Tuesday, November 17, 2009

I have a success story so I can divulge a secret!

I received a communication today. It said this:


"Congratulations! Your application for admission to the Humanities Master of Arts degree program has been approved. We are happy to welcome you and wish you the best in your future work."


That's right folks! It is official! I am going back to school for my Masters degree!
I will be studying through the
California State Dominguez Hills
distance learning program (HUX).
Why am I excited about this opportunity?
  • first of all, who ISN'T excited about studying art, music, literature, history, and philosophy? I LOVE the humanities!
  • short term goal: I'll be qualified to teach humanities and art history at a community college
  • the above goal is desirable for both fun/personal fulfillment and for preparedness. It was a harsh reality when I couldn't find ANY full time job 2 years ago despite my 2 majors and years of experience
  • distance learning means I'll be free to set my own hours, my own pace, my own homework schedule.
  • best part is that the coursework isn't online (though resources are if I need to contact anyone quickly). I won't be glued to a computer, with all the eye and back trouble that accompany it. I can sit in a comfortable chair and read.
  • I'll be working from home, around Gwen's nap schedule, with some Saturdays to spend in OSU's library on research.
  • I estimate only 10-12 hours a week for school work.
  • entire program is only 35 credits, about 2 years to a degree (not counting any time I end up taking off for baby #2)
  • The program is very flexible and family-oriented, so deferring or taking breaks for important events like babies or moving won't be a huge paperwork fiasco.
  • interesting coursework with fun classes on Mayan art history, female literature around the world, etc.
  • The program design gives a broad/general base in 5 distinct humanities fields (literature, philosophy, music, art, history) but allows for specific specialization in one or two as well.
  • I can emphasize 18 hours in Art History which more than doubles my chances of being hired as a professor at a community college post graduation
  • I can design some of my own credits/coursework to be Asian specific if I desire (which, of course, I do!)
  • the above bullet helps keep me "in the know" for my long term goal: after the kids are grown, get a PhD in Asian Art History or Asian Humanities with Korean emphasis
  • There are no tests. Every grade is based on essays and papers. Since writing is my strong point, this is a thrilling prospect!
  • entire tuition cost of program: 6,000 dollars! (not counting books or fees, of course) and my Education Grant after my service year in Americorps (at the YWCA) comes to 5,000 dollars... so really, we only have to dish out 500 dollars a year! :)
Well, that is it! Celebrate with me folks! Coursework begins in January!

ps. naturally, there is some apprehension. I will not have as much "free" time to do personal hobbies and projects. I'm sure there will be stressful days. I am trying to think positively, however, and view the blessings and opportunities as what they are: tender mercies from a loving Heavenly Father Who truly answers our prayers.



17 comments:

  1. Elisa!! That's so wonderful!!

    Sigh. I'm so jealous. I've wanted to do grad school since . . . elementary school, LOL, but I don't know if I ever will, between kids and pursuing a career in writing. In fact, just a couple days ago I was thinking I probably never will go back. Maybe I will. Sigh. One day.

    (And, um, baby #2? Not an announcement, right?)

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  2. that's awesome! i'm so jealous. i'm going to look into that school. that's an awesome deal on tuition!

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  3. That is awesome. I am also a humanities type. :)
    Congratulations, I know you will be very successful in the program!

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  4. Congratulations on your acceptance! This sounds so exciting... and perfect for you and your family.

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  5. Hooray! Now you know FOR SURE. I know you're going to love it. Loved your list of reasons to go back. You're going to do beautifully.

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  6. Congrats! That is very exciting. I'm sure you will be just fine. School can always get overwhelming, but we all got through our other degrees right? I am a little twinge jealous. I want to go back to school and get a masters, but I just don't feel like now is the time. Anyway, good luck with everything and I'm sure you'll keep us posted!

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  7. YAY!! I am so happy you got accepted (of course you would!) and that you're thrilled with the program. It sounds awesome, I'm so happy for you!! Congrats!

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  8. It's great news! Good luck with everything!

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  9. Congrats chicadee!!! You're going to be great! you're so committed, so diligent! Good luck on it. And what's this about a second baby? haha

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  10. Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you!!! Can't wait to keep pursuing mine... :)

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  11. Congratulations, that is so awesome!!! :) :) :)

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  12. Congrats Elisa!!! That is so exciting!!! I am sure you will do an amazing job in school. Plus you are an amazing teacher...your future students will love you!

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  13. What an adventure! It sounds incredibly perfect for you and I am so happy you get the opportunity to go pursue the degree you've been wanting.

    Good luck, especially when it feels overwhelming! I know you will rise above and accomplish this goal too. You are so very talented!

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  14. You are awesome. That is so exciting. Congratulations!

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  15. That is awesome. Good for you!!

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