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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Gee on September 11, 2008, at 20:17:51
So, today isn't the first time that I've had this freak out, but still. I have no idea. This is my last semester, and I've realized that the degree i have is pretty much useless. I was talking with someone and it was like "no offence, but if someone was going to teach my kid a language, I'd want them to be fluent in it." And after 4 years, and more money than I care to think about, I'm not really. Do I pay more to finish off this useless degree? Do I start again in something else... no idea what else, but something else? Do I just keep going on this path. I think I'd like to teach, but can you really teach a subject you know, sorta? So, is there any point in going into education? Is there somethign else I can do with my life? I know people say you can do anything you want, and it's easier to restart when you're young, but I've spent so much time and so much money that I really can't start over. Not without some kind of plan. And I don't have any kind of plan right now
Posted by JayMac on September 12, 2008, at 12:30:53
In reply to Freak out, posted by Gee on September 11, 2008, at 20:17:51
> So, today isn't the first time that I've had this freak out, but still. I have no idea. This is my last semester, and I've realized that the degree i have is pretty much useless. I was talking with someone and it was like "no offence, but if someone was going to teach my kid a language, I'd want them to be fluent in it." And after 4 years, and more money than I care to think about, I'm not really. Do I pay more to finish off this useless degree? Do I start again in something else... no idea what else, but something else? Do I just keep going on this path. I think I'd like to teach, but can you really teach a subject you know, sorta? So, is there any point in going into education? Is there somethign else I can do with my life? I know people say you can do anything you want, and it's easier to restart when you're young, but I've spent so much time and so much money that I really can't start over. Not without some kind of plan. And I don't have any kind of plan right now
Education is more than having a degree. It's an experience. Have you enjoyed the experience?
Do you have a career center at your school? Academic advisor? Mentor/professor? I suggest you speak with someone before making any major decision. They can help guide you in the right direction.
I hope that's helpful.
Jay
Posted by Gee on September 14, 2008, at 12:48:20
In reply to Re: Freak out, posted by JayMac on September 12, 2008, at 12:30:53
I'm not planning on doing anything. I've got to finish this degree but it's figuring out what I want to do "when i grow up". I'm hoping I can make an appointment to talk to someone this week about this all.
Posted by Angela2 on September 14, 2008, at 15:52:27
In reply to Re: Freak out, posted by Gee on September 14, 2008, at 12:48:20
> I'm not planning on doing anything. I've got to finish this degree but it's figuring out what I want to do "when i grow up". I'm hoping I can make an appointment to talk to someone this week about this all.
Sounds like a good plan Gee. Talking it out can be very helpful. And remember, if you pick something and don't like it, you can always move on to something else.
Posted by Nadezda on September 16, 2008, at 9:40:21
In reply to Re: Freak out, posted by Angela2 on September 14, 2008, at 15:52:27
Another possibility, Gee, is, if you really like languages and want to teach, you could find a way to go to the country where they speak your second language, and spend six or nine months there. By then I'll sure you'll become fluent, and will have no trouble.
It's something to think about, too, besides changing careers-- or along with changing careers.
Lots of people graduate from college without a clear idea of what they want to do. That's why they have graduate school and other training programs! So don't feel too discouraged.
Nadezda
Posted by Gee on September 19, 2008, at 11:24:25
In reply to Re: Freak out)) Gee, posted by Nadezda on September 16, 2008, at 9:40:21
Thanks for the advise everyone.
I called and made an appointment with a counselor for Monday (:-S)
There are a few different options I'm looking at. One is doing another language immersion, the other is getting out of the language pretty well all together. I've got a lot I've got to decide.
I hate decision making time
Posted by healing928 on September 23, 2008, at 21:40:43
In reply to Re: Freak out, posted by Gee on September 19, 2008, at 11:24:25
You can always go to grad school for something completely different. I am a psych major, so my undergrad is really like a foundation. Some of us are professional students.
I believe besides money, the most important factor in chosing a career path is passion.
Posted by llurpsienoodle on September 29, 2008, at 17:29:59
In reply to Re: Freak out, posted by healing928 on September 23, 2008, at 21:40:43
ha! G,
you will be just fine. I know a couple of German teachers (I used to live abroad) and they have managed to do just fine. There are a lot of interesting fellowships for study abroad these days. Everything from political science to literature, to pedagogy, to art, to? I dunno... stamp collecting?The best part about having an education is that your career trajectory is FLEXIBLE!
In the past year, I graduated from grad school, worked at a coffee shop, did some clinical work in an unpleasant institution, wrote a paper, hid in bed, took very short walks outside, and then retreated back to my cavern of doom, then enrolled in a post-doc program. Now I'm taking classes with students again. They look at me like I'm crazy. Well, I am. H says I'm crazy, but also that he really respects me.
my mom's been a student for 55 years. I think her latest thing is radiological technician?
-Ll
Posted by Gee on September 29, 2008, at 19:15:10
In reply to Re: Freak out, posted by llurpsienoodle on September 29, 2008, at 17:29:59
My freaking out has stopped somewhat. Now it's more a freak out over money. I need to find about 7000 bucks to study french next semester. Ll, where do I find out about these fellowships? My thing is, I just want to study french long enough so I can actually speak it, and comprehend it easily (spell it too would be nice, but I don't have that in English, how can I expect it in french?) then come back here and do my Ed degree. But at the same time, it would be really nice to just take some time off and work.
So, now that I've committed to finishing my degree, anyone have any study tips? I feel like I've totally lost it this semester. It's been coming down to writing papers at the last minute, and tests half prepared. This is so not me. But at the same time, I can't seem to remember the info -- not that I'm leaving myself a ton of time to remember the info.
Thanks for everyone's input. I really appreciate it.
Now, back to the world of studying...
Posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2008, at 12:11:12
In reply to Re: Freak out, posted by Gee on September 29, 2008, at 19:15:10
Hi Gee it's been a long time still got my address? Phillipa see you're still studying that's great!!!!
This is the end of the thread.
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