https://twitter.com/JoshuaMTerry/status/461500128486907904
Yes, it’s true! Four years after graduating college, and seven years after leaving the University of Ottawa, I’m headed back to get my long desired B.A!
I’ve always had the desire to go back and finish what I started, but the timing never lined up. However, with job stability, my own place and the time to do it, I am headed back to school. I’ll be studying at Ryerson, for a Bachelor of Arts in Governance and Public Administration.
I think what I’m taking with me this time is far more life experience than when I went to Ottawa in 2006. I really wasn’t ready to be so far away from the people I cared about most; I was a naive 18-year old and while I was successful in my classes, the people that I lived with in second year were… shall we say, not nice. This time around, I have the benefit of my own place, a full-time job and a program that is not only part-time, but geared towards people working in the public sector like myself.
My expectations are different this time too. When I went to Ottawa, I figured it would be much like high school: I would do well in my classes with very little effort. While I did well academically (except for stupid philosophy classes, which are awful), it sure as hell wasn’t easy. Luckily, I’ll be close to home and have friends/family who can help me out while things get crazy with school.
At the moment, the plan is to start with one or two classes for the first semester, and ease back in to it. If I think I can take on more in future semesters, I will. That said, I’m not in a rush: it’s a part-time program and I’ll be sure to take my time and do it right. My workload between work and school also needs to be factored in, and time with precious Atticus also must be considered.
Someone was teasing me, saying I’ll be a “mature” student. In fact, I think the opposite is going to be true: I’ll likely be one of the younger students in my program, as it is geared to those working in the public sector already. Then I was told I’ll need to blog about the experience: while I hope to be able to, obviously reading, homework and papers will take priority.
All in all, though, I’m excited. I think the combination of my communications experience and good background in the public policy world is going to be good and help me achieve my long-term goals. Sure, it’s a bit selfish to be focused on “me,” but whatever… At some point, you need to forget what others want from you and do what you want to do. For me, that starts in September with my return to campus.
Chronicles of a Gin and Tonic Drinker 