Forever Learning
Last night my parents, Jared and I went to see the movie The Secretariat. My dad treated us (Thanks again, dad.), and he told the ticket-taker that our group consisted of 3 adults and one student. I was puzzled for a moment, then realized that the student is me. I marveled at my dad's ingenuity, wondered if the ticket-taker would ask who the student was, and I said to myself--as I have for several weeks now-- I'm a student again. Wow. And I smiled within myself.
This is probably a good place to explain that I've wanted to be a student since I left BYU. Upon being transplanted to Colorado, I found that I was extemely lonely and very bored. As much as I love my family and have tried to be consistently and conscientiously devoted to them, I have always wanted to go back to school. I barely had time to think that thought during my novice, busy, and draining parenting years, but I did. I dreamed of taking spanish again, learning more about US history, completing my NATA (National Athletic Trainer's Association) certification hours and taking the exam, studying for and taking the CSCS(Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) exam, and taking more nutrition classes. Then, several years ago, I started diligently reading and highlighting every NJC class schedule that came in the mail. I went on-line and contacted UNC and requested a course catalog. I checked the BYU website to see what additional degrees and classes I might enjoy and what courses were offered online. Every time I investigated, I had the same thoughts: Not now. Too expensive. Too far away. Too time-consuming. Too stressful. Pay attention to the kids. I'd retreat to someone's room at naptime, and after they were read to, tucked in, and settled, I'd pull out my patriarchal blessing and re-read the section about learning and education. I re-read my favorite general conference addresses about mothers. I thought about my children, my personality, and promises that had been made...and then I'd take a deep breath, decide not to worry or dream or plan anymore that day, and go about my business. As the years passed I became more content with waiting. I still thought and planned and dreamed, but I knew my family needed to be first, and they needed all of me. Then, at a volleyball game one afternoon last fall, I had a conversation that altered my life a bit.
The conversation was with Cathy Starkebaum, a former PE teacher turned RN turned Sportsmedicine professional turned Junior High science teacher turned high school life sciences instructor. I knew Cathy and had worked with her on the accountability committee for a few years, but at the volleyball game I began talking to her about the DL (distance learning) classes she teaches at Haxtun. One of my questions was, "Do adults ever take the courses"? When she answered that she'd never had an adult enroll in a DL class but "couldn't see why not", something sparked inside of me. I doused the flame, turned my attention back to volleyball, and promptly forgot the conversation.
Fast-forward a few months: In May I was contemplating my current job working at Outback Fitness. I really like my job. It was an answer to prayer. Also, I'm my own boss. I set my expectations, share my ideas with others, and proceed. I choose and schedule my hours. I work alone or with clients, but not with someone looking over my shoulder. How ideal is that? And yet, it's not perfect. At my bosses' request, I work 2-3 hours a week after school. Although Jared arranges his schedule so he's usually home then, I look forward to the day that I can say good-bye to those hours. I know that as we get busier I'll want--or need--to be home every day at that time. As these thoughts were floating around in my mind, I also had a conversation with a friend of mine, during which she mentioned her job as a part-time professor at NJC. I have another good friend (Claire Gilliand) who also taught at NJC. Both she and Brooke loved their jobs and appreciated the flexibility that comes with teaching part-time. I'd thought about teaching, but had always pushed it from my mind. (Well, really, teaching at BYU is my dream job. I joke--kind of--about Jared retiring and moving so that I can fulfill that dream for a couple of years. If I'm gonna teach at BYU I've gotta prepare, right?) After my conversation with Brooke, I realized that teaching, in addition to being fun and challenging and satisfying, could be a solution to the working after school dilema.
So, here I am : a student once again, thinking of becoming a teacher. (Pefect, right? I think all teachers, both in the church and in academia, are really just students themselves. Or should be.) I feel so blessed that I have an opportunity to do something I love and that it's in a way that allows me to feel good about caring for my family and balancing life in general. I hope and believe that as I continue to practice patience and faith and try to put Hevenly Father first in my life, the "ways and means will [continue to be] provided in my life to accomplish the degree of learning and education that I desire".
