I just got an e-mail from Dr.Etheridge about my Graduate Assistantship application, and I could not decide how should feel about the response that I got from the Graduate Committee. According to what Dr.Etheridge wrote in his e-mail, now my application is “in the running” for the next Fall. While I was reading this part of Dr.Etheridge e-mail, I felt the need to look up for the meaning of “in the running”, so I could understand better why he felt the need to put inverted commas. One hand I improve my English vocabulary by learning the meaning of this expression, on the other hand I could not decide should I be happy about or not, since according to what Dr. Etheridge told me that for a while university has a budget problem. That is why, English Department is not sure about what their budget is going to be for the next Fall, because of the fact that there is a possibility that they may not be able to offer three assistantship positions for the next Fall unlike they always do. Yes, if they will have the enough budget, I am one the new assistants for the next Fall, yet if they will not get the enough budget, there is a possibility for me that I may not be assistant even though I was eligible for the position I applied for. That is why; I could not deice how I should feel about it. Should be happy about that I am “in the running” as an assistant for the next Fall, or should I be unhappy about the budget problem of the university? I am really confused about how I feel now about this situation, and I do not know how I am going to define my feelings about this dilemma. I really want to ask you that how you would feel about it, how you would react. I mean, should I be angry, or should I be calm? I really need your help, since this is something I really want, I do not know how to feel, and how to react.
"In the running" means there is a good chance that you will be able to get the position, but it is not a sure thing. It suggets that there are other people for the same position. I think the expression came from races. If you are "in the running", you could win. You are at the front with others, not way in the back. You are not way in the front either though. It is a positive rather than a negitive statement. It means you have a chance. It is really hard to hear that though, even if it was intended to be positive. Budget cuts are effecting so many people, and I think it is a good thing to be upset or worried about, but on the other hand,being worried or upset won't change what is going to happen. I would thank dr. E for keeping you updated on the situation and then ask him if there is anything you should do. Don't be afraid to let him know that you are worried about it. Maybe if he knows you are worried, he can give you a little more direction. And in the meantime, don't try to think about it too much. Enjoy what you have today. I hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear you are going through that! I am very excited for you. I am a Graduate Assistant in the Communication department and I believe they are now having the same type of issue with the budget. I would not be angry until you know that you will not be a Graduate Assistant. No need to stir up these emotions if everything works out! I hope that you are able to get the position because from what you are telling us you already have it they just need to make sure they can pay you. Best wishes for you!
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