Well, it is finally here -- the end of 2011. This has been an amazing year for me. I have gone from being unemployed to having a great job at the University of Phoenix. I have left my home of the past twelve years to move into a rental townhome that suits me and my son perfectly. I am in the process of selling my old home, and praise God, we have an offer and the opportunity to close by January 31st! Of course, there are snaggles -- but when has that ever been not the case, eh? My entire life is one huge snaggle-fest, so this is going to be no different. I am trusting the Lord to provide for me, to show the way, and to close this deal. I know this will be, I know it, so now I am content to rest and let Him do whatever He needs to do.
As I look forward into 2012, I see some very happy days ahead. First of all, I will start my last semester at Mercy College on January 25th. I am enrolled in Humanism in Renaissance Texts and Thesis Seminar. I wasn't too sure I wanted to study Humanism, but I do like the Renaissance period, so the texts might actually be ones I am familar with -- perhaps some Locke or other Philosophy. My two and one-half years at Mercy will come to a close with my graduation, May 19th. I am not planning on attending it, but I will order my cap/gown so I can have a picture taken here in Phoenix. I will be a Masters graduate! Hooray!!
In July, my nephew is getting married to his High School sweetheart. They make an adorable couple, and clearly are in love with one another. I am very happy for them. They have good plans -- both work for Apple (Retail), and have good jobs. My neice-in-law, is still in school, and has a very good future ahead of her regardless of what she chooses to do after graduation. My nephew is super-talented and has opportunities for great expression in the movie/music industry. They are well set and I know that the Lord will bless their union, and give them a good future together.
I had planned on starting advanced studies at UOPX in August, but now have had some second thoughts about whether or not this is the best program for me. I like it, but the Lord has pressed a new school into my subconcious, and it seems to be pulling me away from Phoenix, and over to the Midwest.
Earlier in the year, the Lord and I discussed options for school. At that time, I was considering two schools: Regent University and UOPX. I have since found out that I cannot start Regent this summer, due to a conflict in scheduling. Therefore, I set that aside and concentrated on UOPX. In the interim, the Lord directed me towards a program at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. It is an ED.D in Reading, Language and Literature. At first, I was put off by how hard the program would be, how much work was involved, and the very fact, that it was going to be SO EXPENSIVE to attend there. I discounted the program, thinking it was not going to be a good fit for me.
Now, however, I have been asked to reconsider it and this time, it seems far more doable. It is 100 semester hours, and the specialty in Language offers me the opportunity study what interests me most -- educational psychology and language acquisition theory. This is something I am passionate about, and something that seems to come round to me every time I write a paper at Mercy. I am always thinking about how we process language, and how we communicate our thoughts on paper. Language and literacy are the two interests for me, and this doctorate program would allow me to study both.
I cannot enroll at this school until Fall 2013, so right now, I am strongly considering going there after a year off break. The break will allow me to settle into my job at UOPX, and will give me downtime to rest and recover. I am worn out, tired of school right now, and struggling to keep up with life. I am looking forward to the long break, and to starting the next level of school when I am fresh and ready to do so.
I am not sure how UOPX will factor into the mix. I do get tuition assistance, but if I am taking a program similar to what they offer -- they may not pay for it. However, they do not offer the RLL concentration, and that is what I want, so perhaps it will work out and I will get some assistance in paying for this school.
As I contemplate the future, I am secure in the knowledge that my career is fixed in higher education administration. I see myself working at UOPX or another college until I am able to retire. I want to stay in education, and I want to continue my advanced studies in education. I feel confident that this is my future, and that I am on the right track now. I don't know if I will remain in Phoenix long-term, but for now, it seems that everything is working out as it is supposed to do so. I am happy in my new home, in my new job, and in my college choice. I am waiting now, waiting for the provision to come through, and waiting for rest -- the time I need to recharge and get ready to tackle a doctorate in Education.
May God be Praised on this last day of 2011. He has been faithful to me, and has seen me through some very difficult times. I am so ready to be used, to go where He sends me, and to do the work He has prepared for me to do. I am ready now to start my new future in 2012. I know it will be blessed, and I give all the testimony and praise to God!
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