School update...

There has been a development regarding the applications. I thought I'd email the school I've been talking about for weeks to see what's happening. Turns out I've been wait-listed. As in I would be accepted only if there was any spots open. As in someone who did get accepted would have to decline, die, or choose another school instead. *sigh*

I was really heart broken and a little devastated getting the news. I know it isn't an absolute no, but its highly probable I won't get in this year. Which means I'm stuck for another year.

I cried and was pretty inconsolable for hours. SB was there for me and calmed me down. He even gave me the idea to check out local colleges that offer post-grad certificates and diplomas and are still accepting applications for the Fall/Winter intake.

After I calmed down and stopped throwing a hissy fit, I realised that I had put all my eggs in one basket and that it might be a good idea to try colleges over universities. They're cheaper, I'd be so much closer to my friends and they're much more hands-on then some universities. Of course, nothing would be better than doing my Master's in my dream school, but I need to re-evaluate.

My bigger concern is immigration over getting a degree. I can always pursue a master's later - probably pay less as I'd be considered a 'local' student vs an 'international' student.

What's been really awesome throughout this roller-coaster of emotions has been SB's support, as well as my mom's. I'd like to think I take rejection rather well, even though I may not act like it. Going to Canada has been a very, very, very long dream of mine - over 10 years and counting. I've bided my time, made compromises and never really made such a big effort until last year. Mostly because I wanted to get things right before attempting to migrate. I don't ever want to do anything shady or live like an alien without any rights. I am a law-abiding person. Plus family issues have prevented me from actively pursuing getting out of here.

But now I just want out. I love Dubai and it is and will always be my home, but I want out. I'm tired of hitting the expat-glass ceiling, the woman-glass ceiling and the desi-glass ceiling in regards to wages, attitudes and many other things. I'm tired of hearing how an Emirati/Arab/white dude who has half the experience and/or education as me gets paid over triple my current salary. I'm tired of hearing how some Arab staff got a few thousand extra as a 'inflation correction' to their current salary. I'm tired of feeling threatened in my own home. I'm tired of having to simmer and stew in frustration instead of being able to defend or protect myself. I've reached a point where I don't feel proud of who or what I am because of societal attitudes. I'm sick of double standards.

So now I will do whatever I can within legal means to get out of here. Even if it means doing a certificate or diploma or even a bachelors all over again instead of getting a Master's. Because I really want to get out.