I've been talking about going to grad school ever since I was a junior at WSU, but I could never quite figure out exactly what I wanted to do. Originally it was psychology so that I could do Marriage and Family Counseling, but after googling the "average salary of a Marriage and Family Counselor in WA", I started looking for other options. My initial thought was that I would just bypass the actual counseling and get my doctorate so that I could be a professor. That way I was still involved in psychology, and I had always thought about teaching, but decided that another 6-8 years of full time school wasn't exactly beneficial to my financial plans. Then, I thought about business and getting my MBA, but after attempting ECON 102, I realized how much that I am NOT a business person. Then I graduated and had to endure the real world and thought for a while that I could just tough out the work force and make it to a managerial position. But, seeing as how I work at a bank the whole "not being a business person" aspect started to get to me.I knew that I had to figure something out, because nobody should be unhappy and stressed about their job, especially at age 24. I went through a lot of ideas from reconsidering psychology, to nursing school for a few seconds. I had to find something that I would really feel fulfilled by (no matter how overly optimistic that might be) but also something that would offer a salary that didn't make me want to cry.
After a lot of deliberation and research, I finally found what I think will be perfect for me. I'm going to get my Masters in Teaching! It means that I don't have to be an undergrad again, I earn my Masters (which has always been a goal of mine), I get to work with kids and I have a career that has future goals that exceed praying for a 1.5% raise once a year. My immediate plan is to get accepted to City University and begin this October. If all goes well and I get accepted, I will be certified and ready to teach by the 2011 school year! My long term plan, is to teach the hell out of some kids and then get my certificate in Educational Administration so that I can become a principal. It covers everything I've ever wanted! I get to work with kids and hopefully make a difference for a couple of them. I'm getting my Masters, and because of it I'll start off right away making a very decent salary. I have long term goals so that I'm not pigeonholed. And an added bonus, I get Christmas, Spring and Summer Vacation again!
I applied last night, so we'll see if I get in. I also have to pass a test called the WEST-B which sounds easy, but involves math and I haven't done fractions in years... I'm a little nervous, but I'm signed up to take it on May 30 which is early enough that I can take it again if necessary. So that's the plan. Wish me luck!
