First off - college.
For those that haven't heard I have been accepted to BYU-ID and BYU-P. The real dilemna is that I haven't been able to decide which college to go to. There are so many factors that it makes my head spin. To think out loud (or in this case, type out loud), the first factor in determining which college to go to is money. My parents have already told me that one of the major deciding factors - regarding college - is money. Between BYU-P and BYU-ID the monetary difference isn't much, but is existent. BYU-ID is cheaper than Provo. Another factor is scholarships. I haven't heard back from any of the scholarships from either BYU. I did hear back from the Armsfield Foundation...and I'm a finalist! As a sidenote, the Armsfield is for between $4,000-$7,500 per year for four years. Objectively, Idaho is likely to be cheaper moneywise.
Second factor - rooming.
Rooming. I wouldn't mind having some random roomate for college, but the thought is slightly daunting, especially considering I've lived in Mount Airy (population: 8,484) my entire life. Oh well. Eventhough I don't really know anyone who I could room with in Idaho, a lot of people from the Winston-Salem Stake are going. As far as Provo is concerned, I know several people, most importantly, my Brother goes there. It would be really cool to go to college with Ethan. Also, Phillip (one of my friends from Dobson), is going to Provo and I could room with him. Stupid colleges.
Third factor - me.
One of the last vital factors is me. What do I want? I'm not even sure is the problem. Both colleges have seperate appeals. Idaho is cheaper, although the no-shorts rule is pretty lame. Yet again, I'm going in the fall/winter, so I doubt I will even need to worry about shorts. If I go to Provo, I will get to hang out with Ethan and Phillip before I leave for my mission. If I go to Idaho, I will get to come for the summer before my mission. If I go to Idaho, it may be harder to get into Provo when I come home. ARGHHHHH!!!! I guess you can understand my confusion. The biggest problem for me so far has been money. I always thought it would be soo nice to get a full-ride scholarship to one school or the other, then my decision would - essentially - be made for me. That has yet to happen, so the tough choice is left more so in my hands. I guess only time will tell. By the way...any good college tips from those readers who have already been through the college gauntlet?
Aside from college choices, I thought I would point out the almost completely revamped Summer Break Playlist. The only songs that carried over were "Stars" by Switchfoot and "Lights and Sounds" by Yellowcard. Some of the new songs include performances by: Amber Pacific, Brand New, All-American Rejects, Story of the Year, and others! Enjoy the songs. Don't forget to check out all the songs ever played on the Summer Break blog by visiting the Music Archives!
thanks for sharing, adam. those big decisions can be hard. i think the pressure of knowing what a big decision it is makes it harder to know if you're doing the right thing. at least i've felt that way before...that hearing the spirit was a little harder under pressure! or doubting myself. most of the time, i feel like i knew what the right answer was, but the enormity of the decision caused me to doubt my answer. you'll do the right thing, though.
i see the dilema, though, which makes it hard. i think you're deciding between two good things. my thinking is this--utah is appealing, mainly because ethan is out there. i think the opportunity to be near family is really neat & one you may not have again. plus hats off to you for getting accepted there in the first place. on the other hand, i like the feel of a smaller school, so in that way, byu would be a little intimidating. just a few random thoughts to maybe confuse you more!
and a final thought--i know you'll make the right decision, whatever that happens to be!
Lots of good thoughts on the choices. It sounds like you've made a list of sorts to try to look at the pros and cons. I agree with what you guys said. I know money is a factor, but it's only one factor to consider. I feel like you'll be led to make the best decision.
I don't see a dilemma. This is a no-brainer! Everyone knows it is cooler to go the real, original BYU in Provo. And you didn't even mention that you have a bunch of cousins near Provo!
One more thing - BYU Idaho doesn't have a football team!
Adam, just to confuse the issue even more, I think you should come to Provo to redeem the Jarrell family name among your relatives here. We haven't seen or heard from Ethan since September, very sad. Amanda did see his car at UVSC the other day, that was pretty exciting. Ethan if you read this, you have been blacklisted! I hope you know i'm kidding, but really, if you want to give us a holler, Beth is welcome any time. Adam, I attended th "Y" and it was great. Idaho is really really cold, isolated, and no football. There are better job opportunities in Provo, plus, the MTC is right there, so when it is mission thime, you could just borrow my kids little red wagon and haul your stuff up the road.
lisa, i just love you! you're so fun!