Obviously, if you've been reading my posts for the past year, I wasn't seriously considering enrolling in grad school. I didn't plan to start grad school a only few weeks after graduation, either. Honestly, I had been tossing the idea around for a while, but something held me back.
I am now enrolled in a Library-Media Specialist program. Why?
*I love to read.
*I love technology.
*I love researching.
*I place a high value on education.
*I'm a life-long learner.
*I'm curious (reading/researching helps satisfy my curiosity).
*I have a strong desire to be in a steady job.
*Bonus: I want to be on the same school schedule as my children.
Thirteen years ago when I started my college career as a "true freshman," I was an English Education major. When I started back as an adult student, I still intended to get my teacher certification, but I had planned to go through an alternative certification process. Somewhere along the way, I began to reconsider; the alternative certification process would have been a little more difficult since I had a Mass Comm degree rather than English. I was also a little concerned about the way teacher's are required to teach these days (a.k.a. "teaching for the test"--standardized tests). Still, I always pictured myself working in the school system in some manner.
Throughout my Mass Comm studies, I was encouraged to try my hand at freelance writing as a career choice. While it appealed to me in many ways, I did express my qualms about constantly having to track down work and (once again) I also desired to have steady employment...something that would (for the most part) allow me to go home at the end of the day and not carry my work home. I also wrestled with the decision to send my resume in for a newspaper position that I was definitely qualified for and probably could have taken. I debated with myself constantly, and it never felt like the right thing to do for myself or my family.
I have come to realize that what you CAN do and what's BEST to do are not always the same things. People think that I am a skilled photographer. I could continue in this profession and continue to grow my skills, but it is an unpredictable job--income is unsteady, it requires countless hours of time working in front of a computer and the best hours for photography are often the times that I most want to be with my family (nights/weekends). I could write for a living. It would be interesting work--I would get to research a variety of topics and meet interesting people--but I would also have to basically "beg" for work each day (it's called "marketing" in the freelance world--lol!) and I'm not sure my fragile ego can handle the constant rejection that is part of daily life of a writer.
I'm not going to lie: I'm a job snob. I hate this about myself because I was always taught that no job should ever be beneath me. Not everyone is meant for white collar work; we should all just do whatever job we're given to the best of our abilities. But still...I find myself asking, "What would people think if I did this?" or "Is this a respectable profession?"
What do you think of when you hear the word, "librarian?" Chances are, you are remembering a librarian from your hometown or school. It's probably a woman, she's probably older, and she may or may not be a little grouchy, right? I think the one thing that was holding me back from looking into this (seriously) earlier was that negative perception. That's so childish, I know, especially since most librarians that I know these days don't fit that mold at all!
Honestly, librarian is a very good fit for me in many aspects. I'm actually excited about this new journey, even after surviving my first night of classes. I've got a giant list of young adult literature to read, and I can't wait!
A professor once told me something (twelve years ago) that I've never forgotten: "It's not what you know, it's knowing where to find the answer." I live by that statement. You don't have to be super-smart or remember everything that you've ever read, but if you have the tools to find the answers that you need, you will never lack for anything. Librarians give people the tools to find the answers that they need. This is why grad school--and becoming a librarian--is perfect for me.
P.S. Did I mention that librarian was listed as one of the top 30 best careers for 2009 by U.S. News and World Report?
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4 comments:
That's exciting Megan! And yes you are a talented photographer but you gotta do what's best for you. Congrats and good luck! You'll do great at whatever you set your mind to!
Thanks, Kayla!!
I'm glad to hear that you're choosing a career path that'll work for you. It's important to do the type of work that exhibits your passion because then, it won't feel quite like work.
I have a friend who graduated with her Bachelor's degree in May of 2007 that I'm trying to convince to go to grad school to get her Master's. She is currently working as a library reference paraprofessional, but she insists on not returning to school because she A)thinks she's getting too old and that her mind just isn't what it used to be (she's in her 50's) and B)she really doesn't see a need for it unless she's going into a higher position at that library, which she doesn't intend on doing.
What I say.....follow your heart and work your passion. You will most definitely feel good about your decision if you know you're following God's mission for your life.
Congrats once again & enjoy your classes!
~Ray~
Ray~I think most 50-somethings have this problem (thinking "I'm not what I used to be"). That's crazy. Don't they know that 50 is the new 40?
Honestly, I really felt like God was leading me toward education 13 year ago. He has a way of getting you to come around--lol!
Thanks for your well wishes & the best to you in your educational journey!
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