Let’s Talk About School
I walked out onto our back patio deck yesterday and Josh had set up a beautiful Mexican dinner for us. We’d just ordered new wicker bistro patio furniture (table w/ textured glass and two accompanying chairs) and he’d assembled them on the sly. When I went out back to see my surprise, he had a spread of steak quesadillas (loaded with white cheese- Heaven!) and steak tacos + tongue tacos; extra sweet tea, lots of red and green sauces + flowers in vases and even a boombox hidden under the table playing classical music. Pretty fantastic.
I’ve been torturing myself daily on my career paths. I’m sad to say that Forensic Science is out. That (and CSI in general) is my dream job, but it’s just not possible to get a Forensic Science degree online, and in my current situation, distance ed. is my only option. I’m going to have to go with my 2nd career choice- clinical psychology. But hey, it’s not like I’m upset about it! I’ve found a reputable college with a PhD program (all online). Of course, when it’s time to do the internship, I’ll have to obtain dual residency in both states (Indiana and Kentucky) because the school is in Kentucky- 4 hours away, but I’m in Indiana. When it’s time for all of that, I’ll think about picking up a small efficiency apartment for $500 per month or so, and keep the home Josh and I own in Indiana.
My next move will be to begin working on my B.S. in Psychology at IU East, but there’s one more tiny setback: I won’t qualify for the Frank O’Bannon award there because I didn’t add their school code to my FAFSA between January-March of last year. it may not seem like much of a setback to some people, but that’s an additional $1,300 per semester that I desperately need that doesn’t require paying back.
Therefore, it looks like I’ll be doing Vincennes for two more semesters (working on my 2nd Associates in criminal justice) so that I can add IU’s school code between Jan-March of next year. Afterwards, I’ll attend IU East for my B.S. in Psychology and then transfer over to work on my M.A. in either Forensic Psychology at NDU or Educational Psychology (aka “school psychology”) at Ball State and then transfer yet again to University of the Cumberlands (in Kentucky) to work on my PhD in Clinical Psychology. Unless I’m completely settled in my ultimate career path, I’m just no good. I’ve pretty much mapped out my entire next decade so now I can chill. 🙂
It’s going to be a long road but I’m in it for the long haul. Suffice to say, I’ll be in school for the next 7-9 years, minimally. My classes for this fall semester are:
Juvenile Delinquency
Intro to Forensic Science
Criminal Investigations
Procedural Criminal Law
My kind of stuff. I still have 6 full weeks of vacation/relaxation before my fall term begins. Josh will be hanging up our rope hammock swing out back (for good summer reading under the ole shade tree) and assembling our new patio hammock too. I don’t have much to complain about; life is pretty good to me/us. ♥
m o n o c h r o m e j u n k i e † 
ohh you are finding your way B and nothing NOTHING will stop you. I admire you so much and I am glad you have this chance to rest up and regroup. And Yay for Josh, What a sweetie. Joy is made greater when shared. Thanks for sharing. x
July 5, 2014 at 4:52 pm
Hey Y, thanks for your unwavering support- always! I think of you soooo much when thinking about what major to pursue, etc. I recently found a school WGU (Western Governor’s University) which was created from 19 governors so that working/older adults could return to school. The reviews are really good for the school but it’s competency-based. Also, they go by a flat-rate tuition policy, so for $2,800 (for a 6 month term), you can take as many courses that you like. Some people are taking 15-20 courses per term- flying through their course work- and obtaining their B.S. in as little as 1 year. I was (almost) going to move in that direction and was considering becoming an elementary school teacher. My two career path choices were: elementary school teacher vs. working with sociopathic serial killers in forensic psychology- ha). I swear I’m not making this up, when I was thinking about signing onto the elementary teaching thing- I heard your voice (from somewhere “out there”) saying, “Nooooo. Don’t do it!” I’m serious! So, given that + my growing feelings of apprehension and trepidation when thinking about that, I flipped the coin and chose clinical psychology instead. All of the anxiety and stress disappeared immediately, so I know I made the right decision. Man it sucks being a perfectionist! But- thanks for the sound advice you probably didn’t know you gave me…heheh.. xo
July 5, 2014 at 5:04 pm
you totally have my vote here! so I was hauting you aye? hahaha!!! I know you would be great as a teacher and I think you already are in many ways . . . but you have even more to give the world in this career choice and your children’s book is already a wonderful way to bless young ones. Where may I read it btw???
July 5, 2014 at 5:14 pm
Maaaan, you busted me on your surprise! I ordered an extra copy for you and am sending you a signed copy. 🙂 I’ll be shipping it out on Tuesday( along with your super awesome homemade taffy): I think you’ll get a kick out of it. ;0)
July 5, 2014 at 5:18 pm
I’m happy everything’s working out for you.
July 5, 2014 at 5:30 pm
Thanks. :0) I’m the worst when it comes to actually choosing a career path and setting it in stone. (I’ve decided to be everything but a plumber, but haven’t scratched that possibility off the list altogether…heheh.)
July 5, 2014 at 5:40 pm
That photo is amazing! Seriously! It’s early in the morning and I really feel like eating mexican food right now. So happy for you!! Hope you are well and to talk to you soon! ❤
July 7, 2014 at 8:39 am
Hey Amy! So good to see you and I hope things are going well for you. (No doubt you’re loading up on lots of psych. info + chocolates!) I’ve missed the tar out of you. Keep in touch! 😉
July 8, 2014 at 2:16 pm
Thanks monochrome! It feels good to have the tar missed out of me! I’ve missed the tar out of you, too 😉
July 8, 2014 at 4:40 pm