Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Waiting Room Confessions #2

This is a play in four acts.
Act 1, The Interview.
Program Director and I had good rapport from our previous meetings, and I felt much more at ease than at my interview last year. There were lots of smiles and nods. She even said, "Great," after some of my answers to her questions. I had the standard questions about my strengths/weaknesses, ability to multi-task, response to stress, how do I like to learn yayaya. The more interesting questions were those that addressed how I would respond to certain situations that would arise in my practice as a midwife. I brought a list of good questions to ask her at the end and we ended up chatting a bit past the 45min scheduled time. All in all, I think I did great!
Act 2, The Tour.
Current Student #1 gave a campus tour to me and another interviewee. I had good questions for her, too. She was very friendly and eager to sell the program. She seemed happy in it herself. At the end of the tour, she mentioned that we should look for her friend, Current Student #2, at the applicant potluck that evening.
Act 3, The Party.
Three faculty members and a handful of current students hosted a potluck for the applicants at the home of one of the faculty. They had a basket of slippers for everyone to wear; very cute, very midwife-y. The food was delicious and the conversation better. I floated around a bit, talking to the midwives and students (and the other applicants a little). I found Current Student #2 and started to introduce myself. She said, "Oh! You're Stephanie!" Apparently Current Student #1 had called her and told her to look for me at the party (note also that she couldn't remember the name of the other girl that had toured with us!) She was fun and honest, and I think I have a good picture of what it will be like to study there.
Act 4, The Coincidence
Four days later, I attended a birth through my doula job. The wonderful young mama had an amazing, beautiful, normal childbirth. Her provider happened to be a second year student midwife, Current Student #3! When the mama was in the bathroom (read an appropriate time), I mentioned to CS#3 that I was applying and had interviewed recently. She asked if I went to the potluck and then I discovered that she is the third amigo: Current Students #1, 2, and 3 are best friends! She was happy to hear that I had met both of them, and CS#3 said that she would be pulling for me. She offered her email address and asked me to let her know when I find out if I am accepted. [I telepathically sent a message asking her to report to the faculty what a wonderful doula she had worked with for 10hours and what a great midwife that doula would be.]
Fin.

p.s. At the interview, Program Director told me to expect to hear in "a few weeks." That could mean one more week, or eight. So I know y'all mean only the best every time you ask if I've heard anything--- but believe me when I tell you that I'll activate the phone tree as soon as the letter arrives.
Love!!!