Going Back to Schoolby Hava Lyon | More from this Blogger 12 Jan 2007 10:47 PM I have an update for the Families.com world: I have decided to go back to school to finally get my Bachelor's degree. I went to college for a year after I graduated from high school, and then the next year I went to one semester in Jerusalem and studied over there in the fall of 2000. That, unfortunately for me, was the start of the second intifada (uprising,) and things got completely out of hand while I was there. We all got shipped home early, and I went back to work to save money up to go back to college. I never made it that far though; I got sidetracked when I got married, and just never got back into the college groove. So this New Year's Eve, I sat down and started writing a list of attributes that I wanted in a job. By time I was done, I realized that in order to have what I wanted, I was going to need to get some education under my belt. Although employers find it interesting that I studied abroad and that one time I got stuck down in the city of Jerusalem and almost didn't make it back out alive, that doesn't actually get me a job. Interesting, but not of any real use. But on my list there was more than the "regular" requirements for a job (like health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, etc.) I also had some nebulous requirements on there, like job satisfaction and wanting to feel as if I am making a difference in someone's life. And last but not least, I definitely wanted to work with children. I have always loved children, and I decided that if I was going to dream, I better dream big. Working with children would literally be a dream come true for me. After I looked my list over, it became painfully obvious what I should do: I needed to go back to school to become an elementary school teacher. And so tonight, after much prayer and deliberation, I have actually done it. I have submitted my application to Idaho State University. I'm a bit nervous, but I also know that I'm on my way to a much better life because I'll have a much better job, a job that I will love and excel in. I am worried, yes, but also thrilled that I have been blessed by a wonderful husband, family, and boss, who all support me. Thank you all. And for any of my readers who are currently wondering about going back to school, all I can say is: Follow your heart. You won't regret it. Learn more about Hava Lyon  Hello, my name is Hava or Havs (depending on my mood and yours!) I am a freelance writer who writes for several blogs, both paid ones such as this one, and personal blogs. Relevantemployment tags User Comments jbishop012 (26) 14 Jan 2007 10:27 AMI think it's great that you're going back to school, Mom wholeheartedly agrees. I think your reasoning is great. I'd like to mention one quick important thing though. Funding. I would like to make the disclaimer that I'm not an expert on this subject. Everything I say is based off of personal experience. I would seriously suggest doing your taxes early and then submitting your FAFSA. Of all of the scholarships I've applied for, I've only gotten one $700 scholarship. However, and I don't know if it works the same at ISU, they will automatically look at your previous college grades, your financial situation, and perhaps some other stuff and will most likely just give you money. Free money. With the only stipulation being that your grades don't go to pot and you are a full time student. Also, I believe you're able to get subsidized loans if you do your FAFSA, meaning you don't have to pay interest on them until after you graduate. If it weren't for financial aid, my college experience would have been much different thus far. Look into it. It is definitely worth the time.  Hava Lyon (1545) 15 Jan 2007 10:07 PMWow, thanks brother! I will have to call you later and delve into your brain a bit more! I had no idea that schools gave out free money like that. I will have to call ISU tomorrow and see what help they can give me. I certainly don't have the money to simply pay for education out of pocket, but the chance to become an elementary teacher is worth it for me, even if I do have to take out loans. I will do my best not to though. That would be fantastic to graduate with no student loans. Thanks again! Havs  Kori Rodley Irons (8277) 17 Jan 2007 12:10 PMI went back to school in my late thirties and finally finished my undergrad at the ripe old age of 38--after a divorce, and as a full time working mom with three kids. It's all a blur, but I'm glad I finally accomplished it. One term I actually took 29 credits--going both the university and picking up a couple necessary courses at our community college at the same time. For me, once I made the decision to do it, I just put my head down and stuck it out. Good for you and contratulations! I think taking the leap and the risk is the hardest part, but once you get going, you find a way to make it work. Hava Lyon (1545) 17 Jan 2007 08:58 PMWow, Kori, I can't believe you lived through that! I don't think I have it in me to take that many credits at the same time, ESPECIALLY if I had three children! I would probably have a mental breakdown if I tried that! LOL! I'm proud of you for making it through that rough time. Have you found that having the undergrad degree has made a big difference in your earning power? Even as a newbie to the teaching world, I will make about $10,000 more per year than I am right now, which is HUGE in rural Idaho. Plus I'll actually receive a payraise each year (which I have zero chance of receiving right now) and I'll receive bennies too, which I also have a zero chance of receiving at my current job. I know that many people say that teaching doesn't pay well, but considering that I have no desire to do the jobs that do command top salaries (scientists, lawyers, doctors, etc) and I have almost no chance of ever making more than $10 an hour with my current skill set, teaching actually seems like it will pay well, at least to me! Of course, the chance to actually be a teacher is the best pay of all. I absolutely love children, and I am really excited to be able to finally pursue my dream. Anyway, thanks for reading--I appreciate it! :-) Havs Community Tags college, elementary teacher, going back to school, Idaho State University, study abroad Discuss this article
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