Exciting News

If you are already in college, or have just decided to start, you will begin to experience exciting news. Whether it's getting an A on a test you studied for or finding out you will be starting college classes next semester, college is the beginning of an exciting time in your life.

Some people in my family do not understand my reason for going to school. If I could give them a concrete answer, maybe they would be satisfied. Sometimes I don't know what my actual job will be, but I know going to college will help me decide. This uncertainty scares them but excites me. I enjoy writing, researching, and public relations. I like to create newsletters, press releases, and blog posts. I want a career that helps communicate the goals of an organization. It feels good to know what I want instead of having to take whatever I can get. Going to college and completing a degree has given me a reason to believe I can do anything I want to do.

Each of us has a unique story to tell while we are going back to school as adults. I started in 2005 and after this semester I only need to take a few more classes and I will have my bachelor's degree. It feels good knowing all of my hard work and sacrifice has brought me to this point. About a month ago I applied for a position that would allow me to write, be creative, and relate to the public. I eagerly submitted my cover letter and resume, with help from the career center. Out of 50 applicants I was chosen to be interviewed. Then the field was narrowed down to four and I was interviewed again. I was anticipating good news when the employer called and told me I was now one of the final two. Wow! I felt so excited knowing I was being considered for employment with an organization that appreciated communication, creativity, and education.

Yesterday I had my third interview with the highest person on the organizational chart. It felt good to relate my life experiences with my educational background. Unlike past interviews where I would be one of the final candidates with lots of experience, but no college degree, this time I had both. As I proudly showed examples of my writing and talked about what I have learned in college as an adult, I realized how much my education has helped me both personally and professionally.

It has taken me many years to appreciate the opportunities life can offer. Many times I have felt there were no choices, only demands to please others, and once they were happy, then I would be happy. But that's not the way it works, first you have to please yourself. I try to convey this message to my grown children so they won't live their lives thinking they cannot do what they really want to do. But they look at me like I am from another world. Sometimes they believe the choices they have made up to this point cannot be changed. In certain circumstances they are right, especially when it comes to family. But being a Mom or Dad is something to be proud of. Being a Mom or Dad who goes back to school is definitely something to be proud of. Being a parent takes discipline and responsibility, just like becoming a college student later in life.

I left that third interview feeling I had much to offer my potential employer. Hopefully they will call and say, "You're hired!" My next post will give the answer. Until then I hope the college light of exciting news shines on you.

Roxanne Bocyck