I just got back from Moorpark, where I spent the day attending the EATM informational meeting. And all I have to say is... WOW. Holy god, was that a lot of information!

So much is running through my head right now, I don't even know where to start. Well, first of all, now I want to go to that school more than ever before, which I didn't even think was possible. It sounds like an amazing program.

The Good:

Letters are being sent out at the end of April, an entire month earlier than I thought!

Only 130 people were invited to the meetings. By the time people drop out from the running (which happens every year, apparently), fewer than 100 names will be in the hat, so to speak. Fifty of those folks will be sent acceptance letters and about fifteen more will be put on a waiting list. In other words, I've got a pretty damn good chance of getting into this school! Nothing would make me happier!

The people there are super friendly. Close bonds of friendship are formed among students, and there is obvious respect and admiration towards the EATM faculty. Phrases such as "entirely different person," "life changing," "character building," and "the people here become your family," were all uttered at some point.

It's all insane. I could go on and on. There are internships, field trips, jobs that are practically guaranteed to you by the end of the program. It's amazing. And I only have to wait about one more month until I know the results of the random lottery!

The Bad:

...isn't even really that bad. But, it sounds intense.

Classes start at 6am sharp. You cannot be one minute late. No, really. Not one minute. You can't miss class, either. Being tardy more than five times could mean dismissal from the program!

Lifting fifty pound bales of hay. Currently, I cannot do that! Must get strong over the summer!!!

Twenty units per semester in the first year. Holy crap! The most I've ever taken is thirteen, and that was tough!! I know I can do it, but I also know that it will be difficult, to say the least.

Barely seeing family/friends. I don't know how much I'll see Joe, but I get the feeling it won't be too often! I'll miss hanging out with him as often as we do now, but I know we can handle it. I mean, we lived a thousand miles away from each other the first year and a half we dated, so I think we can handle busy scheduling, right? Right! Okay.

The Rest:

We got a private tour of the facilities and heard funny stories about the animals. For one, the pig liked to eat the llama's food, as they are housed right next to each other. To stop the pig from eating the llama's food, they moved the food. Then the pig discovered if he just annoyed the llama a lot, the llama would spit his food at him, and he could eat it that way! Okay, I know it's gross, but I thought it was funny!

The tour was weird and not very professional. But it was cool to see the animals! I am in love with the little monkeys. Hee!

We also saw a presentation given to, well, us. But also to two first grade field trip classes! I was really happy seeing the kids, because they reminded me of my students at the marsh. I love teaching and giving animal presentations, so that's something I'd look forward to for sure if I get in!

I saw camels! And a wolf, mountain lions, an African lioness, a big sheep, some awesome raccoons, and much, much more!

We had lunch in the cafeteria, which was pretty tasty, before heading back to the classroom. Before we went in, we saw a rehearsal for the Spring Spectacular show. Awesome!

Then we went inside and learned a thousand million things about finances, housing, classes and more. The staff spoke of the program and the EATM students with such affection, and the way the students spoke... Joy just flowed from them with every word that came out of their mouths. Yes, it's difficult. Yes, it's demanding. And yes, it's worth it. That's the message I got today, and I can say without a doubt that I want to be a part of it all. I guess I'll just have to wait for April!