I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but I always think about going back to school. I’m sure that it’s just the “back-to-school” season that does it to me. Usually the “feeling” subsides within a few days, but sometimes it pesters me for weeks.
The Bachelor’s of General Studies at BYU (BGS) sounds interesting, especially since I’m a former BYU student. There is also a program at UVSC, which is now UVU, which is interesting too. The BGS program would be almost entirely on-line with Independent Study, which means I can start the class and have a year to complete it. But on the other hand, they want me to complete the degree within 8 years. So that means I can’t take 1 year to complete each course. The UVU degree I’m interested in would be a combination between computers and business. It's the Information Systems degree. It would be more specific to my current job in the computer industry.
Since Symantec has tuition reimbursement, I wonder if my supervisor would approve the BGS degree. It’s about $400 per class (3 credits), plus books on top of that. If I finish one class, I start the next, right? The only thing with the Symantec tuition benefit is that I have to remain with Symantec for 6 months after they reimburse, or I have to pay them back. That’s certainly something to take into consideration in this unstable market. On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree would help me if I need to look for work again.
Although the UVU degree has a lot of classes on-line, or other out-of-class options, there would be a lot of classes that I’d have to actually sit in class for. For that reason, I lean towards the BGS degree at BYU.
I told Jessica I have a goal to finish my bachelor’s degree. I’ve had that goal ever since I got my Associates of Applied Science in 1989. (WOW! HAS IT REALLY BEEN 20 YEARS?) But I’m no where closer to that goal than I was 20 years ago. Maybe it’s really time to start, especially since the kids are nearly all out of school. Maybe working on a degree would encourage Jessica to want to go to college.
Or once again, am I putting too much on myself and setting myself up for failure? I don’t know. It continues to be a goal that I’d like to accomplish someday. Maybe I just need to get started.
11 months ago
It's a personal decision. I think the quote from Mark Twain that my daughter shared today is a good one: "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." I think that a degree is nice. There are a lot of reasons why, and one of those is a sense of accomplishment that you "finished" something. But education doesn't have to be a degree or school or certification, etc. Of course, you know that. I think choosing to go back to earn a degree is admirable. But I also think living a wonderful life of learning WITHOUT a degree is JUST as admirable! One thing I wonder about is how much is the required course-work agenda driven rather than truly education-based. There are a lot of things to consider. In the end, you will just have to make the choice of whether or not it is the right time or the right thing for you. Then "Do What is Right, Let the Consequence Follow." :)
ReplyDeleteWith the kids older now, it may be something you could do, but you have to weigh whether the time constraints are worth it. Can you do your housework, go to your job and the temple, do your callings and be there for Jessica and the boys when they need you? Some women might be able to do it, but I'm not one that could. It's your decision and it's an admirable goal if you can do it. If you can honestly say yes, then go for it. I have no doubt that you've got what it takes.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone! All the above reasons are why, still after 20 years, I'm still even thinking about a degree.
ReplyDeleteSomeday.
In the mean time, I've had fun learning and reading about a LOT of other things.