National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Scholar

At the end of February I learned about a program called the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Scholar where you can get graduate credit. It was really exclusive and required you to apply, write an essay and get recommendations. Only 40 people in the U.S. were chosen for this but if you get in, you get graduate credit and a $1200 stipend to use for travel. You're only allowed to apply for 2 (out of 20-ish trips). I picked Lowell, MA because I figured I could pocket the money and commute each day. And I picked Sante Fe, NM because the title sounded interesting and let's face it - I am in love with the SouthWest.

 In early April, I found out I was selected for Sante Fe (and wait listed for Lowell)! I just booked my flight so now it really feels like it's real. So from June 17-23 I will be in Santa Fe learning about
Landmarks of American History and Culture: Contested Homeland: Knowledge, History and Culture of Historic Santa Fe.

So not only will I get getting the credits that I desperately need but it'll essentially be free. And I get to go to my favorite area in the country and learn. I am beyond words excited for this!

If you remember, I need 12 credits by 2016 to keep my license or 30 by then to get a significant raise and keep my license so I am probably gonna go for the 30. I took a graduate history course as an undergrad so I already have 3 credits. I lucked out finding an organization that does cheap grad classes through Framingham State because of a grant and I have 2 credits under my belt from them and getting a 3rd in May and three more in June. Then I have the Santa Fe 3 which equal 12. The only thing I am waiting on is a class I registered for that I am PRAYING I get called Boston Immigration: Then & Now and it is free and is 3 graduate history credits to equal 15. So basically this summer is no time off for me.