1. I have seriously considered all of the options. I love the CG more than life itself...simply because I desire to serve the public in the humanitarian realm, and the CG really does good things for people. I like being associated with something bigger and greater than myself.
2. I was accepted into Harvard, American University, The George Washington University, and Virginia Tech grad school programs for Public Admin....just goes to show you that a little work experience in the military and an Academy education IS highly valued at the graduate level. If I choose Harvard, there is no way I could stay in the CG, since the good 'ol CG doesn't usually go out of their way to pay for the tuition. 01 May 01 is my big "D" (decision) day. (Dr. Lawrence would sound REALLY nice, don't you think??? MUCH better than LCDR Lawrence)
3. At this point, I've decided that I will always be in the CG, one way or another (reserve, sabbatical, active duty, etc) and will always be vocal about the great opportunities the CG has to offer people who work hard. But there are too many interesting things to do out there (and I am just young enough to still do them) rather than stay for a consecutive 20. It's just a matter of time before I decide which path I will take. I would really like to transfer my skills into the private sector, and work for non-profit organizations. Then do a stint as a Foreign Service Officer. Then go home to Tennessee and show them how the big city folks get things done. From there, who knows? All that matters to me is that I be allowed to be a public servant and serve the public.
The world is my oyster, our oyster....ready for the taking! For me, the CG was never an end, but a beautifully blessed beginning. I never planned on making oodles of money, that's what hubby's are for. :) (in case you didn't catch it, that last part was a JOKE.)