What are you doing for the new year? I am going to grad school, starting January 7th.
It's kind of intimidating, mostly because I am starting a Master's of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, and I'll be in a high school classroom on day one. When I graduate in December 2008, I'll be a certified high school English teacher coming to a freshman English class near you.
I filled out my FAFSA, and the government determined that I am now "independent," which means my parents' income is not factored into my ability to pay for tuition and other expenses (read: there's a good chance I'll be getting some grants and other forms of aid that I don't have to pay back). Apparently, going to graduate school versus doing more undergrad work makes me independent. I've been filling out FAFSA every year since I started in fall of 2002, and all I've received so far are loans. Also, my grandparents offered to help with the cost of attendance , so there's a chance my measly teacher's wage won't all be spent paying off my student loans.
I'm not totally sure if I want to teach high school English for the rest of my life, but I have some good opportunities right now, and I love learning, which I assume will happen as I teach. I also want to make a difference in my sphere of influence, and I'm still young and marginally attractive. I would be wasteful, I think, if I passed these chances up, and so might you. Get after your dreams or what you want to do in life because you've been afforded them now. After all, this is your life, not anyone else's. Check out any of our brass cover stories if you want more inspiration.
- Jeremy
Jeremy:
I think it is great that you are following your dreams. Don't worry about the money, you will figure out a way to make it work. We need more people who pursue careers that match their values and purpose. It sounds like your heart is into it and with reading levels in the US at an all time low it will take energized and motivated teachers to turn that trend around.
I wish you the best of luck and success.
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