Update on Matt's progress to University

[rachelanne]

Ah, im really glad he has managed to make contact with a real person and get past the standard thanks, but no thanks response and to get these flights, well I bet you and Karen wont be getting much sleep this weekend now!

Hope all goes well and shall keep up with the updates, best wishes Rachel

[wayneg]

Originally Posted by rachelanne

Ah, im really glad he has managed to make contact with a real person and get past the standard thanks, but no thanks response and to get these flights, well I bet you and Karen wont be getting much sleep this weekend now!

Hope all goes well and shall keep up with the updates, best wishes Rachel

Envelope arrived today, thank you, its much appeciated. I have had a bucket on the counter all week, customers donated over £50, I have had the business 23 years now so many have known Matt since he was born (bouncing in his baby bouncer in the shop)

[Tinkerbell1989]

Originally Posted by wayneg

Their rules were get as far away as poss without using their own money, I guess they all set their own rules for each comp.

Very true Wayne, each uni is different! X

[wayneg]

Another update.
Matt and his partner in crime Dean got as far as Los Cristianos, Tenerife. Big help from Monarch airlines, Northern Rail, Crowne Plaza, Thomson Holidays plus lots of others along the way.
2 teams got as far as Tenerife, Matt and Dean raised £284, as winners they get a chance to do indoor skydiving.
Link to his blog via the winners page here http://sifelancasterjailbreak2012.we...jailbreak.html

Matt has had to choose where he wants to study next year, he wanted University of North Carolina but they have not allocated any places to the English Department, he has still put it as first choice but its doubtful a place will be available. 2nd choice is New Hampshire, 3rd Toronto & 4th Missouri.

He comes home for a month tomorrow, could also have his friend staying a few days, she is a long way from home (South Korea) so she might stay here rather than on campus over Xmas.

Happy Xmas everyone.

[wayneg]

Where did that month go?
Matt was accepted at University of New Hampshire, he just needs to get good grades now.
In his own words:
http://mathewgillings.wordpress.com/...new-hampshire/

Thankfully we don't pay full course fees, being the 4th most expensive Uni in the US we couldn't afford at around $40,000 for 1 year ($38,646 for 2012-13) We will have to pay the accomodation at around $10,000, medical insurance $2,200 plus things like books etc, est around $4,500.
Lets hope he gets a job at the end of all this.

[irenep]

Fantastic
Good for him...he must be so excited.
Expensive though but what an opportunity

[wayneg]

University of New Hamphire has a webcam I have been watching this morning. Snow is really piling up, Its just getting light, not much traffic moving on Main St. You can take control of cam and change to about 6 views
https://www.alumni.unh.edu/unh_webcam

[queendisney]

excellent...you'll be able to arrange a time for Matt to wave at you

[wayneg]

Time is passing so fast. Only 3 months until Matt starts at the University of New Hampshire.
Yesterday he received a package from the University, it includes the forms he needs to obtain a J-1 Visa. Some fees need paying then a trip to the US Embassy in London.
After all that its down to Exam results, can't see much sleep night before they are due.

As well as planning his trip away, revising, doing coursework, Blogging...... he is enjoying writing for Newspapers, unfortunately no payments involved but so far almost every article he has written has been published, latest 2 below.

[wayneg]

Another article published today. We went to see Cats last Saturday, his review is here http://www.on-magazine.co.uk/arts/yo...hambra-review/
They have sent him an email saying how well written it is and invited him to write more, unfortunately still no fees involved but they will get him 2 press tickets to any show he wants to see & review.

[disneyholic family]

Originally Posted by wayneg

Another article published today. We went to see Cats last Saturday, his review is here http://www.on-magazine.co.uk/arts/yo...hambra-review/
They have sent him an email saying how well written it is and invited him to write more, unfortunately still no fees involved but they will get him 2 press tickets to any show he wants to see & review.

well that is like being paid - shows are so expensive!!!

well done Matt!!

[wayneg]

Originally Posted by disneyholic family

well that is like being paid - shows are so expensive!!!

well done Matt!!

They are.
He is going on Monday night to review Blood Brothers, he has to meet the Press & PR Manager, will get pre show drinks, a program and interval drinks. He then has 24 hours to write a review.
They have also asked him to review Derren Brown & Joseph & the Technicolor dreamcoat.

[Cyrano]

Originally Posted by wayneg

They are.
He is going on Monday night to review Blood Brothers, he has to meet the Press & PR Manager, will get pre show drinks, a program and interval drinks. He then has 24 hours to write a review.
They have also asked him to review Derren Brown & Joseph & the Technicolor dreamcoat.

It will be great experience as well as some more articles for his portfolio .

I have never been a great follower of blogs but I have to admit that I read Matt's whenever he tweaks an update

[wayneg]

Originally Posted by Cyrano

It will be great experience as well as some more articles for his portfolio .

I have never been a great follower of blogs but I have to admit that I read Matt's whenever he tweaks an update

I am going to need a larger house if he keeps bringing me the newspapers for every article that gets published.

I think a few on here read his Blog, they have seen or read about him growing up over the years so like to follow what he is up to.

Last night he went to see Blood Brothers, they have uploaded his review already. They then offered him tickets to see Sherlock on Friday night so he will be seeing that then Derren Brown on Monday.
http://www.on-magazine.co.uk/arts/yo...-grand-review/
He also Blogged about his night out http://mathewgillings.wordpress.com/...hire-magazine/