Prestige's Pressures

I was intending to write an entry tonight--and this wasn't it. I did reach a realization while reading, however. Follow this neuron connection:

--Began reading "Art on My Mind: visual politics" by bell hooks. She had written a passage about the power of having art around her which she valued--art which got her through hard times.

--There's some neat, abstract art in my place but it's mostly generic. I need new art to surround me in my new life. I wonder whether campus apartments look very different from university to unversity in DC.

--Hm. I really should begin law school life-planning, particularly comparing costs between GW and American. Even for law school, GW is probably worth my first born.

--Subconscious: GW is, of course, more expensive because it is the better school. Reminds me of the conversation I had with Carolyn last night. A disadvantage of existing among overachievers is that there's so much pressure to do the socially-appropriate thing--like attend the most reputable law school.

--I haven't even allowed myself to fully celebrate my acceptance into law school because I'm embarrassed that I was only accepted into my "safety school." In my mind, American was a temporary placeholder until GW changed its mind. Nonsense.

--Change course. Within the last week, I need to at least entertain the idea of attending American, and better yet, be proud of my accomplishment. Big deal. Kudos. American it is--and if GW makes an offer, I have to re-consider.

Record stops.

--Choice. I am not empowered by attending the most prestigious school. I'm empowered by having a choice at all.

R.