Lately I have learned a great deal about the “art” of patiently waiting. Actually, patiently and productively waiting are perhaps better terms.   A more colloquial phrasing would be “fishing with more than one hook baited”.   I applied for several programs for the Summer of 2023, at the same time.  Meaning, I applied for several programs within a short period of time, and the time frame for the scheduling of the programs actually conflict.    

I applied for NSLI-Y Study Abroad (Arabic) for Summer 2023.  Notifications for semi-finalists went out in December ‘22.  I had my interview in January ‘23.  Finalist notifications do not occur until March/April of 2023 on a rolling basis.  The dates for the program are not published as yet (they are not publicized until finalists are announced), but likely they are mid-June ‘23 to the end of July ‘23.  In February’ 23, I applied for a Summer Anthropology/Archeology Internship through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.  Those finalist notifications should occur February 24th, 2023.  This program will likely conflict with the NSLI-Y program (if I was to be selected to NSLI-Y).  At the same time as all of this, I am practicing (and conditioning) with my travel softball team for this summer.  When I say practicing with my team for this summer, I mean a very busy, competitive travel softball schedule beginning in late May ‘23 ending November ‘23. 

Depending on outcomes, I could have some tough choices to make.  All the while, I am trying not to allow my mind to wander too far down any one rabbit hole.   I need to focus on my schoolwork, my varsity softball season at school, a prospect camp for softball at Tufts University, and on and on.  It is easy to worry about choices and possibilities.  I let myself spend a little time wondering, worrying and dreaming and then snap back to reality.  I have to focus on what is immediately possible and believe is intended to be for me will be.  Exploring all the opportunities is exciting.  Putting my best foot forward and showing up prepared is what I bring to the table.  At the end of this short road, I can only hope for several tough choices for this summer.  In the meantime, I will just be over here, patiently waiting and periodically panicking at all the uncertainty.  

“Patience is not simply the ability to wait- it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.” -Joyce Meyer

Waiting is alot like fishing.