First off I want to start by saying, I do not actually have an answer to this question. This question has been on my mind a lot lately specifically regarding my options for graduate school. To date I have only briefly described what my career goals are. In the coming months I will be applying to graduate school. The goal is to get a Masters of Public Health in Dietetics.
Unfortunately at this point in time there are few of these programs. This is because up until 2024 you can sit for the exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration with an accredited bachelors degree. In my situation it makes the most sense not to get another bachelors degree, but to continue on and get a masters degree.
As time passes and I get closer to starting my application process I keep thinking about my schooling options. None of these options are in states I have lived in before. And all of the programs are highly rated and regarded. Along with thinking about what school looks like I also consider what life will look like for me at each of the universities. What does my life outside of school look like, and even details such as are there good gluten free restaurant options.
And I keep stumbling over this question. Is the easiest option always the wrong option? We hear it all the time, choose the option that challenges you. Challenging yourself will help you grow and become the best version of yourself. But what if all the options are difficult? I mean, I do not imagine graduate school to be a walk in the park. All of the programs will test me and challenge me, and prepare me to become a great registered dietitian.
So is choosing the easiest of the difficult options wrong? As of now my thought is it probably depends. Depends on you, the situation and so many external factors. At this time there are still so many things for me to consider. First off, I have to apply and be accepted to these programs before committing to one. And then comes diving into the financials. Because higher education in the states is absurdly expensive. But you probably already know that.
Once I start working through this question I come up with more. And then the next question that comes to mind is will the easiest option really be as easy as I expect. This is a hard question too. Sometimes we get stuck on one idea, and have an idealized view of that picture of our life. Giving that idealized version up and knowing that whatever happens is supposed to happen is difficult. And for me I think this is the most scary part of these questions.
Personally I have tried not to get too eager about a specific school or program. Many students apply to these programs every year and compete for limited amounts of seats. And this is all new for me. I applied as an early admission to my dream school and stopped applying elsewhere when I got my acceptance. But the most important thing to note is that I have put myself out there. I have challenged myself already, and I am not even to the application process yet. And I am proud of myself for that.
So if you have made it this far, I honestly say thank you. I honestly think I just needed to ‘verbalize’ these thoughts for my own sanity. And to get them out of my own head. Unfortunately this question is rhetorical and I cannot give you an answer.
But whatever choice you make, own it. Believe with all of your heart that it is the right choice. Any anxiety you hold or what ifs about the other options will not serve you. These thoughts will only hold you back.
Posting this itself is a bit scary to me. And the easier option would be to not post it. Today I chose the more challenging option. Because even if this post only reaches one person, that will be worth it to me.
And as far as my grad school application process goes, I will keep y’all updated! Also I will gladly accept any good vibes you send my way!
So let me hear from you. When was a time in your life that you had to chose between a difficult and easy option? How did it turn out for you?
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