GRAD SCHOOL

When Summer and I began looking at graduate programs almost two years ago, we were drawn to three very different programs for three very different reasons.

The first was Texas Tech. I met with two professors from their communications program about their (relatively) new Masters of Sports Communication program. Sports are my great passion, and I really connected with one of the visiting professors. We communicated frequently over email, started the application process, and was even formally offered an opportunity to join the program.

For a period of about six months, I thought we’d be moving to Lubbock, Texas. But I started to have doubts when my prospective professors told me there were very few graduate assistantships available and that they have never had any of their students continue on to PhD programs. Being part of a program that had a good PhD placement rate for their graduates was very important for me, and Texas Tech’s program didn’t really have any history of this.

The second program was Columbia School of Journalism. Based off prestige alone, I knew this would be an amazing opportunity. Attending an Ivy League school would set us up for the rest of our lives. My pride immediately drove me to complete the application process before I even thought about where I’d be taking my family.

While living in Manhattan initially sounded like an exciting experience, I honestly could not imagine Summer and Avery living in New York City. We’d be stuck living in New Jersey, probably in a studio apartment that cost around $1000 a month, and paying $30,000 tuition per semester. Upon graduation I’d immediately walk into a six-figure job, but six figures in NYC is much different than six figures in Idaho or Utah. I decided to move on from my Columbia dream when they told me that I shouldn’t pursue a PhD, even though that is what I wanted to do.

The third program was Southern Utah University’s Master of Professional Communications. SUU was (is) a very small school, I felt very confident about getting accepted, and it gave me a piece of mind to have somewhat of a “backup” school. I met with a professor during a campus visit who encouraged me to check out their master’s program.

One day, Summer mentioned that we hadn’t gone on a vacation or done anything really fun for a long time. As she was talking, I was working on my laptop and noticed an email from SUU inviting me for a campus visit. Ona bit of a whim, I set up an official visit, booked the cheapest hotel I could find, called my Grandma (who lives in St. George), and gave Summer the good news. A few weeks later, we drove to from Rexburg to Cedar City for our impromptu family vacation.

Upon arriving in Cedar City, Summer and I immediately felt a strong sense of familiarity. We felt comfortable with the town, almost like we were at home. Things got even better during our campus tour. We loved the campus and loved the professors I met. Everyone treated us like they wanted us to be there, not the other way around. While we were visiting, the director of the graduate program, Dr. Barton, talked to me about teaching undergrad courses, financial assistance, and PhD programs.

We had such a great time in Cedar City and St. George, we decided to stay an extra three days with my grandma. We didn’t want to go home! Before we even got back home to Rexburg, I had received an email from Dr. Barton, who told me if I had graduated with a 3.2 or better and a 280 or better GRE score, we would be eligible for an in-state tuition waiver. He just kept sweetening the deal.

Summer and I agreed to keep our options open, but we both knew where we were going. One quick trip changed everything. What was initially my “backup” school, was now my number one choice and the only place I could imagine taking my family.

We have loved our time here in Cedar City. This next week I will begin teaching my own course. Between scholarships and tuition waivers, we should be able to leave SUU with no student debt! Things have been even better than we imagined. I will be forever grateful to this university and the amazing professors in my program who have opened up so many doors for me and my family.