The official slogans of both these cities should be changed to "Currently Under Construction". The number of detours and traffic holdups in both cities is ridiculous. In Regina, they're still doing construction in an area where my aunt and uncle live...a project that was started a good 2 years ago!
I went on my first scouting trip to Regina last week to check out the campus and to look for some apartments. The U of R isn't as stunning as the U of S campus, and they're not as helpful either. I've heard absolutely nothing from them since they told me I was accepted into the Master's program. I even had to hassle them to get an quick answer to this simple question: did you get my confirmation to your acceptance letter? My advisor works 2 jobs and just went on a business trip for 2 weeks, so I rarely converse with him. I don't know what classes are being offered or even how to register for them. I'm basically on my own, which is totally unfair...unless all this independant work is a test for me, and it's for credit! LOL
The apartments we circled all looked pretty shady and in suspect areas, until our very last stop of the day. It's a one-bedroom apartment with a decent sized kitchen, lots of storage space and even a fireplace...and it's 5 minutes away from my aunt and uncle. There's so much stuff in that area...pizza places, video stores, a ton of restaurants, a hair salon, a doctor's office, numerous gas stations, and ironically enough, an Extra Foods. The only reason I'd have to go downtown would be to go see a Rider game. Needless to say, they have my name and number. This was exactly the kind of area I was envisioning a move to.
So just when I'm trying to figure out my program and a potential move, I get a email from the University of Saskatchewan. Lo and behold, they have a vacancy in their grad program and I was at the top of the reserve list. And they need an answer soon. I told them to wait.
I ask myself this question: do I want to be comfortable, or do I want to expand my horizons?
I'm familiar with the professors at the U of S and even know someone who's been accepted into their program for this year. I could also keep my job, where I make good money and where I'm the most content I've ever been there in 4 years.
I'm not familiar with the professors at the U of R and know almost nobody there. It's not even a sure thing that I can get a transfer from work. But this is the place where I'm most likely to find a job when all is said and done. And even though I'm comfortable in Saskatoon, a part of me craves the challenge of a change of scenery.
I thought I knew what I was doing, until today. I hope something will make my decision crystal-clear in the coming days. If not, can I borrow a magic 8-ball from someone? ;)
