anamacha: scared shitless

:: an artist rising :: (

anamacha) wrote,
@ 2008-03-24 19:37:00

Entry tags:

news, school

scared shitless
Okay, here's the thing that's been occupying a large part of my thoughts for the past few days:

I am seriously considering going back to school.

As of this Friday, I will be staring middle age in the teeth, and I have precious little to show for it. I am not respected or recognized, I am not an expert in my field, I am not consulted for much of anything. I am tired of getting nowhere fast and depending on others for support. I know, I know, brain injury and all, but for fuck's sake -- I can't let that stop me. I have to do what I can.

I already have a Bachelor's degree in computer science. But I'm tired of babysitting cranky computers, and the thought of computer support of any kind makes me cringe. I will slit my own wrists before I set foor in another call center. rhianwyn would have my head first, anyway.

So yeah. My dream is grAphic design. Art of some kind. Pushing pixels around a page makes me happy, and that's what I want to do. I'm tired of settling, and I'm tired of cowering in a corner when things don't go my way.

I have no idea how I'm going to pull this off. There are two big hurdles: The paying-for-it thing (the local community college is about $5000; I don't remember if that's per-semester or for the full program), and there's the job-in-the-interim thing. I don't know who's going to want to hire me with a school schedule and child care to work around.

But I'm tired of being passed over for jobs because I haven't a proper portfolio, or because I have no regular schooling.

I hope my resolve lasts longer than I fear it will.

(Post a new comment)

	moronqueen 2008-03-25 12:40 am UTC (link)
	It'll deffinately be worth it in the long run...even if you go back part time, as I will be, it's still taking big steps towards achieving dreams and goals...more power to you! (Reply to this)(Thread)

	anamacha 2008-03-25 06:09 am UTC (link)
	that's what I'm hoping, yeah! Thanks for the encouragement :) (Reply to this)(Parent)

pearmon
2008-03-25 01:33 am UTC (link)

Well, as someone going back to school, it has it's pros and cons. For graphic design, it probably has a lot of pros. Your resume will look a lot better. You'll learn some good stuff.

As for finances, apply for financial aid NOW. As in, this week. I think the deadline is generally april for fall. Texas State in San Marcos has a pretty nifty graphic design program. Going to a full scale university instead of community college would look better and financial aid might be more possible.

If you want more info or to talk about it more, shoot me an email. I say go for it. I got tired of sitting around nothing to follow my dreams. I'm not sure school is the answer, but at least I'm moving. My brain is moving. Etc.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

anamacha
2008-03-25 06:09 am UTC (link)

do you know who I can contact at your school? I've sent 2-3 emails to likely people there, and have not heard a damn thing back.

Do you have any pointers to navigate the financial aid maze? I looked at it earlier, and it was rather daunting. Feel free to avail yourself of anamacha at gmail dot com if you would rather.

You and I are pretty much in the same boat -- I too am getting tired of sitting around with nothing to show for my dreams. And yeah, school is not the end, but hopefully it's a means to an end.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

pearmon
2008-03-25 09:33 pm UTC (link)

1st step - FAFSA. This is basic info about your income that helps determine what you'll qualify for.
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
just make sure to specify what schools you want your info sent to.

As for contacting someone at the school....hrm...I think I just applied online, got accepted, then went and met with an advisor.

Here is the number for the Fine Arts and Communication Dept - Phone: (512) 245-2308

Let me know if this works (or doesn't work).

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	anamacha 2008-03-27 11:57 pm UTC (link)
	thanks for the tips. Do you have a name or an email address for someone there? I talked to people at St Eds today -- I had to go there anyway to get a transcript. (Reply to this)(Parent)

	pearmon 2008-03-25 09:37 pm UTC (link)
	btw, summer registration is currently underway. you could get your feet wet ASAP by taking a summer class. With no fin. aid, you'd be looking at about $700 a class. Perhaps your family would help you out until fin aid is sorted out? (Reply to this)(Parent)

	baxaphobia 2008-03-25 01:47 am UTC (link)
	Hey there! Sorry I've been quiet in commenting of late. I've been reading! Smile. I think that is great about your wanting to go back to school. I got my master's in my 30's so it is possible and you can do it. Just go for it! Smile. (Reply to this)(Thread)

	anamacha 2008-03-25 06:06 am UTC (link)
	it's okay ... good to know that you've been around, even if you haven't been around, if you get my meaning. Thanks for the encouragement! (Reply to this)(Parent)

wardellen
2008-03-25 02:21 am UTC (link)

Get on with it. Actively pursuing this will create the momentum you need. Don't hesitate or pause, just GO. Pearmon is correct that a University would look better, but check out summer classes at the community level in the meantime. Some refresher/get-you-up-to-date courses might give you a leg up when you get to "real" classes. Part time work is definitely something to consider as well- with your odd sleep schedule you should be able to find something working nights so you can take classes while A is at school or you can be home with her and take afternoon classes. There are LOTS of possibilities here. Start investigating! :)

(Reply to this)(Thread)

	anamacha 2008-03-25 06:04 am UTC (link)
	right ... I'm trying to do a little somtin' somtin' with it every day ... just like with that course-of-self-improvement thing that I've been alluding to for a few weeks now. Thanks for the suggestions. (Reply to this)(Parent)

	kylakae 2008-03-25 04:46 am UTC (link)
	Good luck! On the plus side Texas usually has lots of financial aid available. (Reply to this)(Thread)

	anamacha 2008-03-25 06:02 am UTC (link)
	well, that's good to know. I looked at financial aid stuff a bit, and good lord, it's bewildering. (Reply to this)(Parent)

	wherdafux_d_cat 2008-03-25 02:01 pm UTC (link)
	Strength, heart, and luck to you, dear. All of the wise people above me have already given good advice so I'll just nod sagely and say, 'Ah yes, that's true.' hugs (Reply to this)(Thread)

	anamacha 2008-03-27 11:58 pm UTC (link)
	chortle even adding your agreement to the pile holds weight, m'dear :) thank you! (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	wherdafux_d_cat 2008-03-28 12:00 pm UTC (link)
	Are you callin' me fat??????????? ;oD (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	anamacha 2008-03-28 08:42 pm UTC (link)
	touchy much? Certainly not! :P (Reply to this)(Parent)

	aarchaela 2008-03-28 04:18 pm UTC (link)
	Good luck! (Reply to this)(Thread)

	anamacha 2008-03-28 08:42 pm UTC (link)
	thankyew! (Reply to this)(Parent)

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