Accepted

Quote: "Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort." -Franklin D. Roosevelt

Congratulations on your recent acceptance to Montclair State University!

These are the heart stopping words that greet me upon opening up the E-mail entitled "MSU Evaulation". I pause before reaching for the phone, I actually momentarily feared the E-mail had been sent as a mistake and double checked to make sure it was addressed to my name before dialing my Mom’s work phone number.

I called and texted damn near everyone I could think of. I GOT IN! Once I send the check, I’ll officially be enrolled.

The burden has been lifted. My finger nails have been biten so low, I’ve actually bled, but I’m healing nicely. My right eye lid twitches here and there from lack of sleep but that will be fixed tonight. I feel like a winner, like I’m getting my prize. I’m not guarenteed housing but I’m so close to my way out that it actually aches. It feels good, having fought for something and won. I took plenty of guidance from friends and family but for the most part, I did this on my own. I worked my ass off, wrote an essay and charmed my way through an interview and it paid off. It’s an amazing feeling.

I entered my house after a long day of classes to be met with balloons and Dr. Pepper. Aunts, cousins, parents, damn near beaming. They’d never stopped being sure that I’d get in. It was only me who I stayed awake all night regretting having never made a plan B, the fear of failure never leaving the back of my mind.

I’ve never been so open to change in my entire life. Already I’m debating the possibility of studying in Italy next summer, joining a fraternity, even going on leave from Target after school starts up. None of these decisions are definite, hell, I’ve barely had time to think about them but they are possible. Right now my world is overflowing with possibility and I couldn’t be more excited.

I turned twenty on Monday. I hadn’t truly been able to enjoy my birthday because I was plauged by Montclair fears. I’ll have plenty of time to truly celebrate when I drive up to MSU to visit some friends for what promises to be the first of many parties.

I honestly don’t see how things could get any better.