What's On My Mind Today: I am equally in love with journalism and creative fiction writing. It seems I am equally as good at journalism and creative ficition writing, so which Master's track to do I follow? My one professor wants to enter a play I wrote into a contest to have it performed. But then my journalism is good too.
The MFA though has a lot of financial perks including tuition remission, stipend, possible health insurance and the ability to just write, in some cases without teaching. A few even give you a relocation stipend! Where graduate and teaching assistantships for jounalism carry a 20 hr teaching load and smaller, if any, stipend.
At this point, while I am so focused on journalism, I must consider the severe cost savings I could gain from following my MFA track first. As well as I could probably move to a more desirable climate at the same time.
I AM SO CONFLICTED....what would you do?
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Immature People
What's On My Mind Today: At some time in your life, you must transition from child to adult. It occurs for boys usually later than girls, but still by the time your are a junior or senior in college, you would think the transition would be complete. This is just amazing to me because when I was 21 or 22, I was married with 2 children, working a full-time job and attending classes whenever I could at Tri-C (Cuyahoga Community College). Yet, in my second go round to finish my bachelor's, I find that these people who will be graduating with me in May 2011 are no more prepared to deal with the true pressures of life than they were before entering college.
Some of them are still trying to prove they know everything and what they are really showing is "I am immature" and wasted 4 years of time and money. Or they are still playing childish games from junior high. I feel sorry for them because it won't be their cute faces or fashionable clothing that will keep them employed.
TRUTH:
Some of them are still trying to prove they know everything and what they are really showing is "I am immature" and wasted 4 years of time and money. Or they are still playing childish games from junior high. I feel sorry for them because it won't be their cute faces or fashionable clothing that will keep them employed.
TRUTH:
- Your parents will not always be there to back you up so stand on your own two feet.
- Your boss only cares about your most recent accomplishment...Make yourself an asset to your employer with consistent, dependable work ALL THE TIME.
- Avoid office gossip and only talk about your children. DO NOT tell them how great your girlfriend/ boyfriend is because people are sneaky and may go after your man/woman because of what you spread.
- DO NOT date your co-workers. True some people have found their soulmates but just as many have had bad breakups that tend to effect the work evironment for both of you and your co-workers.
- Establish a strong work ethic, IMMEDIATELY, if you don't already have one. You cannot fake it til you make it!
- Keep your work area clean!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
FINALS-Different than before
What's On My Mind Today: I have a unique experience for the first time as an undergrad, NO FINALS! I will have to come to class to turn in assignments and get my final grades but I don't have one final and I am so excited. Even though I don't have formal final, I have a major paper assignment due in each of my classes if not more than one. But that is all good because writing is what I do!
I will not be doing note cards, staying up all night and hibernating this semester. I will not turn into one of the many people who live in the library searching for a quiet place. Yaaaaahhhhhhooooooo!
To those of you who have to do the study thing, here are a few suggestions, don't procrastinate. Start your study process, a few weeks in advance (NOW), especially if your final is cumulative. Study in the way usually study (examples: note cards, re-reading your notes, etc.) then give it a day or two and do it another way (examles: writing definition/key terms, reading book chapters, etc.). But the most important thing you can do is get a good nights sleep, DO NOT stay up all night cramming.
Good luck on your finals...I will be thinking of you as I chill and wait for my A's to roll in!
I will not be doing note cards, staying up all night and hibernating this semester. I will not turn into one of the many people who live in the library searching for a quiet place. Yaaaaahhhhhhooooooo!
To those of you who have to do the study thing, here are a few suggestions, don't procrastinate. Start your study process, a few weeks in advance (NOW), especially if your final is cumulative. Study in the way usually study (examples: note cards, re-reading your notes, etc.) then give it a day or two and do it another way (examles: writing definition/key terms, reading book chapters, etc.). But the most important thing you can do is get a good nights sleep, DO NOT stay up all night cramming.
Good luck on your finals...I will be thinking of you as I chill and wait for my A's to roll in!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Graduate School
What's On My Mind Today: I am looking into graduate school programs and I am so perplexed. I love Cleveland State University but they don't have a masters program in journalism.
Now, I am looking for a grad school with an online journalism program that is also accredited. My top two are University of Missouri and Boston University. Grad school is gonna break the bank at an average cost of $35,000-$45,000. The advantage of to BU is I won't initially have to take the GRE. But there online program is still in the works, but scheduled to begin in Fall 2011...which is when I want to start. So, BU is hedging a head.
Then the next issue is paying for it. While you can get still get a pell grant for grad school, how much more will I have to find?
Then there is also the fact I could delay my masters in journalism and do my MFA in English at CSU. I could probably get a graduate assistantship which could eliminate the majority of expenses but I don't think I want to do my MFA first. The issue with CSU's MFA program is its a consortium between 4 schools (CSU, Kent State University, Akron University and Youngstown State University) which may mean taking classes at those other schools. AU and KSU are only about 45 minutes away but YSU is much farther and with the weather in Ohio those drives are not viable to me!
I want to follow my journalism first. We have always wanted tomove out of state to a warmer climate and that has been postponed while I finish my bachelors. If my husband can get a job, earning my degree online will not matter. I would have the flexibility I need to move without interrupting my studies or being separated until I could transfer.
At the same time, I know I could probably get a graduate assistantship in other places to defer some of the expenses of grad schoo but without a job for my husband there, how will we survive?
Of course, I am doing scholarships and grants but they are far and in between for grad school. So, I am looking for suggestions and ideas.
Now, I am looking for a grad school with an online journalism program that is also accredited. My top two are University of Missouri and Boston University. Grad school is gonna break the bank at an average cost of $35,000-$45,000. The advantage of to BU is I won't initially have to take the GRE. But there online program is still in the works, but scheduled to begin in Fall 2011...which is when I want to start. So, BU is hedging a head.
