RE: Returning Student Support Thread. (Full Version)

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shawke -> RE: Returning Student Support Thread. (7/30/2008 5:38:35 PM)

I was going to Woodland Hills, but for the last year or so I've been going to a little neighborhood church a block away from my house. There's maybe 75 members, if that. A lot of the congregation also went to Northwestern and B.



shawke -> RE: Returning Student Support Thread. (7/30/2008 5:39:16 PM)

quote:

Steve - I howled about your being asked if you do other public speaking.....

So did I, Lisa. [:D]



floydette -> RE: Returning Student Support Thread. (7/31/2008 10:18:00 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: shawke

I was going to Woodland Hills, but for the last year or so I've been going to a little neighborhood church a block away from my house. There's maybe 75 members, if that. A lot of the congregation also went to Northwestern and B.


Woodland Hills - is that Greg's church? If so, what a switch in sizes! Much take alittle adjustment.



nancycarolcss08 -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/17/2008 2:22:21 PM)

Hi!
Going back to school is tough, but with God's mercy, strength and love, we can acomplish his goals through him. God led me to a wonderful school where I can study at home and have a rewarding and personally fulfilling career when I graduate. I love to type and I am very detail oriented, so what better profession than medical trnascription! [:D]I have been in the medical profession for years and plan to stay in the field, unless God directs me to another path. The program is interactive, comprehensive and fun, and I receive support every step of the way!
Nancy
MT Student

(edited TOS 13)



rgod -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/19/2008 10:01:30 AM)

I've just gotten some bad news. I thought that I had switched to a shorter program last year so that I could finish school in May 2009. Well. Turns out that switching was not as easy as I thought and I missed the window for the switch (no one told me anything about it - and because the program is fairly new - nothing was written down in its final form). So ... the chair - who is new and a "by the book" kind of guy - has said that I will not be able to enter the program until August 2009.

So to complete this degree it would take an additional year but to be honest, I don't really want to be in the program at all. It used to be closely aligned with film - which I was (and still am) quite interested in. However, the year that I entered, there was a political problem with the film department and now we don't have access to anything - cameras, instruction, etc. I was trying to stick it out - but I was really dissapointed with my classes - I wasn't learning what I wanted to learn or getting any type of feedback (that was the major problem - so I don't feel like I'm getting any better at what I'm doing). However, it definitely wasn't a waste because I learned a lot about what I didn't want to do and about what I wanted to do. In other words, I found my calling and my niche - but I found that it wasn't here.

So now, my only reason for completing the program is because I only have five more classes - and I don't want my money to go down the drain. I've been really dragging my feet when it comes to enrolling in classes because I'm not interested in what is offered (the staff is really lean so they only offer a couple of classes in my department per semester to grad students). Under the previous chair, we had some flexibility and my plan was to complete a thesis project that would allow me to do what I really want to do - which is write and produce a dramatic production. The old chair was so open that he'd stand with me to try to get into classes in different departments if needed. However, I don't think that I'll be able to do this now, unless my advisor is able to intervene.

Have you ever been walking carefully on a patch of ice, then all of a sudden you are on the ground and you can barely believe that you've fallen? This is kind of how I feel. I had the entire year planned out and was thinking about what would be next for me and now everything has been changed. I don't even know what I'm going to be doing next week.

Appreciate your prayers.



ShallbeRebuilt -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/19/2008 10:09:08 AM)

rgod:

I'll be praying, but really this sounds more like God working to turn you in a more productive direction than the one you've been pursuing. Of course it is hard to do when you are so close to the end. I pray God will minister to you that He never wastes anything.

Meanwhile, I encourage you to consider going ahead and changing your degree. This life is too short to stay in classes that are not furthering the calling God has given you.

shallbe



rgod -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/19/2008 11:24:54 AM)

Thanks ShallbeRebuilt. I'm ok with either going back or not going back to complete this degree - it is just disconcerting to be going in one direction and then all of a sudden to not know where you are going. But, the bible says that a man might plan his way but the Lord directs the path - so I am open. I appreciate your prayers!

rgod



ShallbeRebuilt -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/19/2008 12:22:48 PM)

I'm not real fond of the "rug pulled out from under me" feeling, either. I'll be praying!

shallbe



debilyn -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/19/2008 12:33:58 PM)

Rgod, first, let me say that I'm praying things work out for you.

Second, I just have to bring up ol' Joseph (remember that multicolored coat?). He changed directions a lot of times in his career, didn't he? [;)] We're talking accounting (under Potiphar), administrating (while in jail) - he was redirected (through no fault of his own) a couple of times. In the end, it was all worth it because he was ultimately in charge of a job that required both sets of skills - learned under difficult circumstances, but all under God's ultimate direction. While we never know the end of the path that God sees, we just have to trust he gives us what we need when the time comes.

I'm sure you'll make the best, prayerful decision you can. God obviously has something special in store. All the best....



rgod -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/19/2008 1:17:56 PM)

Thanks Shallbebuilt and debilyn - you guys are the best. I appreciate your insight and your prayers. Now we'll just wait to see what God has in store ...



rgod -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/20/2008 3:30:28 PM)

Well - I met with my advisor and he put forth a plan ... so it looks like I might be able to complete my MA at this school this year AND write/produce the audio drama, which is the best of both worlds. It has to be approved, but we'll see. I'm open ... and the best part is that I might be able to substitute two classes for other courses ... (the two classes are nice, but I already have a background in them and they aren't what I really want to learn.)

