Anyhow, the interview day went well. I was suprisingly energetic throughout the entire day. Which was a true miracle given the 4 hours of cumulative sleep I got. But I guess that I have been used to sleep deprivation for the last year; you never know what experiences will end up being sources of strength.
I was better prepared, asked more pointed questions, and was still as much myself as I can imagine anyone can be under the circumstances. This is a growing program. The faculty are young, eager, and motivated to try to create something new and unique- and that's palpable. That said, it's also a bit ambiguous, a bit disorganized. Pros and Cons at every place I'm sure, but I definitely still feel like U of O is my top choice. Yet, I think having been put on the alternate list, I am more prepared to be open to an opportunity like this here in Knoxville.
So after the interview day (8am-4pm) and the barrage of answering and asking questions, we all went out to the local beer and pizza joint- Barley's. Cool spot. Old warehouse building with vaulted ceilings and live music, fresh brew (Rogue Shakespeare Stout-totally made me think about Oregon), and some funky Southern hipsters. One of them actually looked uncannily like Bradley Campbell. And Soup, I should have taken a picture. But, on my way out for the evening festivities, my host, Dr. John Lounsbury pulled me aside and gave me the not-so-subtle "hey dude, all the professors really liked you" message. This was super hilarious because I thought he was pulling me aside to make sure that I wasn't going to be coming home drunk. And then, when I realized what he was saying, I was sort of like "what the hell!?". I mean, who does that? Kinda flattering, but totally unprofessional. So I'm a bit perplexed by that strange interaction, but mostly feel like it does confirm at least that I did a good job interviewing today.
And who really ever knows anything? I have no idea how all this works out. I do feel grateful to be a part of this process, and feel good about having cultivated a better attitude of openness. So I should hear back on Monday, and we'll go from there. Love to all you folks crazy enough to read my scribblings. Keep me in your prayers- and know that you're in mine.
Weiner,,, Sitting in napier NZ.. anxiously waiting to hear from you and this experience. THHHHHHannks.. for writing such detail.thanks for the blurb on the alchemyst. I need to hear that now also. Good on you (as they say here) sounds like you are learning growing and wow. I am so amazed. I love you so much son, I love reading your thoughts and absolutely you are in my prayers my heart and my sould not to mention you are attached to my boddy.. look at your belly button or Popice (belly button in Czech).. we are definitely connected.
ReplyDeleteI have had an incridble 2 days, here .. Perhaps I can write more. Peter has some incredible friends. and they are on an "island type mentality. which is great for me to be away from The state dept.. I love you.. I will check your blog on monday eve.. PLEASE keep writing.. love mom