Post-College Update

Hey all,

I haven’t written in a very long while, so I thought I should post an update on what’s going on with my life.  Much of this information I have related to many of you in person, but here’s a summary for those who don’t know.

I graduated from Wake Forest in December (a semester early, so as to save money), with a B.A. in Chinese language and culture, and a minor in linguistics.  During this time, I applied to eight different graduate school programs, which are as follows:

1. Cornell University, Linguistics (PhD)

2. Harvard University, Linguistics (PhD)

3. Indiana University, Linguistics (PhD)

4. University of Chicago, Linguistics (PhD)

5. University of Georgia, Linguistics (MA)

6. University of Pennsylvania, Linguistics (PhD)

7. Indiana University, Chinese Language (MA)

8. Vanderbilt University, English (PhD)

So I applied to 6 linguistics programs, 1 Chinese program, and 1 English program.  I am probably least likely to be accepted to Vanderbilt, since I spent almost no time as an undergraduate studying English; and yet I hope to be accepted to this program more than any other, as this would provide me the opportunity to stay in Franklin/Nashville (irony of ironies).  I’ve been in a waiting period up until today, but I was just notified that I was not accepted to Cornell.  One down, seven to go!  To be honest, I am ready to do whatever God has planned for me, so I actually hope He closes a lot of doors so that my decision becomes clearer.  If I don’t get accepted to any programs, I might have an opportunity to be a high school teacher at FCS (where I attended high school), which I would probably enjoy.

While waiting, I’ve been living at home, working a job online about 35 hours per week, reading, and playing music.  I’ve concentrated much of my time towards the latter, as one of my friends here in Franklin has been composing some Irish music, a project on which another friend and I have been assisting him.  Our band name, as of right now, is “Danny McCleland and the Sons of Erin,” and we’re hoping to put out an EP before the summer and maybe start playing shows locally.  Daniel’s (Danny McCleland’s) goal is to play in Holland sometime this year or next (Lord willing).  I’ve also started looking into buying a keyboard/workstation, which would be advantageous for its portability and for composing (to be honest, I didn’t realize keyboards could be so much fun!).

In short, much is afoot in Franklin, Tennessee, and as a college graduate I haven’t got a clue where my life is headed!  This time next year I could be in Holland playing music, in Chicago studying linguistics, or right here in Franklin teaching Latin.  Solomon wasn’t kidding when he said, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”  At any rate, I’m excited about the opportunities God has in store for me, and I appreciate your prayers about God supplying wisdom for my future–and whether He even wants me to attend graduate school at all!

In Christ,

James