart, we have decided to move away from everyone we know and love. About 2700 miles away. As I get older, these things get harder.
The decision is this: we are moving to Rochester, New York! I will study Entrepreneurship and Economics with (hopefully) a minor in Creative Writing at the University of Rochester!
Best yet, my educational costs are completely covered. I was awarded a crap-ton of grants and scholarships! Think, three Little Caesar franchises. We’ll have enough to cover tuition, and a little extra to move there and get settled.
At this moment, I feel completely and utterly loved.
3 Reflections on Reaching Your Goals
(From the perspective of a poor boy who was given nothing)
1. Write down your goals on a piece of paper. Look at them everyday. Many books will tell you to do this; I was always hesitant. Monday morning though, I was able to check off the first four goals on my list. The best of which was this: go to a top university with a full scholarship. No debt for education.
2. Take responsibility for yourself and your situation. I was born into a family that didn’t champion higher education, nor did it have the money to do so. There was no fund waiting for me. I truly believe that everyone gets their chance. You might have to work a little harder, or wait a little longer, but it will happen.
3. Enjoy your goals with a thankful and modest heart. When I got the news, I called just about called everyone. I tried for CNN, but couldn’t get through. Excited doesn’t even begin to explain. Later, I had to check my motives. It’s okay to brag a little, but be cautious. Stay humble and move forward. We are all in God’s grace, every day.
PS: I couldn’t have done this without my wonderful wife! She is the best and I don’t know what I’d do without her. Thank you Lord for putting her in my life.
The Number Kevin 
Congrats Kevin!
Kevin, Congratulations! And no school debt very, very cool. You know I used to live in Rochester (1980 to 1984) and I grew up only a little over an hour’s drive from there heading west in Getzville, NY. My brother Dan graduated from RIT with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. My friend Lori works at the University of Rochester. I think you’ll like Rochester, although it is bigger than Coeur d’Alene. Just watch out for the “Can of Worms” where I490, I590 & NY96 all converge. You’ll be learning how to pronounce lots of Native American names like Irondequoit. Maybe you and Megan will get a chance to head west to Niagara Falls (less than 2hrs away), if you go east check out Geneva, and the Finger Lakes Region (5 lakes that resemble fingers when viewed from the air). My Mother grew up in Aurora on Cayuga Lake. Ithaca and Cornell University are nearby as well. Further west are Syracuse and Utica. A little past Utica in Cooperstown is where the Baseball Hall of Fame is located.
Southwest of Rochester is Corning, NY home of Corning Glass and the world’s largest glass museum (and where Corelle and Corning ware originated). You can see original Louis Comfort Tiffany glass in the museum (no relation to me that I am aware of) and Dale Chihuly’s Fern Green Tower. And then there is Lake Ontario – you should definitely check that out. Oh and Toronto is only a few hours’ drive from Rochester. And my favorite thing Adirondack State Park, the first land put aside for perpetuity in the US – you must see this in the Autumn – absolutely gorgeous. Well anyway there is lots to do – not that you’ll have time once classes begin.
Safe travels,
Mary
Mary!
Wow, thank you so much for all the advice. I will desperately need it as I will be completely unfamiliar with the area there. It looks like there is plenty to do! I never realized (or thought about) the native american culture there.
Unfortunately, I think you are right. Once school starts, and Megan gets a job, we probably wont have too much time to kill. But hey, it doesn’t hurt to have options, right?
Thanks for the encouragement Mary, I hope you are doing well!
Hey me and my fiancé have just gone thru the same thing. We have decided on Baton Rouge and LSU. He went all over the United States for months. Good luck to you both I’m sure a lot of prayers went into your decision. I know we lamented over it for months! Congratulations!!
It’s so great to hear from someone who went through something similar. Good luck to both of you as well. And thanks!
Congratulations!!!!!!
Thanks!!!
I rejoice with you and your precious wife Kevin! Bless you guys and your new adventure in Jesus Name!!!!
Your announcement breathed life into my heart again!!! I love how God knows our deepest desires and at the exact right time He delivers! GRACE I tell ya, grace!!
🙂