How much, after I submitted my applicaiton and other materials, I wanted a career in acadamia. The wait, the uncertainty, the ambiguity, became even more real when the opportunity to not continue toward a doctoral degree became a true option. I would never ever wish the waiting process on anyone, even my worst enemy. Yet, the acceptance that later came with funding was the greatest news I have received in my life up until this point. (And trust me, there have been some great moments in my life.)