If they wanna' rock, they rock

[katernater]

Yesterday was "Big-Decision-About-End-of-Degree-Scheduling Day" here in our apartment. After reviewing my schedule for my final term in graduate school, I started to get a sinking feeling about whether or not I was going to be able to handle working on an independent study project while balancing my other courses. In addition to the independent study, I'd need to take three other classes, plus reserve a block of time to student teach for the last part of my TESOL certificate -- all to meet the requirements of full-time financial aid. I discussed it with Todd. I told him I was apprehensive to take on that kind of a courseload, especially during my last semester. I felt that I would be spreading myself too thin (something I have a habit of doing) and that I was worried that my heavy involvement with the independent study project -- something I decided to do on a whim, really -- would have a negative effect on how much time I could dedicate to my student teaching (which is, really, the only requirement left for me before I graduate).

In the end, while it would be great to participate in an independent study program (and I had a really terrific idea for one, too), I have decided not to do it. I know that I would be capable of making it all work -- but not at the expense of my sanity. I really feel like I should be able to balance everything, and I am kind of disappointed in myself for making such a big deal about it, then having it pretty much fizzle before it started. But, really, I think this is the better option for me. I'll be taking a full-time courseload (nine hours), which qualifies me for the financial aid that I need to get through the rest of the year. I switched out my Introduction to Hebrew language class for one in Introductory Japanese (which will come in very handy if Todd and I decide to teach in Asia next year), and I've got Beats and Hippies (we'll be reading Kerouac!), plus the ESL teaching. I think that's plenty. Plus, when I think about the upcoming semester, it doesn't make me want to curl up in a corner and habitually pull out small tufts of my own hair.

Which is, I suppose, the best that any graduate student can ask for.

Comments

[englishmann.livejournal.com]

it doesn't make me want to curl up in a corner and habitually pull out small tufts of my own hair

This is how I feel today. To a T.

[katernater.livejournal.com]

Oh no! D:

[eumelkeks.livejournal.com]

I always fail to understand the nuances. Sometimes graduates are people with degrees, sometimes they're the ones doing degrees. CURSE YOU, LOCAL DIVERSITIES!

[katernater.livejournal.com]

Language is a cruel mistress. XD

[another-myself.livejournal.com]

I'm proud of you, dearie. You made a good, logical decision.

<3

[katernater.livejournal.com]

And I am ninety percent sure that it's the right one. XD

[another-myself.livejournal.com]

Maybe the other ten percent just needs a beer?

[irisamelia.livejournal.com]

The decision I've made that's most similar to this was when I decided to leave the school paper before my last semester of undergrad. It really pained me because I knew I could balance everything – grad school apps, five classes, honor societies, etc. – but I also knew I would literally lose my mind in the process, as I was already near breaking point that penultimate semester.

I consider knowing your limits to be a tremendous sign of maturity, and I'm very proud of you to have made this pivotal choice! You won't regret it. ♥

[katernater.livejournal.com]

It's difficult, because I think that I would be able to do it, but in all likelihood, the other things that I am working on would suffer on account. We try to do so much, and rarely think about what it will mean for us in the long-term.

Thank you! I think I have made the right decision. :)

[ceitfianna]

That's a hard thing to decide, when too much is just too much. This sounds like the right choice for you and good luck. Last semesters are always far too busy.

[katernater.livejournal.com]

Thank you. :)

[msconduct.livejournal.com]

If you're interested in teaching in Japan, I thoroughly recommend Hamish Beaton's Under The Osakan Sun. In all the reading I've done about Japan, it's the book that best got over exactly what it's like to live and teach there.

[katernater.livejournal.com]

What a terrific recommendation. Thank you very much!

[hannahrorlove.livejournal.com]

Very well put, and I salute you on knowing yourself so deeply.