Yeah, I got great news from the University on Tuesday of last week.

First off, they’re giving me an entrance award!

See below:

The Jeff Cannon Memorial Entrance Award, valued at $1000!

Here’s what the Bishop’s University website says about this award:

"JEFF CANNON MEMORIAL ENTRANCE AWARD

Value: $1000

Preference will be given to students who demonstrate extensive school and community involvement; exhibit leadership qualities; show an entrepreneurial spirit. Awarded by the Awards and Bursaries committee."

Way cool! It really paid off to apply! That’s REALLY going to help my budget!

But I’ve got to tell you that when I first opened the envelope, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was in shock. I slowly climbed up the stairs from my room downstairs up to the kitchen where my parents stood, my eyes wide open and my face looking like I’d just seen an alien landing on the surface of the Earth. My parents were ecstatic, and once I realized what that meant, I was, too.

The other news I got from Bishop’s are also great. I got them on Wednesday, when I called the University Residence Services to ask a couple questions. I was told that Bishop’s had changed food contractors, and now Sodexho is the new one. But what’s really exciting is the new meal plans: they ALL offer the possibility of continuous dining: You can eat non-stop from 7 AM to 12 AM EVERY DAY at the Dewhurst Dining Hall, and whether you have 1 meal a day, 3 meals or 20 (if you’re an ogre) you get to pay the same price. Isn’t that great? What used to be with the old food contractor (Chartwells) that you had to make sure to save enough credits on your meal plan to last you the whole year is not in effect anymore. I remember that when I laid out my budget along with my parents for next year, we were really unsure about how often I could eat at the Dining Hall every week without running out of credits before the end of the year. So we were ready to buy all kinds of cooking accessories, from woks to microwaves, and to rent a mini-fridge in my room. That just won’t be needed anymore, thanks to the new plan, so my parents will be able to provide me with more money for my studies.

I also am making arrangements to go to Bishop’s around the end of August (most likely on the 22nd) so I can apply on part-time jobs, meet some people and be interviewed before school starts on September 6th. I’ll probably take advantage of this opportunity to go and treat myself to two days in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with my aunt and my cousin before school starts for good. I booked a room for two nights at the Littleton NH Econo Lodge. Hope it all goes well and that I have fun!

Can’t wait to be there!

So far, everything’s going much better than expected. I’ll also get to keep my car after all, as long as it doesn’t break, and I don’t use it too often. I actually AM looking forward to get there.