A Few Words

A Few Words I realize that some of you have been counting down to this day since what seems like forever. I know what that feels like. When regular action decisions came out last year, I was at a debate tournament, with no access to a computer. A friend of mine had promised to let me use her Blackberry to check my decision, but just as the pivotal moment arrived, I couldnt find her; shed disappeared to go eat lunch at a nearby McDonalds. I dont think Ive ever disliked fast food more. After fidgeting for a good ten minutes, I decided to call home and get my mom to check for me. It took me a great deal of nerve to do that, to know that if I were to be rejected, my mom would see it first. But still, I called. And told her how to log in. And listened to her read the letter. And proceeded to hyperventilate in disbelief and happiness. Ive wondered before what my life would be like if I hadnt gotten into MIT and hadnt chosen to come here. I believe it would have worked out fine: I would have still gone to college, made new friends, learned to work hard, had a blast. Your decisions will come out in less than six hours, and its possible that no amount of distraction will ease your anxiety. I hope you guys have all read Chriss entry. Really, dont panic! To those of you who get in: Welcome to MIT! Celebrate with your family and friends and join the Facebook group! Make sure you thank the ones who helped you make it this far :) I cant wait to meet some of you at CPW! To those of you who dont get in: Take a deep breath. Its okay. In my psychology class, we talked about an experiment where people attempted to predict their level of happiness before and after receiving a raise. Several stated that theyd be much happier after receiving such a pay increase; months later, however, both those who hadnt received a raise and those who had reported the same level of satisfaction with their lives. Im sorry for giving you guys a psych lesson :( I just want you to know that its going to be fine. Youre all talented and creative; you might not be using MIT as your stepping stone, but youre still going to change the world. And to those of you who get waitlisted: Waitings hard, yes. But the sentiment of this entry still applies. Dont give up hope! People really do get off the waitlist, and you could be one of them :) To everyone: As my Star Wars-loving friends frequently say: May the Force be with you.