Is it Friday yet?

Because Monday isn't even here yet and I am thinking about all I have to do for this week and a bit stressed already. Even though I'm only taking 12 credits this semester, they're still keeping me pretty dang busy. My drawing class takes up a surprising amount of time away from class, with all the sketchbook assignments. My independent study is great to do, and so far I'm having fun with it, but it's a lot of work that I have to really motivate myself to do. I've been helping my professor rewrite the public speaking chapter for the second edition of Principles of Communication (did I tell you this already? I think I did...). So I've been going through other communication books and picking out what I think is important information and turning all that information into an outline for him.

Last time I met with him he confused me even more about what I want to do after graduation. After we had discussed my assignment for this week, we started talking about grad school, and he told me he thinks I should apply for graduate assistantship here. I'd get health insurance, take home about ~$500 a month (which isn't a whole lot, but it's reasonable when you're going to school, plus the part that I'm not taking home would be going toward tuition). I would teach about 3 classes a week, the Principles of Communication classes that nearly everyone at this university has to take. It sounds like a great opportunity for me too, which stresses me out even more because now I have to think about applying to grad school and for the assistantship here soon! Then he went on to highly discourage me from taking a break from school. Trust me, I know how risky it is. Too many people "take a break" from school and never return because they get comfortable working and not having to worry about studying. I understand the risks completely, but I am still drawn to the idea. I'm thinking maybe just one or two semesters, tops. I'm also still thinking of the place in Illinois too. Did I already write about that? I don't think so. Anyway about a week and a half ago I came across this small university in Deerfield, Illinois (near Chicago) which offers a master's program in Communication & Culture, which is the field of communication I am most fascinated by. It's a smaller Christian university called Trinity International. So I'm going to list pros and cons of getting my master's program at NMSU and TIU.

NMSU Pros:
I already know Las Cruces and the university.
I'd get in-state tuition.
I'd be able to teach communication classes.
I really like the communication faculty here.
I'd get paid, plus benefits.
It's not too far from my family.

NMSU Cons:
Nothing against Las Cruces or New Mexico or NMSU, but I have this restless urge deep within to experience somewhere completely new, a longing to try living elsewhere in the country.
Doesn't offer an emphasis in culture.

TIU Pros:
(See above about experiencing someplace new in the country).
Smaller, Christian university might be an interesting change.
Illinois is lovely.
Near Chicago; I'd have the ability to experience this city at my disposal!
Near Lake Michigan.
Offers the Culture emphasis.

TIU Cons:
Doesn't offer the grad assistant opportunity.
More expensive; no in-state tuition.
Far from my family :(
Likely colder, longer winters!
I like winter, but I'm usually ready for warm weather by the time January rolls around.

¡¡¡¿Qué voy a hacer?!!!