Why do things traditionally??

The vast majority of people go to high school until they are 17 or 18 years old, graduate with a plan in mind to go to a college (even if that plan is to figure out what to do once you get to school), and then they set to work making everything come together.  Some people transfer after a year because they decide their initial choice is not what they want, some stick with the full four years at one place, others drop college all together.  Most often people at least stick out 4 or so years to get their degree.  I have never followed the traditional education mold- at least not for a long time.  In high school math wasn't my strong subject so I took a different path in learning math that my high school offered compared with the standard algebra, geometry, pre-calc, calc. coursework many of my friends took.  When I graduated high school I thought I wanted to be  a marine biologist-- I didn't so I transferred to VTC to pursue a two year associates degree.  Then I entered the work force- and decided I wanted to go full time to pursue my passion for veterinary medicine... back to school I went (already a non-traditional student)... transferred from Maine mid-year to UVM... (two odd changes) and then decided to apply to Vet School.  So, this twisted, convoluted route led me to where I am today.  I don't consider any of the odd twists and turns I took mistakes, I consider them learning experiences.  Other people or colleges may consider it indecisive, bizarre, even detrimental.  It's too bad they view it that way, because it doesn't fit how I feel.  Regardless, I spent last fall applying for vet school to a number of places, and through interviews, applications, and sweat/tears I was wait-listed to many (due I'm sure to my odd coursework and steps that it took to get to where I am) and I was declined to a few... and flat out accepted to Ross.  


Ross as I've said time and again is a good school, they strive to see whats outside the normal box and they view non-traditional not as a detriment but as diversity... and they celebrate it!  It was not my top choice school, for one it is a heck of a long way from home, it has its own downfalls (hello BUGS :(, petty crimes, import taxes, fees etc.) but I was happy to be one step more into my career path as a vet.  I have been working to secure things as best as possible, but I am also a procrastinator and actually have not done a few important things yet for that reason alone.  I had pretty much given up all the other wait-list schools I hadn't heard from (it is after all August 1st tomorrow.)  Then something happened I wasn't prepared for.  Yesterday AM while I was working my phone rang and I found a message at lunch time:  This is Sharon from University of Prince Edward Island- Atlantic Veterinary College, we are pleased to offer you a seat for admission from your place on the wait list.  I think my jaw hit the floor- this was my top choice vet school!


So, I have been facing a big dilemma for the past 24 hours-  do I give up Ross (where I have put down a non-refundable deposit, and bought plane tickets), or do I stick with it because time frames are so tight?  When I called PEI back to ask what my timeline for accepting their offer was, I was told I had to let them know absolutely by Thursday AM.  That gave me 48 hours... 48 HOURS?!  I don't even decide on shoes to buy in that time frame!  Now I have to make a giant life changing decision?  I asked my father, I asked my mother, I asked my hair dresser... I brought it up at work... I felt I couldn't just change my mind without input from friends and others.  Ultimately the decision was mine, but I am a typical Libra- I balance everything out and it confuses the issue.  So, I decided to sleep on it.  I called Ross to see if I would be a financial penalty to opt out.  There isn't.  I called the book store to see if I could cancel/refund my order... I could.  It seemed I had little holding me back in that way except for I sold my vehicle, and I had NO housing lined up in Canada-- how quickly could I line that up?? I was so confused I didn't know what to do.  


When I woke up this morning I decided I was done.  I called PEI at lunch today and accepted their offer.  This is the quickest I have ever made a life changing decision.  I have NO idea if it will all pan out.  I could wind up regretting all of this work.  I now have MOUNDS of paperwork for both schools to finish.  Somehow I have to figure out how to go see apartments.  I am overwhelmed, emotional and excited.  I am hoping I didn't make a mistake-- but like all my other non-traditional moves I have at the very least learned something-- and they got me where I am now :)  


------addendum--> gonna need a new blog title!!