The political fire has been breathing down my neck. The whole world it seems is watching one man, and his attempt to lead a country out of debt and national strife. I've watched form a far, doing my fair share of blog reading and npr listening. I feel patriotic, though concerned with some of the decisions being made, I'm happy to see someone trying to change things.
Patriotism has struck a little closer to home as well.
With MCAT books sprawled around our living room, and Mando player spending more and more time researching med schools, our thoughts have turned to our pocket book. Our goal is to make it out of BYU without any debt, and with our 3rd semester tuition that comes with PAC every year, that's saying something! We knew full well though that as soon as we start med school applications our savings would be shot, average application process cost: 7 grand. yikes!
Then there's med school tuition, our (well more my) number one school checks out at 68,000 a year. A YEAR!! ahhhhh!
Recently it seems one very interesting alternative to loans has been knocking at our door.
Join the Military.
Mando player's cousin, and future Military Chaplain, has been talking to us about all the benefits. Mama S. mentioned that two of the doctors she works with went that route, and a counselor Mando player went and saw mentioned it too, all within 2 days of each other.
How do I feel?
Well the images associated with the military are mostly the army, and my uncle in Iraq, and his family, who had a rough time, and the fact that their family never had enough money, moved yearly and fell away from the church for a long time. I love these cousins, but their life isn't anything I would want. That's my image, the things I associate.
Mando player on the other hand has a military grandfather who is a war hero. Ever heard of the candy bomber? Well everyone in germany has, and most people here. When you've made it onto wikipedia, well you've made it. A total hero, that's my husbands image. Plus his pilot cousin and cousin who is soon to be a chaplain. All very prestigious places to be in the military.
Mando player would get in to med school, serve his residency and then commit 4 years to the military, including being deployed. That word frightens me. But so does debt, and this way the military pays for everything. Of course you don't get paid quite as much, but many people serve their time and then pull out to start their own practice.
There are some interesting questions to still ask, one being, "how did I grow up this fast, since when was I old enough to think about spending 68,000 dollars a year?!"
There is room to redefine the image of patriotism. It's funny how I claim to be proud of my county, but look down on, or at least not want to be a part of those that protect its freedoms. It's a noble thing, I realize, I just wonder if it's what I want for my family. But the more we find out, the better that option looks. Sigh. I wonder what will happen.
Posts
2 comments:
I can understand how you feel. Danny was presented with a similar situation once, but I don't think we'll go for it. But, he doesn't have to do med school - just Grad school.
Currently he's researching a sales opportunity over the summer so he doesn't have as much of the financial burden next year. The only thing that I don't like about it is that he would leave for the 4 months. I would stay here.
Isn't it interesting how many more decisions come at you when you get married? And they're never easy ones.
thanks jan. it's nice to know there are other couples going through all these crazy life things too :) we need to get together with you guys again, it was so fun to see you when you dropped in the other day!
Post a Comment