isilzha Posted August 7, 2007 Share Posted August 7, 2007 I filled out my application for grad school today. I'm a little nervous though. I hope they accept me, although I really don't think that will be a problem. But I'm also worried that it could be a mistake... a big expensive one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sojourner Posted August 7, 2007 Share Posted August 7, 2007 [quote name='isilzha' post='1351526' date='Aug 6 2007, 07:59 PM']I filled out my application for grad school today. I'm a little nervous though. I hope they accept me, although I really don't think that will be a problem. But I'm also worried that it could be a mistake... a big expensive one. [/quote] My experience is that these things work out as they should. What are you hoping to study? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isilzha Posted August 7, 2007 Author Share Posted August 7, 2007 I want to get my teaching certificate. So its not to get a graduate degree at this time because from what I hear there's no way I would get a job if I had my masters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sojourner Posted August 7, 2007 Share Posted August 7, 2007 Yeah I've heard that too ... you have to carefully balance your education and experience with teaching. You'll have to get the masters eventually, but not too soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isilzha Posted August 7, 2007 Author Share Posted August 7, 2007 When I started my undergrad I went with the purpose of doing history and education. But then I wasn't sure about it, and I ended up doing history and political science. But I haven't been able to get a real job. So I'm back to teaching. I think I can do a good job at it. But I still wonder if its the right choice for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sojourner Posted August 7, 2007 Share Posted August 7, 2007 [quote name='isilzha' post='1351539' date='Aug 6 2007, 08:10 PM']When I started my undergrad I went with the purpose of doing history and education. But then I wasn't sure about it, and I ended up doing history and political science. But I haven't been able to get a real job. So I'm back to teaching. I think I can do a good job at it. But I still wonder if its the right choice for me.[/quote] That is a difficult spot ... Here is a bit of my own personal experience, for what it's worth. I graduated from college and knew I'd want to do grad school eventually but wanted to wait until I found something that was truly the right fit, something I'd really love. So I worked 8 years and now am back in school ... it was totally the right course of action for me to take. Now, I was employed the entire time, so that's different from your situation, but if you can support yourself even doing a job you're not in love with, waiting may not be a bad idea. The good news is that you have plenty of time to decide whether the education certificate is really what you want to do, and you aren't obligated to accept your acceptance if you decide it's not for you (and if you get accepted, which I'm sure you will ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isilzha Posted August 7, 2007 Author Share Posted August 7, 2007 I just don't want to be working at Quiznos for the rest of my life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sojourner Posted August 7, 2007 Share Posted August 7, 2007 [quote name='isilzha' post='1351549' date='Aug 6 2007, 08:17 PM']I just don't want to be working at Quiznos for the rest of my life. [/quote] Yeah I don't blame you. : Sounds like you have a great reason to find out what you're going to love sooner rather than later! Have you thought about getting a grad degree in history or poly sci? Or law school? Those are great undergrad degrees for law school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isilzha Posted August 7, 2007 Author Share Posted August 7, 2007 Most of the people who I took classes with were doing law school, and I can't think of anything I would hate more. I guess I chose those majors without a specific career plan in mind. My practical Dad kept telling me to choose a major I could do something with, but the counselors told me to take what I like and I could still do whatever I like with it. Well, so far that hasn't been the case. Most of the time I get funny looks and no calls back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sojourner Posted August 7, 2007 Share Posted August 7, 2007 Well, the trick is to find a way to use a degree that you loved getting to do something you will love. There's a vocation-discernment quote I love (which I'll paraphrase): Your calling is where your great love meets the world's great need. (I think it's Frederick Buechner but don't quote me, since I didn't quote him ) I think finding the intersection of those two things is a gradual process, something that happens over time rather than on your first job, but every job will hopefully help you to hone down what you're looking for. Did you take any career discernment tests while in college? You might be able to do something like that still with your career office folks. Or you could check out a copy of "what color is your parachute" from the library and read through it; that may be helpful. The biggest key I found through the years was to network like crazy. The more people you know, the better chance you have of getting a job. Let your friends (or better yet your dad's friends) know you're looking for something other than quizno's. Send out resumes to them and tell them what your skills are and what you might be interested in. Think through the things you liked in your classes, or the extracurriculars you were involved in. That can sometimes help you pick out your transferable skills and give you an idea of what direction to go. And above all, pray a lot and ask for God's guidance. I think that has long been the most effective tool in my arsenal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isilzha Posted September 6, 2007 Author Share Posted September 6, 2007 I'm all registered and they signed me up for the intro to teaching class, but to complete the course you need 25 hours of in the classroom time. I know I have a non-glamorous job, but I do have a job thats going to help me pay for books and part of the class so I need it and I work 10 - 2, how will I possibly get these 25 hours? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea348 Posted September 6, 2007 Share Posted September 6, 2007 [quote name='isilzha' post='1379308' date='Sep 5 2007, 10:37 PM']I work 10 - 2, how will I possibly get these 25 hours? [/quote] Most high schools around here start by at least 7:30. You could go there first thing for an hour or two and then go off to work. You could also take one day off to stay the entire day and do the rest in little pieces. 25 hours sounds like a lot, but it will FLY by. I had to do 30 hours two different semesters when I was in college. I did it all in 2-3 hour chuncks because of my schedule. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archaeology cat Posted September 6, 2007 Share Posted September 6, 2007 [quote name='isilzha' post='1351554' date='Aug 7 2007, 02:24 AM']I guess I chose those majors without a specific career plan in mind. My practical Dad kept telling me to choose a major I could do something with, but the counselors told me to take what I like and I could still do whatever I like with it. Well, so far that hasn't been the case. Most of the time I get funny looks and no calls back.[/quote] Well, considering I taught for 1.5 years with a degree in Archaeology and history, it can work. I hope it all works out for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatherineM Posted September 6, 2007 Share Posted September 6, 2007 First off, from personal experience, law school is a horrible place to be if you don't want to be there. Second, no education is wasted. There is also nothing wrong with simple work. Gandhi used to take his turn cleaning toilets. As for teaching, there are places that are screaming for teachers so bad that they will let you teach while you are working on your teaching certificate at night. I almost did that in St. Pete, Florida. Science and social studies are the subjects they were shortest on. They were even going to pay for the classes. Some places don't require teaching certificates for substitute teachers, especially in the Catholic schools. That's a good way to get some hours, and experience as to whether you really want to be a teacher. Besides law school, there are other things you can do with your degree. Some companies have management training programs where all they want is some kind of degree. Lots of journalists have history degrees. There is also the military. I know that isn't popular right now, but going into the Navy or Air Force with a degree can earn you lieutenant's bars or at the very least several stripes, and can help you pay off student loans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archaeology cat Posted September 6, 2007 Share Posted September 6, 2007 [quote name='CatherineM' post='1379665' date='Sep 6 2007, 07:07 PM']As for teaching, there are places that are screaming for teachers so bad that they will let you teach while you are working on your teaching certificate at night. I almost did that in St. Pete, Florida. Science and social studies are the subjects they were shortest on. They were even going to pay for the classes. Some places don't require teaching certificates for substitute teachers, especially in the Catholic schools. That's a good way to get some hours, and experience as to whether you really want to be a teacher.[/quote] Yeah, that's how I taught (Jacksonville, FL). I was placed in a classroom, and had a mentor, and did my training at various workshops. If you teach in a high needs area, especially in an inner city school, they will pay for the training. I also subbed in Catholic schools, and didn't need my certificate for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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