Is Arizona in the Midwest?

On December 19th, I flew to Phoenix, Arizona to interview for the graduate school Midwestern University.
I never thought I would be able to say that!! *read last post to understand why*

The trip was eventful from start to finish.

I had made arrangements to rent a car and got a killer deal with the "young renter's fee". It is typically $125, but I only had to pay $25. HOLLA! I was supposed to get some sort of compact car. When I walked up to the car rental place, a tall African American man, roughly late 30s immediately took my paperwork and started walking me to the cars that were an option for me to rent. He asked me what I wanted and made *slightly* uncomfortable small talk with me. He asked me for the purpose of my visit and when I told him, he looked at me and told me he was going to give me a surprise.
HEH.
I sat and waited for his return. About 5 min later, I spotted a bright orange, I REPEAT ORANGE, Ford Mustang. I think I was in shock more than anything. He got out and you could tell he was feeling pretty good about himself for giving me this awesome surprise. The next part of our conversation continued as such.
Man: "Maybe you can pick up a guy while you're here."
Me: "Hah. Yeah, no. I'm here for less than 24 hours"
Man: "Wait, you mean to tell me that you're single?! You have got to me kidding!"
Walks away continuing to say "You have got to be kidding me!"
Returns with paperwork and a smug smile.
Man: "You know what? I'm gonna give you my number. I ain't doing nothing all night. Hit my up."
Me: "Hahaha. Dude I'm going to sleep when I get to my place. I have to be up by 5:30am."
(FYI: it was 11:45pm)
Man: "You probably won't call me."
Me: "Why would you say that?"
Man: "I don't know, you just won't"
Me feeling a little annoyed by his assumptions: "You never know."
Man: "Well just text me then."

Then I drive away in a FREAKING MUSTANG.

I drove to my brother in law's brother's house and stayed the night. I was on the road to Glendale by 6:15am. Phoenix traffic wasn't terrible (especially in a MUSTANG) and I got to the school by 7:20am. I didn't have to be there til 7:45am.

I walked into a room filled with 8 other women. They were all dressed in black pantsuits with blue accents. I felt very out of place in my blue slacks and pink blouse with a gray cardigan. The interview began with the director of admissions greeting us and laying out the schedule for our day. We were moved to a room where the SLP Graduate Coordinator greeted us and began the first introduction to the school and the program there.

I wish I could describe how I felt as she spoke of the advanced technologies that they had at the school and the resources for teaching and learning in the classroom. I was amazed and completely enthralled. Then I had my interview. I felt composed and smart. I conveyed my passion and my devotion for people and this field work. I felt more confident than ever that this was what I wanted to do. We then proceeded to do a campus tour and I fell in love. It was so small and and intertwined with the other healthcare graduate study departments. Also, there is free parking.

I then had to write an essay which I had tried to prepare for, but had no idea how to do so. I wrote quickly, pulling from the things that I remembered from my time at BYU. (was that really 8 months ago????) Then there were closing comments and questions and that was that. Oh wait- they gave us food. That was good.

It was over and I wanted this school more than anything. I mean, I would have my own brain to dissect for my neuroscience class!!!!! C'mon people! HOW FREAKING AWESOME!!!! I would learn video fluoroscopy which no other school in the US, besides one, teaches hands on!

Now the pricing is insane, but why would I sell myself short of the kind of SLP I can be with this kind of education?!

Lots of prayers are being offered and temple sessions being attended. I am so excited for the future.