I know my parents will tell me what they think is best for me and that they will support me with whatever I choose to do, but I know that ultimately these decisions (and many to come all at once in the near future) will be mine to make...and it's starting to scare me! But mom and dad, I still really want to hear from you. This is part of the reason why I'm writing this entry. The other part is let out some steam!
I am writing this entry because I feel like I know what I want, it's just that I don't have my parent's approval or a best friend's (you know, the one who you talk to because you know they will agree with you). Since the beginning of my trip, I have been doing a lot of thinking and weighing my options.
Choices & Consequences
- EARN: Spanish major, Elementary Ed, K-12 Spanish.
- complete at least 2 credits of cultural/literature Spanish course
- one semester of Block 3 for elementary ed
- one semester of student teaching- extended because dual licensure
- TOTAL TIME TO COMPLETE: one year IF one semester is 20 credits otherwise 3 more semesters
- EARN: Spanish major, K-12 Spanish
- complete at least 2 credits of cultural/literature Spanish course
- one semester of student teaching (which I apply for one year in advance)
- TOTAL TIME TO COMPLETE: one year
- EARN: Spanish major
- complete at least 2 credits of cultural/literature Spanish course
- TOTAL TIME TO COMPLETE: one semester
Problems (Or Should I Say, "Opportunities"?)
- Apply for Plan B-- includes full application to graduate school (those words I was NOT ready to hear yet): 2 letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, completion plan, approval from advisor and department chair, and by the way "do all this ASAP" because it must be completed this semester
- Solution? Apply for Plan B. If worse comes to worst, I officially drop my education major, graduate in the spring with Spanish and figure out what to do from there.
- Apply for Student Teaching for Fall 2012 by Dec 1 (yep, two weeks from now) is the deadline to apply for student teaching 1 year from now. If you are reading this entry, you can clearly tell I do not plan that far in advance. I come up with many ideas and provide myself with opportunities, which is why I am telling myself...
- Solution?... to apply NOW so I don't miss the opportunity and decide later whether or not I will student teach in the fall
- I need two more credits to complete my Spanish major. In Costa Rica at Universidad Veritas it costs $750. At University of St. Thomas, $3000+. The class I need in Costa Rica has already been approved by my school. The problem? "University policy is that you cannot switch programs while you are abroad. Switching from AIFS to directly enroll would be considered switching programs. If you wish to stay in Costa Rica for spring semester, you must stay with AIFS." Tuition for AIFS: Study until March: $7000 or Study until May: $9000.... To stay in Costa Rica I am looking at paying either $750 vs. $9000...you do the math. According to UST, I MUST pay the AIFS tuition, I MUST take up to 20 credits worth of classes, go on all excursions (again), and be provided with housing and food.
- Solution? Help me with this one, please! I only need one class. I should be able to take that class and have my credits transfer. Ideally, I take one class, have an internship or job teaching, and I pay to my host family exactly what AIFS is paying them for my food and housing. (I think is $13/day).
5 Years From Now...
Yes, the big life question and an updated list of goals...
- Live abroad: Spanish speaking country, Italy
- Be Fluent in Spanish & Italian
- Be Engaged or Married (to my best friend)
- No kids yet! I want to travel with my man! (some of these words I've written have to be so shocking to you, dad...sorry)
- By now, I will have had some experience in teaching or another career and will know what area I would like to continue my education in. Therefore, 'begin my master's degree' has been added. Now how about adding, begin master's degree...abroad?
- Have no specific plan, provide myself with lots of opportunities, and be flexible!
So if anyone has still stuck around to finish this, and you have any thoughts at all, let me know with a comment. I couldn't sleep tonight because this has been on my mind. I know it always eventually works out, it's just a matter of when and how. With a little faith in God, I know that I am right where I am supposed to be. Here's a quote I like when I start getting anxious about all of these life decisions:
"Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Wow, Rach - big decisions! It may seem to you like you're not planning far in advance, but from where I sit, it seems like you are indeed right where you need to be -- thinking about the big picture, giving yourself opportunities, yet still enjoying the present.
ReplyDeleteYou really love Spanish ... why the elementary ed? If you're not really interested in elementary ed, seems like it might be a lot of extra time/expense right now. Maybe do the K-12 Spanish and then if you want to switch down the road you can always go back to school for elementary ed?
For the extra Spanish class, sounds like it makes sense to do it at UST. Cheaper in the long run.
When are you going to start learning Italian? :) I'm so excited to hear of your travels and adventures. You are awesome!
To add to my previous comment ... I'd be really hesitant about directly enrolling unless you can get it in writing that those credits will transfer. It might seem like the cheaper route now, but I've known people who have tried to get stuff like that to transfer after the fact, and haven't been able to. You'd hate to spend that time and money and then need to repeat it once you return to MN.
ReplyDeleteSo where are you at in the major life decisions? update please!! :)
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