Why I think I shouldn't go back to school

[Sojourner]

When I was thinking seriously about going to grad school, I had a dream that I was back in school, and that I was the class clown. I was sitting in the back of the classroom cracking jokes the whole time.

I've decided that this dream would probably play itself out if I did indeed go back to school. I've become such a smart-aleck in my old age. I used to be so much more serious. I think as I've gotten older I've learned how to laugh at myself a lot more, which in turn helps me to see the humour in life.

But, that's not necessarily a good thing in a serious academic setting.

[philothea]

Would you be paying for grad school yourself?

Footing the bill tends to make students focus.

[zabbazooey]

Very true!

I know once I start paying for school next year, I will focus a lot more!

[Carrie]

When I was in school, we had a few clowns in the program.

Honestly, it was refreshing to sometimes have that small break for humor when things seemed too serious.

And from what I remember, all of those clowns graduated with honors.

[Jaime]

I was a moron in undergrad. Well not a moron but I was.... distracted easily.

When I went to grad school, I had a totally different perspective on school. I was literally ravenous for studying. I got so much out of grad school because of it. Being able to focus on one subject (that I had never studied before) was awesome!! I would go back in a minute.

And I am about as big a smart a** as you can find.


If you are considering it, I would suggest trying it out for a semester.

Grad school rocks like chocolate and milk!!

[zabbazooey]

I hate it when people ask questions to show off.

Edited September 6, 2005 by zabbazooey

[Sojourner]

[quote name='philothea' date='Sep 6 2005, 02:20 PM']Would you be paying for grad school yourself?

Footing the bill tends to make students focus.
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Yeah, I probably would be. Which probably would help me to focus. Very good thought.

[Sojourner]

[quote name='hot stuff' date='Sep 6 2005, 02:27 PM']I was a moron in undergrad.  Well not a moron but I was.... distracted easily. 

When I went to grad school, I had a totally different perspective on school.  I was literally ravenous for studying.  I got so much out of grad school because of it.  Being able to focus on one subject (that I had never studied before) was awesome!!  I would go back in a minute.

And I am about as big a smart a** as you can find. 
If you are considering it, I would suggest trying it out for a semester. 

Grad school rocks like chocolate and milk!!
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I probably really would love it. Now, if I can just get the right program and money together, I'll be set.

[Carrie]

[quote name='Sojourner' date='Sep 6 2005, 04:33 PM']I probably really would love it. Now, if I can just get the right program and money together, I'll be set.
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Those are the hard parts.

Money was a big issue for me when it came to grad school. I got some money in scholarships but had to foot the rest of the bill on my own.

While it was a struggle, it was worth every penny!

If you find a program that's right for you, I say go for it!

[Sojourner]

[quote name='Carrie' date='Sep 6 2005, 02:36 PM']Those are the hard parts.

Money was a big issue for me when it came to grad school.  I got some money in scholarships but had to foot the rest of the bill on my own.

While it was a struggle, it was worth every penny!

If you find a program that's right for you, I say go for it!
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Yeah, the right program is hard to find. As a reporter, I run across so many interesting fields that I'd love to study in more depth, but then I re-evaluate and decide against it. I LOVED the JPII program, but unless I got some sort of full-ride deal that won't be a reality for a long time in the future.

What I'm considering most seriously right now is law school. I'm just trying to decide if I really want to be a practicing attorney someday.

[Jaime]

[quote name='Sojourner' date='Sep 6 2005, 02:33 PM']I probably really would love it. Now, if I can just get the right program and money together, I'll be set.
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Don't worry about the money. Seriously!! I lived in squalor for years. It was totally worth it. If its something that you're supposed to do, the money and the means come.

Trust me on this one!!

[Carrie]

[quote name='Sojourner' date='Sep 6 2005, 04:41 PM']Yeah, the right program is hard to find. As a reporter, I run across so many interesting fields that I'd love to study in more depth, but  then I re-evaluate and decide against it. I LOVED the JPII program, but unless I got some sort of full-ride deal that won't be a reality for a long time in the future.

What I'm considering most seriously right now is law school. I'm just trying to decide if I really want to be a practicing attorney someday.
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If you don't want to be a practicing attorney, you could always teach law.

[Sojourner]

[quote name='Carrie' date='Sep 6 2005, 02:43 PM']If you don't want to be a practicing attorney, you could always teach law.
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Yeah, I've thought quite a bit about that, actually. I met this really awesome law professor from the University of Oklahoma who's a Catholic trying to get TOTB ideas across to lawyers. Fantastic guy. I briefly considered moving to OK just to study with him. Then I thought better of it.

[Carrie]

A thought on saving some money. Some schools charge more (sometimes a few thousand dollars a semester!!) if you're an out-of-state student.

If you find a program you like, you could move 6 months prior to starting so that you have in-state residence. That might save you a few pennies.

[Carrie]

[quote name='Sojourner' date='Sep 6 2005, 04:46 PM']Yeah, I've thought quite a bit about that, actually. I met this really awesome law professor from the University of Oklahoma who's a Catholic trying to get TOTB ideas across to lawyers. Fantastic guy. I briefly considered moving to OK just to study with him. Then I thought better of it.
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Why'd you decide against it?

[Sojourner]

[quote name='hot stuff' date='Sep 6 2005, 02:42 PM']Don't worry about the money.  Seriously!!  I lived in squalor for years.  It was totally worth it.  If its something that you're supposed to do, the money and the means come. 

Trust me on this one!!
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I'm know you're right. The money didn't work out for the program I wanted to do, which I took as a pretty clear sign that I shouldn't go there. I still have moments of heartsickness about it, though.

I don't mind the squalor ... reporters don't make much money, so I'm not used to living in palatial comfort. Although I've had some really great places. But, I really don't want to have to work full-time while I'm going to school, if I can at all help it. I want to really be able to focus on what I'm doing ... and I'm not the spring chicken I once was.

[Sojourner]

[quote name='Carrie' date='Sep 6 2005, 02:49 PM']Why'd you decide against it?
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I don't want to live in OK.

Out-of-state tuition is high, and we've got good law schools in Indiana.

I've got great connections in the legal community and law school here in Indianapolis.

[Jaime]

[quote]and I'm not the spring chicken I once was[/quote]


Oh fer cryin out loud. that's when you're SUPPOSED to start grad school.


spring chicken... sheesh

[Sojourner]

[quote name='hot stuff' date='Sep 6 2005, 02:58 PM']Oh fer cryin out loud.  that's when you're SUPPOSED to start grad school.
spring chicken... sheesh
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I'm just saying I don't think I have it in me to study full time and work full time. I'd get burnt out really quickly. When I was younger, I thought I was invincible and did all that stay-up-all-night-to-get-stuff-done carp. I know I can't do that now.

[Jaime]

Well I'll say this. You won't have the energy to work full time, go to school full time AND whine about it! :

Seriously, I went to school full time and worked in ministry full time. But the key was that I loved school and I loved ministry so the energy thing wasn't a big deal.

If it smells of elderberries, you can always quit. There is no dishonor in that!!