Decided

After much thought and consideration, I have decided to attend Boston University for graduate school.

I was choosing between a political science degree in international human rights from the University of Denver, or a master's in public health with a concentration in international health from Boston University.

I was confused by my options for a number of weeks, but found that talking to professionals who work in the field of international health policy, and professors at top international law programs, simplified my decision.

Having a master's in public health will make me more desirable to law schools as I will have specialized in a specific area of policy. Also, I will not have gone the very traditional route of studying political science, or the very sensationalized route of studying human rights before applying to law school.

It was pointed out to me repeatedly, and rightfully so, that the study of human rights is largely a theoretical exercise. The right to a paid vacation is written in the human right's doctrine of the United States, but doesn't apply to countries around the world. In many senses, it is a bit of intellectual masturbation. A few professors I spoke with expressed frustration with people trained in human rights as they usually have little realistic basis upon which to stand, or make policy recommendations. In essence, it is a "feel good" degree.

With a degrees in political science, public health and international law, I will be qualified for a number of jobs. I will also have greater flexibility to work in different cities or countries, and on different types of projects as my background will prepare me for many things.

I was told by the surgeons who recently operated on me, professors involved in political science or law at many institutions, and professionals at research centers in Washington D.C and New York City, that to walk away from Boston would be a mistake. Their reputation, especially in the field of health, proceeds them. One person commented that I could expect to attend Harvard, Yale or Columbia law school with good grades from Boston, a luxury I could not expect if I attended the University of Denver.

While I am a little sad that I will not be venturing off the east coast, I am happy to have finally made a decision. I had my heart set on Denver for a long time, and would still love to live there some day. I feel secure in my decision to attend Boston University though as their program is just as exciting to me, and will better prepare me for the rest of my academic and professional career.

Yay! I'm going to graduate school!