Prepare applications for education bursary

Signed, sealed and… faxed! Now I cross my fingers and wait.

I spent several broken hours today reviewing all the eligibility criteria for the various funds I’m applying to, and I’ve now got a plan.

I started filling in the easy parts of the forms, which doesn’t take any time at all, but at least it’s done. I also drew up a spreadsheet to show application deadlines, required enclosures, who to send them to, and maximum amount of bursary. At the bottom of each column I made notes about what I need to do next (write a short essay, complete online questionnaire, re-do form in triplicate etc.)

So not GREAT progress today, but again, some is better than none. Probably the best thing to come of today’s paper shuffling is that I decided to make one application specifically for financial assistance next summer, when I’ll have to reduce my paid work hours in order to work the 200 hours of consolidation time. I hope that, if I can secure a position within the organization to “volunteer” those 200 hours, the selection committee might grant me a little income relief. ::fingers crossed:: The other applications are all for assistance with tuition, which is also important and welcome, but it’s that having to take over a month off work (26 unpaid work days) that will completely break my bank. ::crosses fingers tighter::

Next steps:
1. e-mail contact at LDC to ask how I can secure a spot there next summer for consolidation
2. write the short (less than 500 word) essay for the NWMF Fund

I’d like to have both of those steps done before the end of next week.

I am not fond of this process – I don’t like asking for money under the best circumstances, but having to fill out forms and then write the dreaded “In 100 words or less, please identify how this education opportunity will assist in achieving organizational priorities?” question is all too much. I can’t ask for a glass of water in fewer than 100 words, and I have NO IDEA how this course will achieve the organization’s priorities (unless, by luck, one of their priorities is to make me happy???)

So I’ve broken the process down into baby steps (which, btw, has become such a habit lately that I’m beginning to feel like What About Bob). Today’s task was simply to find the application forms. Done and done. I printed three from work, made copies of the one from RNAO, and bookmarked the one online form. Good ‘nuf for now.