Journey of Hope

First, I thank Jim Noce, Rob Noce, Jens Miller & Kerri Fredrickson, Jeff & Karyn Meyer, and Jessica Oster for their contributions to my Push America fundraising total. I’m now less than $800 away. My fundraising profile link is once again at the bottom of this note. If everyone receiving this contributed $5, I’d reach my goal! As always, I appreciate everyone’s support as this summer nears.

I’m 57 days away from graduation from Mo State, 68 days away from leaving Springfield forever, 74 days away from reporting to Charlotte for crew training, 89 days away from kick-off in San Francisco, and 147 days away from arrival in Washington DC. It’s amazing how many things I have to look forward to in the next few months!

I’ve started a blog for this summer. I expect to journal in it every couple of days whenever I have internet access along the road.

My generation Y colleagues can find the blog via my facebook. Otherwise, the blog is available at: http://joherich.blogspot.com/. Thanks again for your support!

almost there

As always, I first thank David Corey, Tom & Kathy Rosskopf, and Joshua Peppers for their contributions to my Push America fund. I’m now less than $1,000 away from my fundraising goal. I’ve still got another month and half of time to fundraise, but I’m almost there. I appreciate everyone’s support and my fundraising profile link is available at the bottom of this note.

Today, we had another snow day at Mo State - the fourth of the year. It’s almost getting kinda boring staying inside all day on these snow days – fortunately, I didn’t lose power this time! Comprehensive exams are in two weeks and my research project is due in less than 30 days. I’ll finish my graduate program at Missouri State in 72 days. Than, I’m off to Charlotte for Journey of Hope crew training on June 1.

Everyone wants to know what’s next for Erich. My long-term goal has always been to continue on in academia and become a young, stud professor. The question was whether I should do that immediately after I finish my MA or wait 2-3 years before continuing on for the terminal degree.

I’ve been offered admission as a Ph.D. candidate and a teaching assistant position at the University of Oklahoma. Of the schools that I applied to, this is the most similar to the University of Missouri, where I particularly enjoyed my undergraduate experience. So, now I have about 30 days to decide if I wanna accept this or another admission offer or join the private sector for a while first. Please feel free to offer any advice to me as I create my decision tree, weigh the pros/cons, and decide where I’m headed after I finish my wonderful Journey of Hope experience this summer.

Thanks again for all of your support!