This week I received some wonderful news. I've been offered a scholarship to an organic farming conference. At first I was elated, then I began to add up all the costs of attending that weren't covered by the scholarship. Yikes! The reality of it all took the wind out of my sails. I have another week to mull it over before I have to decide whether to accept the scholarship or let it pass to another worthy recipient.
What to do, what to do? There's the 8 hour drive each way, plus two days off work, hotel, food, and dealing with a teenager who doesn't want to go but can't stay home alone.
Then there's the opportunity to learn lots of skills from people who are really doing this organic farming thing.
If I go I'll be dead broke for months. If I don't go I'll be sorely disappointed.
What do you think I should do?
Well, I'd say that unless there are more than two classes at the conference that you really NEED to help you run your operation, I'd pass. The extra costs aren't worth it, and I'm speaking as one who's "been there, done that." Most information for what you may be looking for is already available on the Internet, most likely at either ATTRA's web site or somewhere on the Cornell University web site. Conferences are good for networking and the exhibits are fun; they are also good as "mini vacations" away from the farm.
ReplyDeleteSo I didn't go. I emailed the organizers, thanking them for the opportunity and expressing my sadness at having to turn them down. I'm sure there were plenty of other deserving applicants. I just couldn't scrape up enough for the gas and for the hotel while losing two day's pay.
ReplyDelete