Then the next issue is paying for it. While you can get still get a pell grant for grad school, how much more will I have to find?
Then there is also the fact I could delay my masters in journalism and do my MFA in English at CSU. I could probably get a graduate assistantship which could eliminate the majority of expenses but I don't think I want to do my MFA first. The issue with CSU's MFA program is its a consortium between 4 schools (CSU, Kent State University, Akron University and Youngstown State University) which may mean taking classes at those other schools. AU and KSU are only about 45 minutes away but YSU is much farther and with the weather in Ohio those drives are not viable to me!
I want to follow my journalism first. We have always wanted tomove out of state to a warmer climate and that has been postponed while I finish my bachelors. If my husband can get a job, earning my degree online will not matter. I would have the flexibility I need to move without interrupting my studies or being separated until I could transfer.
At the same time, I know I could probably get a graduate assistantship in other places to defer some of the expenses of grad schoo but without a job for my husband there, how will we survive?
Of course, I am doing scholarships and grants but they are far and in between for grad school. So, I am looking for suggestions and ideas.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Roadtrips
What's On My Mind Today: Depending on your age, you may have fond memories of going to visit grandma or other relatives out-of-town. Those were the best trips; driving past the 18 wheelers mimicking the pulling of the horn and cheering wildly when they did pull the horn. Or did your family name all the out-of-state license plates?
Whatever the game those times are gone. Roadtrips are almost like being at home. You have your tv, dvd player, wireless headphones for the kids, or the P3 or Xbox is plugged up. We used to interact with our parents but not so much any more.
Gas was cheaper, stopping at a restaurant on the journey was a treat but not anymore. Times change but was it for the better? I wish I could keep some of the novelty of those times with the use of GPS!
Tell me your favorite roadtrip story!!!
Whatever the game those times are gone. Roadtrips are almost like being at home. You have your tv, dvd player, wireless headphones for the kids, or the P3 or Xbox is plugged up. We used to interact with our parents but not so much any more.
Gas was cheaper, stopping at a restaurant on the journey was a treat but not anymore. Times change but was it for the better? I wish I could keep some of the novelty of those times with the use of GPS!
Tell me your favorite roadtrip story!!!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Web site: www.CaringBridge.org
What's on My Mind Today: In an earlier post I told you about a family friend who is battling a serious illness, but what I failed to mention is the way this family is keeping all of us informed of what is going on. They are using a Web site called Caring Bridge (http://www.caringbridge.org/). It's a free Web site which offers free Web sites for families experiencing cancer, premature birth, injury or other significant health challenges so they can stay connected to family and friends.
It has been a truly wonderful experience to follow my friend's son's journey without having to call her. The Web site allows her to post what is happening for everyone, friends and family all over the world. This allows us to stay connected and with one post she has notified everyone all at once. This saves her time and money. She is able to keep us in the loop but most importantly she is able to be there for her family, which is the most important thing right now without having to call everyone, text or answer a gazillion emails!
Whenever she posts anything, an email is sent to me. Text notifications are also available.
Please let anyone who may be going through a serious illness about Caring Bridge and the services they provide or if you would like to find out more about becoming a donor to continue this free service, please visit the Web site.
It has been a truly wonderful experience to follow my friend's son's journey without having to call her. The Web site allows her to post what is happening for everyone, friends and family all over the world. This allows us to stay connected and with one post she has notified everyone all at once. This saves her time and money. She is able to keep us in the loop but most importantly she is able to be there for her family, which is the most important thing right now without having to call everyone, text or answer a gazillion emails!
Whenever she posts anything, an email is sent to me. Text notifications are also available.
Please let anyone who may be going through a serious illness about Caring Bridge and the services they provide or if you would like to find out more about becoming a donor to continue this free service, please visit the Web site.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Many Labors of Love
What's On My Mind Today: My son and his girlfriend blessed our family with a beautiful 6 pound, 19.5 inch son yesterday.
The title comes from the fact I labored 22 1/2 years ago to bring my son into the world and yesterday, I helped bring my grandson into the world. I am just so grateful God allowed me the opportunity to take part.
But even after our children arrive, that was just the first of "many labors of love!" I remember teething & potty-training, helping my children learn to read, when my son was little we were back and forth to the hospital, when I was pregnant with my daughter I made multiple trips to the hospital to have a healthy baby, when my son broke his arm, when my daughter left for college, but none of it matters because of the love I carry in my heart for them.
Labor has many definitions, but I love this one, "a productive activity." In all the labors of love, they are productive activities!
So, I wish my children well as they continue their labor of love with their son! I am so very proud of you both for creating such a perfect and precious baby boy! I saw the dedication in both of you faces as you labored to bring him here, but I saw the pact to continue that labor of love in your eyes as you looked into your son's eyes for the first time. Congratulations!
The title comes from the fact I labored 22 1/2 years ago to bring my son into the world and yesterday, I helped bring my grandson into the world. I am just so grateful God allowed me the opportunity to take part.
But even after our children arrive, that was just the first of "many labors of love!" I remember teething & potty-training, helping my children learn to read, when my son was little we were back and forth to the hospital, when I was pregnant with my daughter I made multiple trips to the hospital to have a healthy baby, when my son broke his arm, when my daughter left for college, but none of it matters because of the love I carry in my heart for them.
Labor has many definitions, but I love this one, "a productive activity." In all the labors of love, they are productive activities!
So, I wish my children well as they continue their labor of love with their son! I am so very proud of you both for creating such a perfect and precious baby boy! I saw the dedication in both of you faces as you labored to bring him here, but I saw the pact to continue that labor of love in your eyes as you looked into your son's eyes for the first time. Congratulations!
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