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Okay, so I wanted things to be more settled and I wanted to have more details before I made my announcement... but, I've been holding it in for months and months... and I think I'm going to explode if I don't share my excitement. So, here goes.
My undergraduate degree is in Chemistry. I love chemistry, and I'm pretty good at it. However, after my first job I changed fields and have been working in instructional design since. I like instructional design, and I'm OK at it. But, I don't have the same passion for it that I have for chemistry. Well, about a year ago, while still living in Guam, I put in a few applications for Chemistry PhD programs. Fast forward a couple of months and the acceptance letters start coming in. I really didn't think I was going to get in. After all, it's been 9 years since I graduated from college. To say I'm a bit rusty at my Chemistry would be an understatement. But, a couple of crazy schools out there actually want me.
What's even better? Between my GI Bill and teaching assistantships, I can actually afford to go to school. So, I have one more week of working full time ahead of me. Then, I'll work a few hours a week to help bring in some extra money, but my main focus will be school. This is a very good thing for me as a person, but unfortunately, it will leave very little time for jewelry making. I'm going to be one busy girl. But, I'm excited. I want to do drug research, and I want to make a difference in the world. I feel like I got off track somewhere along the way. But, now I'm back on track. And, I'm in a better place to appreciate how great going back to school is. I don't think I would have appreciated it as much 9 years ago. Now, I know what I want and I know what is important. I'm willing to work hard to become the person I want to be.
The tough part is coming up. I have a little over a week to prepare for my proficiency exams (that's right, I have to take proficiency exams before enrolling in my classes). Then comes the graduate level courses and research. Oh yeah, don't forget the teaching and grading. I'm sure before the first semester is over, I'll be questioning my sanity... wondering why I ever wanted to leave a job I'm comfortable in and challenge myself this way... but, I'm ready to work hard and will do the things I need to do to succeed and go where I want in life. Wish me luck because this is going to be difficult... but such an amazing adventure. I'm very lucky to have a husband who supports me and helps me stretch my wings and try something that will be a huge challenge.
Well, that's it for now. I hope you all have something exciting and challenging in your lives. It helps us grow and flourish. Feel free to share your excitement and challenges in the comments section. Try something new!
Kell
My undergraduate degree is in Chemistry. I love chemistry, and I'm pretty good at it. However, after my first job I changed fields and have been working in instructional design since. I like instructional design, and I'm OK at it. But, I don't have the same passion for it that I have for chemistry. Well, about a year ago, while still living in Guam, I put in a few applications for Chemistry PhD programs. Fast forward a couple of months and the acceptance letters start coming in. I really didn't think I was going to get in. After all, it's been 9 years since I graduated from college. To say I'm a bit rusty at my Chemistry would be an understatement. But, a couple of crazy schools out there actually want me.
What's even better? Between my GI Bill and teaching assistantships, I can actually afford to go to school. So, I have one more week of working full time ahead of me. Then, I'll work a few hours a week to help bring in some extra money, but my main focus will be school. This is a very good thing for me as a person, but unfortunately, it will leave very little time for jewelry making. I'm going to be one busy girl. But, I'm excited. I want to do drug research, and I want to make a difference in the world. I feel like I got off track somewhere along the way. But, now I'm back on track. And, I'm in a better place to appreciate how great going back to school is. I don't think I would have appreciated it as much 9 years ago. Now, I know what I want and I know what is important. I'm willing to work hard to become the person I want to be.
The tough part is coming up. I have a little over a week to prepare for my proficiency exams (that's right, I have to take proficiency exams before enrolling in my classes). Then comes the graduate level courses and research. Oh yeah, don't forget the teaching and grading. I'm sure before the first semester is over, I'll be questioning my sanity... wondering why I ever wanted to leave a job I'm comfortable in and challenge myself this way... but, I'm ready to work hard and will do the things I need to do to succeed and go where I want in life. Wish me luck because this is going to be difficult... but such an amazing adventure. I'm very lucky to have a husband who supports me and helps me stretch my wings and try something that will be a huge challenge.
Well, that's it for now. I hope you all have something exciting and challenging in your lives. It helps us grow and flourish. Feel free to share your excitement and challenges in the comments section. Try something new!
Kell
6 comments:
Good Luck!
Kell,
That is great! I wish you luck in your study! I think that education is one of the best things you can do for yourself!
You are one brave woman Kell! I'm so happy you're moving in a direction you are passionate about. You wrote this post so at the end of the sememster you can go back and see why you are doing what your doing when you start to feel like you're going insane. LOL
I wish you all the success in the world. It's definitely a change and we're going to miss you in the jewelry world as often. But we hope you pop back every now and again and share what's new in your life.
{Hugs!}
Dawn
Hi Ladies! Thank you so much for your support! It really means a lot to me. I can't wait to start (and, luckily for me, I don't have long to wait).
Dawn,
I'll definitely still be around as much as I can. I'll just be very busy with work and school. If nothing else, I'll be able to create jewelry when I'm on holiday breaks!
Thanks everyone!
Kell
I feel your nerves about being out of school then jumping back in (a bit head first). I'm studying for my Professional Engineer's exam, which means re-learning 5 years of suff between now and April. When I ask myself why, I answer "because that's the next step". I can't really answer the next question-next step to what...You seem to have it figured out :) I wish you all the best!
Amy,
I'm totally there with you. I think I'm more nervous about the proficiency exams I have to take before starting the semester. I know I can keep up and re-learn the material with enough time. But, the exam without any prep except myself is daunting. I wish you so much luck with your professional engineer's exam. I have some friends who are engineers and would not want to take the exam myself. I'm sure you will do great!
Kell
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