Since graduating April 2005 with my Bachelor's degree in English and History I have been on a quest of sorts, trying to figure out what I want to be "when I grow up." My passion is writing. I always have a notebook in my purse that I am constantly writing in. I finished a 450 pages novel last November that I am in the process of editing so that I can hopefully send it to a publisher by the end of this year and currently have two more novels I am working on. But, although I would love to be able to buy a house on the beach in San Diego and spend my days writing, I have to be realistic. Writing typically does not equal a viable way to support oneself unless you happen to be Stephenie Meyers or J.K. Rowling.
My mom has been pushing (lovingly) me since I graduated to go back and get a higher degree. She has often given me the Gordon B. Hinkley quote of, "Get all the education you can," and I have been feeling the need to go back to school. The only problem? What to get my degree in.
I know that education is important and, since it doesn't look like I will be getting married any time in the near future, it is important for me to be able to support myself and one day not have to live with any roommates. I have been weighing the options, spending a lot of time praying, fasting and going to the temple. Right now would be the perfect opportunity for me to get my Master's degree because I am working for the University of Phoenix and can get it basically for free!
About three weeks ago I had a dream. I dreamt that I had decided to go back to school and get my degree in Psychology and eventually become a Psychologist. When I woke up it was like a light switch had been turned on. Everything suddenly made sense. This is what I'm supposed to do! And Psychology is one of the degrees offered on-line at the University of Phoenix (a HUGE blessing because something else that has been holding me back from getting my Master's was the fact that I would only be able to work part-time and right now I can't afford to do that).
So I started the ball rolling. I applied for the Tuition Waiver at work and got it approved. I have talked to an Enrollment Counselor and have started filling out all the applications/paperwork necessary for me to start. Everything has just been falling into place and, although I'm nervous and a little bit scared about going back to school, I'm really excited! I will be staring my program on March 3rd. Right now UOP only has a Master's degree program in Psychology so I will have to go to a different school to get my PhD., but I'm choosing not to worry about that right now. This is what I'm supposed to be doing and I know the Lord will help me and show me the path to get where I'm supposed to be.
This has been a really testimony builder to me about prayer. The Lord DOES answer our prayers. It's not always exactly when we WANT the answer, but it's always when we NEED it. We just have to be patient, and continue to do what He asks us and trust in faith that the answer will come. Eventaully everything works out!
So...look me up in a few years. You can come sit on my couch and we'll talk.
