Okay, SO...!
I have officially accepted a position at Northwestern's Litowitz MA/MFA program. It's a 3-year commitment, fully-funded, and it's in-person.
When I applied, I didn't expect to get in; it just seemed like a good idea to apply to some truly top-flight schools, just to see what would happen. And now I've seen. Johns Hopkins didn’t work out, but Northwestern did—and that program was my #1 choice. Kechi and I had hoped to move back to New Orleans after a year and change in Baton Rouge, and our recent housing drama, but that will have to wait.
I chose this program for a few reasons. One is that I'm beginning to contextualize my work against the movement of Afro-Surrealism, and I wanted the time and space to study the movement in-depth. I have very little experience with Chicago, but I know that Kechi loves the city and would enjoy operating in the local comedy scene. So am I—provided I have any time f to perform while studying for a dual degree. Another reason I chose it is that I have learned through working at Stonecoast and elsewhere that teaching, in some form, is vital to my creative process, and I want to maximize my attractiveness and options for teaching posts.
Living so close to the Louisiana Capitol makes Kechi and me hyper-aware of how quality of life and leadership are declining in Louisiana. It's not enough to make us give up on the state, or on the city where we discovered each other, but we do think it's time to be elsewhere for a while--especially given that we have a compelling reason.
I've lived in Louisiana--in New Orleans--for most of my adult life. It is the first place that ever truly felt like a home to me, and baby when I tell you I will miss her terribly, that's no lie! I'll come back as often as I can, and those of you who still live here will never be far from my thoughts. One of the things nobody prepared me for was the grief that comes with even positive life-changes, those events that for all that they are fantastic developments, divide one’s life into Before and After. My heart is full and heavy at the same time, and it’s a lot to deal with.
Lord Jesus, it was hard sitting on this news, but I officially accepted the offer yesterday, so it's time to let it out. II’m sure I haven’t said all I have to say about this. Starting on Friday, Kechi and I will be in New Orleans for the rest of “Deep Gras,” and we intend to party it up as hard as we can!
Oh, and in other news--my nephew Xavier and I have been working on a logo for HYPNIC JERKS, and holy shit am I excited to show you what we've got!!