Technobabbles I try to sound like I know what I'm talking about. Don't be fooled.

My Summer is Officially Booked

Well, it's official. I have something to do for this summer.

As I said in a recent canned post (the one on Web form usability), I applied to two summer programs this year. Both of them have admitted me, and I'm going to accept the invitation to attend the theatre arts program at Northwestern University's National High School Institute.

It's funny, because I didn't technically complete the application requirements for the program I wanted to do (the Musical Theatre extension). They let me in anyway. Which means I have a seven-week commitment this summer. Update (05/07): The letter was mistaken; details here. From the end of June through mid-August early August, I'll be in Evanston, IL, working really hard on everything from acting to movement, lighting to scenery.

Summers usually bring a lull in writing for this site, and I don't anticipate having any meaningful amount of free time for anything. The literature for the program continually reiterates that it is an intensive academic institute, and specifically states that free time will be rare. Given the chance, I may decide to dash off a few paragraphs once or twice during the summer about my progress, but consider this a heads-up that I probably will be pretty silent. Par for the course, right? At least this summer I'll have a library and Internet access...

Am I excited? You betcha. Nervous? Uh... Who wants to know? *nervous (dang it!) chuckle* It looks like a very good opportunity.

That brings me to my next point: This is the only year I can do it. The Institute is open to high school students completing their junior year, which means that's me. Next year isn't an option, though I can still do UChicago's travel program next year (which is why it's OK to postpone that one). No, I can't do both; the dates overlap.

So there's the latest news. Now I have to go and add writing letters to my ever-growing to-do list. One to accept Northwestern's admission, and one to politely decline UChicago's. Writing, writing, writing... Now I know why I feel like knowing how to write well is so important.

Update (22:30): I knew I forgot something! Turns out that my research on digital recorders will be good for more than just capturing orchestra trips and anecdotes; the Musical Theatre extension has a digital voice (or microcassette) recorder listed as a necessity. Well, I guess I'd better make sure I get on that upgrade.

Update (05/07): Got a voicemail from Northwestern today correcting the letter I got. I only got the five-week program after all. I was kind of wondering... More details in my latest post.