Update

[ursus_arctos]

Colorado said yes. That's a good thing, since a) it was my first choice, and b) the other two schools I applied to both said no. Boulder would be the ideal place to do my proposed research (on the evolution of mountain towns from mining and industry to tourism, and the associated redefinition of landscape and history that entails), and the

Comments

[nixzusehen]

Congrats!

There are definitely times where I wish I had chosen Boulder over Penn State. It is certainly a more appealing place live.

They probably just don't know yet on the funding. Or they have enough money for X positions, but offered X+N admission, on the assumption that some number of X won't accept. Either way, that's great news!

[ursus_arctos]

I've since spoken with Ken Foote, my prospective advisor, who has pretty much told me the same story. He can't make guarantees, but he assured me that the department is almost always able to offer funding for almost everyone.

Of course, the departmental secretary was a bit less optimistic. Your call as to who actually knows more about the situation. (Or, conversely, who has the power to make things happen...)

I agree, Boulder beats the heck out of State College. Far more interesting stuff in town, and actual mountains out of town.

[satakieli]

Well done! First choice well deserved, I'm sure.

Boulder is quite an interesting town, in both the complementary sense of that word and in the slightly sardonic sense. And close, as you say, to opportunities, both professional and soul-feeding. I miss mountains.

Not to mention it is nearly close enough to your home to allow casual visits, which must be a nice side benefit.

[ursus_arctos]

I really don't know Boulder as well as I should. (My Census job is a bit frustrating---the last week of the old job, which had relatively flexible scheduling, was directly opposite CU's spring break, while the new job starting Monday, will have a much stricter schedule.) But still, it will be a very welcome contrast to State College.

I miss mountains.

I hear you there. Mountains are one thing that's made two years back in SLC go down a little more easily. Hopefully you'll have a chance to get back west this summer? Or spring break?

nearly close enough to your home to allow casual visits

Again, after a fair chunk of time back in SLC, it wasn't the first thing on my mind, though I'm sure I'll come to appreciate it.