June 12, 2009

  • Decisions

    So, with the economy being what it is, I've made another decision about my education and career goals.  All of this with 40 breathing down my neck, I know, but hey . . . it's never too late.

    When I finish my MFA, I'll be able to teach at the college level (creative writing courses, probably some literature and composition as well.)  The thing is, the job market isn't really all that great now.  Employment in higher education is difficult to break into at a full-time level. 

    So, I've decided to pursue my secondary-level teaching certificate simultaneously.  It's a total of 10 classes that I will have to complete.  I can complete them w/o problem by the time I graduate with my MFA in 2011. 

    This will make me far more marketable once I get out of college.  Furthermore, if I enter into the Federal Loan Forgiveness Program and teach in an appointed area (grades 9-12) the government will forgive all of my student loans.  I would have to teach where they want me to teach for 5 years (and still receive a salary,) but considering that I may have nearly 75k in student loan debt, seems like a great payoff to me. 

    I think I've gotten a bit disillusioned by the MFA program to be honest.  It's not exactly what I thought it would be.  I love writing and love the writing classes, but there is so much that is ruled and run by these unspoken/unknown politics.  It's frustrating.  I guess I feel if I'm going to join the rat race, I may as well go all the way in, feet first. 

    The last thing I ever wanted to do was teach high school kids, but if it gets me out of student loan debt, why the heck not?  No student loan payments.  Ever.  Can you imagine?  Clear and clean after 5 years.  (And I imagine, once I'm in the program I won't have to make payments on those loans for 5 years.) 

    So, there you have it.  Big decisions.  I think this is right.  It feels right.  Now, I just have to get into the program.  Cross your fingers!

Comments (3)

  • Good luck to you! I think it's a good choice, not only because you can forget about the stupid loans, but because someone who likes to write will be the one future students can learn from. There is no better way to encourage, or destroy, an interest in anything than by having the right, or wrong, teacher. I speak by experience, on both counts.

  • When you said "I would have to teach where they want me to teach for 5 years" I instantly pictured you in Iowa or Missouri or Alaska...  :)

  • Congratulations to you on persuing your dreams! I know you will do well. Best of luck to you!

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