Help me plan my 15 month deferral period!

Parent Cafe
1

<p>I was admitted to the graduate school of my dreams…and I was also able to negotiate a one-year deferral! I’m giddy with good fortune. </p>

<p>I have 15 months to play with and I want to make the most of it. </p>

<p>Part of the time is already spoken for:</p>

<ul>
<li><p>I need to spend 6 months taking classes and doing research to finish some academic requirements. Summer 2008 and Winter 2009 are spoken for.</p></li>
<li><p>I have committed to an internship for Summer 2009.</p></li>
</ul>

<p>This breaks down into 5 periods:

  • Summer 2008 - classes
  • Fall 2008
  • Winter 2009 - classes
  • Spring 2009
  • Summer 2009 - work</p>

<p>So, I have two three-month periods in which to explore my interests – which are incredibly varied. What’s the most amazing thing you can think of to do in a three-month period?</p>

<p>My ideas:

  • Start learning a new language
  • Work on a book project
  • Do nothing!
  • Do a political internship in DC
  • Bike across the country, etc.
  • Travel aimlessly and happily</p>
2

<p>Keep your brain engaged, but take time for fun. It sounds like you will keep your brain active so plan some activities you will never have the time or physical body for after you finish school et al. Planned bike trips sound good.</p>

3

<p>If it were me, I’d combine the “start learning a new language” with the travel (and perhaps the biking). I’d go someplace where I would be immersed in a language I’d like to learn, where not much English is spoken. Depending on weather of the chosen locale, that could work for either of your open time slots.</p>

<p>I also think “Do Nothing” could be very productive. Allow yourself to wake up every day without an agenda and fill the day with whatever occurs to you or comes along, including r&r or whatever (including - yes - doing nothing).</p>

<p>Have fun.</p>