Back to the Classroom

Have I thought a lot about applying to graduate school? Not really.

Was it the economic crisis or tough job market that influenced me? Nope, sure wasn’t.

Did I think before I leapt? Actually, no. (Granted I’m not there quite yet!)

My thought process was surprisingly short and painless. Why? Because, it just feels right. After nearly two decades in school, why wouldn’t going back to classrooms and notebooks be something that comes naturally to me?

School was always my thing. My sister had sports, I had textbooks. I wasn’t necessarily exceptional at math or science, I was exceptional at school. I spent those 17 years being good at homework, tests, attendance and the bare minimum of class participation.

And the sad thing? After those 17 years of being an exemplary student, I realized I’ve never really felt like I’ve learned as much as I could. I always had an end goal, an A in the class, graduation, etc. My full-time work experience has been invaluable – I have a much better understanding of what I want to do with my life, and what I don’t.

Most people react the same way when I say I’m applying to school. “Already?” or “Why now?” My parents had their own distinct reaction, “how are you going to pay for it?” Over the past six months, I’ve watched Carla decide to go to grad school and then examine her choice more closely a few weeks in. I have to agree with her when she wrote, “…I realized that each professional decision is a personal decision. Professionals, colleagues, parents and friends may advise you – but you make the right decision for you.”

So, I want to go back. And I want to mean it. It’s only now after being chained to a (school) desk for the better part of my life do I really feel like I have the freedom, and the desire, to learn more.

-Rachel