When you’ve done everything on your end…
March 13, 2011 § 4 Comments
Whenever my students submit papers, I tell them to sigh in relief, that they’ve done everything they could do. For some of my students, of course, the phrase is simply not true–they haven’t done everything they could do. For some of them, it is the truth entirely. But, even as I say it, I know that every single one of my students is thinking, “If I could have just one more day, I’d really do everything I can do for this paper.”
And I feel for them. Really, I do.
Because right now I know that I have done everything on my end. I’ve written the cover letter, the curriculum vitae, the chapter outline, and the chapter drafts. I’ve confirmed my directing professor’s letter of support. I’ve sent off all of my materials today; my professor sent her letter Friday afternoon.
I’ve got everything done on my end.
But this is the worst part. The waiting is the worst part.
What am I waiting for? Approval for a $6000 fellowship so that I can write instead of teach and write this semester. Approval at all from others in the department who don’t have anything to do with my project. Will they find the project worthy of funding? Will they find me worthy of funding? Will they believe I will finish in August (a requirement for approval of the fellowship)?
Only time will tell. I have no idea when I should find out…but all I know in the meantime is that I’ve done everything I could do on my end. Ball’s in their court, now. Let’s just hope they lob me a gentle serve.
A.Hab.'s View 
Good luck with this! I hope you get it. I’m still in the pre-writing phase of my MA, and I teach as well, so I can relate.
You have done everything you could. Now focus on other things and let it go. I know that it is easy to say and hard to do, but I am learning that you have to move on and not obsess. Sending positive vibes your way.
I know that agony and that you’ve done everything that you can. You and V are the best and possibly only candidates for the money, so I’m pretty confident you will get it. But I know what this feels like. You have plenty to keep you distracted- try not to focus on it and just go about your normal routine. You will find out soon. Hugs and love! 🙂
Waiting is the worst…although the only time I’ve had to wait it was strictly personal (do you really HAVE to be pregnant 9 months?). Keeping my fingers crossed for you! They’d be silly not to offer the fellowship to you!