jeffatkins

I started back last year with extra course work because I was switching majors (I have a BA in Literature, but am applying to Ecology/Env Science programs). We have a two year old. It's been weird going back into classes and everything. Things were compounded by the fact that the sweet job I had working as a contractor for the state in the school system got cut. But you adapt and you make due and you find crappy jobs when you need to. We are waiting to hear back about grad school admissions now. You just do a lot of work when they are in bed for the night and do the best you can. Most of the places we are applying are far away. In picking schools to apply to, there was some elimination of school choices, despite being excellent programs, based on the needs of our family and what we want for our child. They're are just some areas that one person or a couple could handle, that I just don't want to put my kid through. It's just not in the plan. But, you change and you adapt. Hopefully it will all work out.

I will be 29 when I start my MS. I graduated undergrad when I was 22 and took time off. Played in a band for a while, worked some crappy jobs, some corporate type jobs, had a kid, changed my career path, spent a lot of time in rivers and woods, got married, went back to school and there you go. Hopefully I will be 31 when I start a PhD. It was a lot of fun and I appreciate it much, much more than I did the first time around. Coming out of high school and going through undergrad always felt like I was jumping through hoops. So it's nice to be on track. My original goal was to be done with everything by the time I was 30, but stuff happens. I have a friend who started his PhD at 20. He's incredibly intelligent, but I wonder about some real world sense sometimes. He'll be OK though.

I was wonderinf, for all those with State College experience, what about areas to live for a family? It is my wife and I and we have a three year old. What areas will keep us close to school, but away from undergrad areas? Any other information on family friendly things to do in the area? Thanks for any input.