What would you do? - Page 2

terrivac · #16 07-22-2004, 01:32 PM

I was a GA and felt the same way you do. I was so sick of the routine, lack of money and time so I gave up the GA thinking I would take a year off and finish my Masters (I was half way done). Needless to say, 10 years later I have still not returned and just when I think I am ready for the grind I think of the money and freedom I have. So just finish now while you can. Beside if you need the money take out a Stafford Loan. Rates are lower than they have ever been and are projected to rise in 05/06. The rate is 2.77%. I have friends in grad school who work with me and get the tuition benefit (we work for a private college in Ohio) and they still took out a small stafford loan just for the cash because the rate is so low. Anyhow stay in school you won't regret it.

Terri

Carolina Girl · #17 07-22-2004, 03:15 PM

My vote would have to be stay in and finish now. I'm basing my vote on my personal experience. I am 35, married with a teenage son, a dog, a full time job, a house, etc., etc., and I am trying to finish my undergraduate degree. I have done accelerated classes, and it has still taken me four years to finish. I don't want to say I regret my decision not to finish school at the "normal" age, because my choices have made me the person I am (blah, blah, blah), I just know that it is extremely difficult to focus on school when there are all these other things that compete for my time and interest. So I say finish school while you're young and while it is your focus.

It's ultimately a personal decision based on many factors, and I wish you luck with whichever path you choose!

GypsySorcerer · #18 07-22-2004, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrivac

I was a GA and felt the same way you do. I was so sick of the routine, lack of money and time so I gave up the GA thinking I would take a year off and finish my Masters (I was half way done). Needless to say, 10 years later I have still not returned and just when I think I am ready for the grind I think of the money and freedom I have. So just finish now while you can. Beside if you need the money take out a Stafford Loan. Rates are lower than they have ever been and are projected to rise in 05/06. The rate is 2.77%. I have friends in grad school who work with me and get the tuition benefit (we work for a private college in Ohio) and they still took out a small stafford loan just for the cash because the rate is so low. Anyhow stay in school you won't regret it.

Terri

Thanks, Terri. You are right; I think it is hard to go back.

GypsySorcerer · #19 07-22-2004, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carolina Girl

My vote would have to be stay in and finish now. I'm basing my vote on my personal experience. I am 35, married with a teenage son, a dog, a full time job, a house, etc., etc., and I am trying to finish my undergraduate degree. I have done accelerated classes, and it has still taken me four years to finish. I don't want to say I regret my decision not to finish school at the "normal" age, because my choices have made me the person I am (blah, blah, blah), I just know that it is extremely difficult to focus on school when there are all these other things that compete for my time and interest. So I say finish school while you're young and while it is your focus.

It's ultimately a personal decision based on many factors, and I wish you luck with whichever path you choose!

Thanks. Finishing your degree in four years, when you're not going full-time, is quite the accomplishment. Congratulations!

amber · #20 07-22-2004, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GypsySorcerer

Thanks, Terri. You are right; I think it is hard to go back.

Naahhh, I've gone back twice now!

Seriously, though, that was mainly due to not being able to pick something.
AMber

Bryan · #21 07-22-2004, 03:33 PM

Most of you guys have spent/are spending the best part of your lives in school/ college..

I hope it's worth it..i hate to see people growing old and STILL studying to reach ''that point''.

WaterDragon · #22 07-22-2004, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GypsySorcerer

Thanks, Emily. It is always nice to hear from someone who's been there.

What are you studying? I'm getting my master's in communication, but I'd like to get my doctorate in education. My ultimate goal would be higher education administration. Good luck to you as well.

I'm working on my M.Ed. in Exercise Science. After this semester all I have left is to finish my thesis!

I love teaching, research, and sports, so being a professor in exercise physiology/science would be a dream job for me!

Take care and hang in there,
Emily