Hope you’re feeling the joy that you have are! This is the final post about how synchronicity led me to become an economist.
As I enrolled in various economics classes throughout college, I learned the many roles that economists have in writing public policy. I became intrigued by the possibility of using economics to help create public policy that would improve the inclusion of the disability community. From the time I was a little girl, I was determined to have a career that would enable me to advocate for the disability community.
As a college student, I was still committed to advocating for those with disabilities. I began to see that my love of economics could be used to improve the opportunities of the disability community. I realized the positive impact I could have by earning a PhD in economics and combining my lived experience of disability with an expertise in economics.
The year before I graduated from Scripps College, I began researching economics PhD programs to determine which programs to apply to. I soon discovered that I had absolutely no idea of where I wanted to apply. I knew that I wanted to go to graduate school on the east coast, but there were MANY programs on the east coast.
During the same semester that I researched PhD programs, I enrolled in Astronomy. At Scripps, every student had to take a course in the physical sciences so I chose Astronomy. Although I had no intention of becoming an Astronomer, I did my best in the class – acing all of the exams, doing well on the homework and participating in class discussions. The last assignment for the class was to write a term paper.
Once I completed my paper, I went to the professor’s office to hand it to him. I expected a brief interaction; however, I was the only student in his office so before I left, he asked, “Allison, are you graduating this year?”
“No, I graduate next year.”
“Do you know what you want to do once you graduate?”
“Yes. I’m planning to get a PhD in economics.”
“Ahh. You should apply to MIT. They have the best economics program in the country. If you’re going to go to grad school, you should go to the best one you can. MIT is no cakewalk, but I can tell that you’re willing to work hard. Anyone who puts in the amount of time and effort that you put into this class -that has nothing to do with your major – belongs at MIT!”
I was surprised by his adamant recommendation… both because MIT is MIT and because he had been watching my performance in class so closely. Although he seemed certain that I should apply to MIT, I wasn’t so sure.
The summer before my last year of college, I chose 3 graduate schools that I wanted to apply to… MIT was not on my list. I was thankful that my Astronomy professor thought so highly of me, but I wasn’t completely sold on applying to MIT.
Once I returned to campus for my last year of college, I made an appointment to meet with my academic advisor, Professor Neiman. She had been my advisor from the very first day I rolled onto Scripps’ campus. Prof. Neiman understood my physical needs as well as my intellectual abilities, always encouraged and supported me and was just an awesome person! She was also the first person I thought of when I discovered that graduate school applications require letters of recommendation from one’s professors.
At the beginning of our conversation, I asked my Prof. Neiman if she’d be willing to write a recommendation letter for me. After happily agreeing to write the letter, she asked what graduate schools I was applying to. I proudly told her the three schools that were on my list and without missing a beat, Prof. Neiman asked, “Why isn’t MIT on your list?”
I was caught a bit off guard and took a moment to reply. “Ummm. I just thought these schools were right for me.”
“Yes, these are solid programs but MIT is the best of the best and you belong there. Allison, I just don’t want you to miss an opportunity.”
Suddenly, I felt like I was in the twilight zone. How in the world could two professors who teach completely different subjects, work on different college campuses and know me in different ways tell me to apply to the same graduate school?!?! I couldn’t help but wonder if there was some secret meeting where she and my Astronomy professor met to discuss how to get me to apply to MIT.
“Ok. I’ll look more deeply at MIT,” I said.
“Please do. If you have any questions or concerns, let me know.”
Seniors at Scripps have to write a Senior Thesis. Writing a thesis in economics requires reading several academic papers written by leading economists. Although I had found several papers on my topic, four papers were the most helpful. So, I decided to see who wrote each of the four papers and what university each person taught at. Every paper was written by an economics professor at, you guessed it, MIT. Now, I knew I was in the twilight zone AND I was definitely applying to MIT!
Whenever I recount how I became an economist, I’m reminded of the importance of maintaining a spiritual practice over “the long haul.” Since the ultimate goal of synchronicity often happens via a series of events, maintaining a regular spiritual practice long term is crucial for the fulfillment of a synchronicity.
When we engage in spiritual practice consistently, we consciously deepen our connection with God. Since God is all knowing, by consistently deepening our connection with God, we consistently bask in the all knowing power of the Universe. As we spend more time in spiritual practice, we spend more time in the flow of Universal Intelligence, which causes us to meet who we are supposed to meet and do what we are supposed to do to experience whatever synchronicity is ours. All flows naturally because we are in the ultimate flow: the flow of Love!
Love, blessings and purple,
Allison
Try doing this exercise one time per day this week. If you need modifications to the practice, scroll down to the section titled Access Notes.
Meditation On Synchronicity
Begin setting a timer for 5 minutes. Next, say the following statement 3 times(you can say the statement out loud or in your head):
“I am open to synchronicity.”
Start your timer. Close your eyes. Think the word “synchronicity” each time you inhale and each time you exhale. When your timer sounds, sit quietly for a few seconds.
The following modifications are intended to create equal access to the spiritual practice above. These modifications are somewhat general to be as useful as possible to as many people as possible. Please feel free to further tweak the exercise as needed so that you can participate as fully as possible while honoring your body’s needs.
1. If you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) or Substance Use Disorder, instead of sitting quietly, try one of the following modifications.
a. If you use a fidget/STIM device, manipulate that device in your hand while your eyes are closed and you think the word “synchronicity” as you inhale and exhale.
b. Color in an adult coloring book for 5 minutes while you think the word “synchronicity” as you inhale and exhale.
c. If you cannot do any of the above modifications for 5 minutes, do one of the modified versions of this exercise for 1 or 2 minutes.
2. If you use a ventilator to breathe, you may wonder if thinking the word “synchronicity” on your inhalation and exhalation is as effective it is for those who do not require mechanical ventilation. The answer is YES!
3. If you cannot feel air entering and exiting your body, try the following modification:
Begin by saying the following statement 3 times(you can say the statement out loud or in your head): “I am open to synchronicity.” Start your timer. Close your eyes. Choose a sound in your environment to focus on while your eyes are closed. Once your timer sounds, say the statement “I am open to synchronicity” once more.
4. If you need a shorter statement to say before closing your eyes, say “Synchronicity.”