Oh, yeah, my class is BIO 106 (Anatomy and Physiology). I took it about 16 years ago at BYU, and I've taken a few different advanced Anatomy/Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology classes, but I'm learning from this new curriculum. I look forward to every class. And my grade's not too bad, either. :-)
This is probably a good place to explain that I've wanted to be a student since I left BYU. Upon being transplanted to Colorado, I found that I was extemely lonely and very bored. As much as I love my family and have tried to be consistently and conscientiously devoted to them, I have always wanted to go back to school. I barely had time to think that thought during my novice, busy, and draining parenting years, but I did. I dreamed of taking spanish again, learning more about US history, completing my NATA (National Athletic Trainer's Association) certification hours and taking the exam, studying for and taking the CSCS(Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) exam, and taking more nutrition classes. Then, several years ago, I started diligently reading and highlighting every NJC class schedule that came in the mail. I went on-line and contacted UNC and requested a course catalog. I checked the BYU website to see what additional degrees and classes I might enjoy and what courses were offered online. Every time I investigated, I had the same thoughts: Not now. Too expensive. Too far away. Too time-consuming. Too stressful. Pay attention to the kids. I'd retreat to someone's room at naptime, and after they were read to, tucked in, and settled, I'd pull out my patriarchal blessing and re-read the section about learning and education. I re-read my favorite general conference addresses about mothers. I thought about my children, my personality, and promises that had been made...and then I'd take a deep breath, decide not to worry or dream or plan anymore that day, and go about my business. As the years passed I became more content with waiting. I still thought and planned and dreamed, but I knew my family needed to be first, and they needed all of me. Then, at a volleyball game one afternoon last fall, I had a conversation that altered my life a bit.
The conversation was with Cathy Starkebaum, a former PE teacher turned RN turned Sportsmedicine professional turned Junior High science teacher turned high school life sciences instructor. I knew Cathy and had worked with her on the accountability committee for a few years, but at the volleyball game I began talking to her about the DL (distance learning) classes she teaches at Haxtun. One of my questions was, "Do adults ever take the courses"? When she answered that she'd never had an adult enroll in a DL class but "couldn't see why not", something sparked inside of me. I doused the flame, turned my attention back to volleyball, and promptly forgot the conversation.
Fast-forward a few months: In May I was contemplating my current job working at Outback Fitness. I really like my job. It was an answer to prayer. Also, I'm my own boss. I set my expectations, share my ideas with others, and proceed. I choose and schedule my hours. I work alone or with clients, but not with someone looking over my shoulder. How ideal is that? And yet, it's not perfect. At my bosses' request, I work 2-3 hours a week after school. Although Jared arranges his schedule so he's usually home then, I look forward to the day that I can say good-bye to those hours. I know that as we get busier I'll want--or need--to be home every day at that time. As these thoughts were floating around in my mind, I also had a conversation with a friend of mine, during which she mentioned her job as a part-time professor at NJC. I have another good friend (Claire Gilliand) who also taught at NJC. Both she and Brooke loved their jobs and appreciated the flexibility that comes with teaching part-time. I'd thought about teaching, but had always pushed it from my mind. (Well, really, teaching at BYU is my dream job. I joke--kind of--about Jared retiring and moving so that I can fulfill that dream for a couple of years. If I'm gonna teach at BYU I've gotta prepare, right?) After my conversation with Brooke, I realized that teaching, in addition to being fun and challenging and satisfying, could be a solution to the working after school dilema.
So, here I am : a student once again, thinking of becoming a teacher. (Pefect, right? I think all teachers, both in the church and in academia, are really just students themselves. Or should be.) I feel so blessed that I have an opportunity to do something I love and that it's in a way that allows me to feel good about caring for my family and balancing life in general. I hope and believe that as I continue to practice patience and faith and try to put Hevenly Father first in my life, the "ways and means will [continue to be] provided in my life to accomplish the degree of learning and education that I desire".
Oh, yeah, my class is BIO 106 (Anatomy and Physiology). I took it about 16 years ago at BYU, and I've taken a few different advanced Anatomy/Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology classes, but I'm learning from this new curriculum. I look forward to every class. And my grade's not too bad, either. :-)
Oh wow Havilah congratulations! You shared some things that I totally identify with. I would also love to go back to school...one day.
ReplyDeleteI know that now isn't that time and my kids need me here but I hope when that day comes,I can be as brave and excited as you are. This sounds so amazing for you! I hope you love it and you get to do what you've always wanted to do.