Crossroads

I feel that I am at a very large crossroad in my life. Right now I am a sophomore at Bowling Green State University double majoring in Secondary Education in Integrated Language Arts and Theatre Design and Technology.

Back when I was in high school and had to declare my major before I came to college, I decided on declaring the education major because it made more sense and I figured I would be able to get a job easier in that field, but all the while I knew I wanted to do theatre. My first year at college was alright. The adviser that I had to schedule my classes with for my fall semester kind of messed me over. Being an education major, I had to take Intro to Education, so I did, and then I filled my schedule with other classes that I needed. Something that I was not told when I scheduled my classes was that in taking Intro to Education, I would have to do field experience in schools. That's all good with me, as I want to do that, but what they didn't tell me was that there was a class I could take that would bus me to a local school and I would get my experience there. Because of that I had to find my hours elsewhere, and I found them at a place for mentally handy caped individuals. Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against mentally handy caped individuals and what I did was very rewarding, but that was not what I needed for my class. Either way I got everything done I needed to, so it worked out in the end.

Also, whenever I had asked about double majoring with the powers that be they said not to worry about it and just focus on education. So in other words when I told the school I was interested in saying here longer and giving them more money, they said no. Oh if only I had talked to one of the financial people, they would have let me.

Now to tie that anecdote into the real meaning of this post. Bowling Green claims to be a great school for future educators, and from what I have seen it is, but I didn't have any real experience with students that are in the grade levels that I will eventually be teaching until the fall of my second year. I really didn't like that it was happening at that time, as I was told before I came to Bowling Green that I would be in the classroom in my first year, but when I did get that experience, I knew that education is something I can and want to do. Also during that semester, I took a basic scenic arts class because it fit into my major and I really enjoy theatre. In that class I had to work in the theatre shop. During my time there my passion for theatre was re-lit. So I inquired with the powers that be again with my double major desire, and this time I was told that I can do that.

Eventually, in one of the final meetings I had to make it official, the staff member I met with was trying to convince me that I shouldn't do the double major again. Either way I got it done.

Now onto the real thing behind this post. I want to be an educator and I want to work in theatre. My plan once was to graduate with both degrees and find a teaching job where I am also in charge or working with the drama department. Lately my desires have been changing... Being a theatre major Bowling Green requires you to work in the theatre in your area, my area being design and technology, I work in the shop. I have been having an absolutely love it there and my time there has been the best time of my college experience.

Seeing the joy that I have been getting from theatre I am wondering if that education is right for me. I want to get more involved with the theatre and theatre events at BG. I am in a fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, but I do not think that it is fulfilling every need that I have. I will be joining more organizations so that I can feel more fulfilled.

As of late I have come up with a new "life" plan for me. Graduate with my two degrees. If I do not find a teaching job within two years (with the way things are, this is probably going to happen) apply for my theatre masters at a college.... then eventually get my PHD, and then become a professor or instructor at a college.

I just really don't know what to do right now. So far this past week I have been in the theatre until at least 2 am most nights working on the lighting for the show that is next weekend. Because of that I have been getting little sleep. Add that to my class load and the work I had already signed up for to do in the theatre, and you would normally get a very stressed and tired person. I am the complete opposite of that. This past week has been amazing and I wouldn't change any part of it for the world. I just don't know if I want to completely focus on one, or be practical and get my education degree.

I guess that's it for now. Had to get that off my chest.