I'm sick of application essays!

Basically, I've spent this week writing application essays. To be perfectly honest, I'm sick of it. I'd better get into cantorial school on the first try, because I never want to have to write these essays again!

First of all, they ask for a six-page personal statement on why I want to become a cantor. What am I supposed to say about myself for six whole pages? Is it really necessary to know THAT much about me? I mean, I'm obviously a fascinating person and all, but let's not get carried away here.

Then, they asked for a "reflection" on a Torah portion or a piece of sacred music. Aren't they supposed to teach me how to do that? That was probably the most nerve-wracking essay to write. Maybe. Because the next one seemed like they wanted a bit of a tight-rope walk.

The last essay asked me to write about Reform Judaism. It felt like I had to make sure I didn't say anything too bad about the movement. I wanted to say something about how half of Reform Jews are only marginally Jewish (or not Jewish at all), but I had to hold in my diatribe.

Now I get to figure out how to hook up to a printer to print this stuff out. Lots of fun.