You want something different?

You want something different, you have to do something you've never done before.  I kept banging my head against the wall applying to graduate schools over the years and gave up one too many times.  I figured I'd do something different this time.  I took advice...and four high level post bac classes in the school I wanted to gain admission to a graduate program. 

Lo and behold, four A's later, I got in.  I am STILL flummoxed.  I didn't give up, I asked for help, I risked teachers telling me no, that my class performance, or even my personality might stop my ambition, but I risked it, and got what I wanted. 

I've been telling my kids this for years and this advice works.  You cannot fail if you never give up, folks, so don't give up.  Follow your dream even if people around you, people who are supposed to be your greatest supporters, lose hope.  They're trying to protect you so you won't feel bad if you fail, but what they are really doing is standing in that line of obstacles between you and what you want.  Tell them you appreciate their intent, if not their behavior, and you do you.  Go get it.  Do it.

Even if I never achieve anything more, I have what I want.  I'm in, studying with people who are interested in what I'm interested in, and I'm writing my own stuff.  Heaven.

Hallelujah.