Going Back to School Again

I wish someone had told me to go to school for Business even if I didn't know what I wanted to do because it would go a long way in whatever career I choose to enter. I probably wouldn't have listened, though.

So now I'm almost 30 and applying again to go back to college! For an Associates in Business. If you've read my profile, you know that I went back to school in the fall of '07 for Photography. I made a lot of great new friends, was great with the work that I turned out, and LOVED it. This is what I want to do....it's who I am....a Photographer. But I have a lot to learn, my skill can definitely be improved upon.

When I first applied, I was very nervous. I worried, will I be able to make the grade? Can we afford it? Wow, all the thoughts that raced through my head: how will I get supper on the table, will my employer work with this schedule, how will we afford the film, paper, etc..... Exam time was particularly difficult for my family! But they were very supportive of me and I got a 4.0 gpa! I was so incredibly proud of myself.

I was very angry when my husband announced that we were moving and cried for several days. I still cry when I think about the friends I've moved away from and the school I loved. I would no longer be able to get my Associates in Photography. I've looked around where I am and there are two colleges that offer photography. One offers a certificate- it has a few courses that would be very beneficial to me. The other is a four year college and will cost way more than I could afford, aside from making me take completely unrelated courses for two years before really being able to get involved in photography!

Well, now, with things what they have been being - my current employer going under, my husband working a commission only job, and the economy falling apart - I've been thinking that perhaps I can go back to school for an Associates Degree in Business? After all, I don't want to work for a studio, I want to own my own photography business! So, this Degree would pay off! Until I am able to contribute to the support of myself and my family, it would also help me land a good paying job that I can enjoy!

So, once again, I've placed an application at a technical college and am currently awaiting their acceptance letter. Then, we will have to figure out all of the financial aid - I'm shooting for a complete tuition scholarship. Hopefully, it will make sense to start school over the summer. Or, if not, then I will start next fall. Either way, I'm psyched about it. I know I will be an outstanding student and that, ultimately, having that Associates Degree in Business will have financially rewarding benefits for my family!

My suggestion for anyone preparing/thinking about going to college, or waiting because you don't know what you want to do: Go for business. There is not a job/career/life out there that the knowledge from this degree would not benefit. While you're in school is the time to find out what you want to do (if you don't already know); then, minor in that.