I also contacted a museum in the area that contains the research information that will help me to develop my script. The director of the center was very welcoming and seemed like a neat person. I can't believe that the museum is here - and that it is only an hour away from me. They have an archival collection - which is great - and they've been collecting oral histories over the past year on the specific people that I want to write the drama about (ha ha!). Plus they actually have some film as well which is rare since this was around the early 1900s.

So, if everything goes well - I have a good base from which to conduct my research - and I already have the training for conducting additional oral histories if I need to do so (woo hoo!).

Additionally, I had been torn between doing an audio or visual work for my thesis. While I decided to do an audio work, I really, really, really wanted to do both but was concerned about limits in time, money, and access to research information as well as actors and others who could speak knowledgeably on the topic. Well ... the director of the museum wants to do a visual documentary - she has the background information - but she needs an intern to write the script and help pull everything together. So, perhaps it might be possible for me to do both ... an audio drama for my thesis - while simultaneously working with the documentary. While I'd be very busy - both would be absolutely wonderful to work on as they would not only increase knowledge but would artistically allow me to be able to write for both mediums, edit video, and do a bit of directing as well.

It is amazing how things turn around so quickly when the Lord is involved. A lot of this is tentative, but I'm excited.

Anyway, that is the update. Thanks for prayer ... I'm excited to see what the Lord is going to do next ...



ShallbeRebuilt -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/20/2008 6:09:45 PM)

rgod;

So glad to hear God is working things out for you in the direction you so desired! He is amazing!

I am glad to report that I was able to test out of a 1 hour class that would otherwise have required me to drive to school 5 days a week instead of three. I will need to test out of the sequel class in the spring, but I am not concerned: I'll be able to do it easily.

Please pray for me as I prepare for the French CLEP exam which I will take, God willing, 8/29. It would be wonderful if I could test out of all 12 hours. I don't really anticipate that happening, but I'm going to give it the old "college try" (haha) and see what God does.

shallbe



rgod -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/20/2008 6:57:20 PM)

quote:

I am glad to report that I was able to test out of a 1 hour class that would otherwise have required me to drive to school 5 days a week instead of three. I will need to test out of the sequel class in the spring, but I am not concerned: I'll be able to do it easily.

Please pray for me as I prepare for the French CLEP exam which I will take, God willing, 8/29. It would be wonderful if I could test out of all 12 hours. I don't really anticipate that happening, but I'm going to give it the old "college try" (haha) and see what God does.


Praise the Lord ShallbeRebuilt!!!!!! I'm glad to know that your weekly commute will be shorter :) I'll also pray for you concerning the French CLEP.



debilyn -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/21/2008 9:02:18 AM)

[sm=dance.gif] Yea, rgod and ShallbeRebuilt!! I'm so glad you both are getting things worked out. Hope for the best in your other endeavors.

I start my history class next week. I'm not looking forward to the tests in this professor's class, but I understand he is a great lecturer. That's very important. At least I won't be tempted to fall asleep in class. [;)]
I'm excited, but a little nervous, too.



rgod -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/23/2008 9:21:14 AM)

quote:

I start my history class next week. I'm not looking forward to the tests in this professor's class, but I understand he is a great lecturer. That's very important. At least I won't be tempted to fall asleep in class.
I'm excited, but a little nervous, too.


debilyn - I'm excited for you - let us know how things go after class next week! I'm signed up for class too - I'm excited about one of them because it deals with audio production and music. The other will be good too as it deals with designing interactive experiences.



rgod -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/26/2008 12:39:21 AM)

When is everyone starting back? I just started back today. My audio class is going to be interesting. How's the workload this semester for everyone?



Grace-N-Mercy -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/26/2008 6:24:29 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rgod

When is everyone starting back? I just started back today. My audio class is going to be interesting. How's the workload this semester for everyone?


Hi, rgod. My classes began last Monday, 8/18. I'm taking a diversity class the first 8 weeks, and a psychology/theology class the second 8 weeks (to start in October). Also, I took a one-week intensive last week that was in Virginia (all my other classes are online). So basically, this puts me at full-time for the semester. If all works out, I'll do it again next semester, too. But for right now, I feel slammed! [:)] But I shouldn't complain... my son will be taking six classes this upcoming semester.



rgod -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/26/2008 6:04:58 PM)

Wow Grace-N-Mercy - sounds like you have a lot on your plate. But it also sounds really good too. It is great that you can split semesters the way that you've been able to.

How was the intensive? Is it a bit strange to interact with your classmates face-to-face after spending so much time interacting with them online?



Grace-N-Mercy -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/26/2008 6:23:39 PM)

It does keep me busy, but I like it that way. [:D] And yeah, I like the split semesters too because you can focus on just one class at a time, even if it is just 8 weeks long.

Actually, most of the people in the intensive were people I've never "met" before. The program is HUGE. But we're in small classes of no more than 20 at a time (except for the intensives) so it feels more intimate.

Now what is an audio class? Is that similar to taking the class online?



rgod -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/26/2008 6:36:19 PM)

I've been thinking about taking online courses for some of my additional graduate work and then doing intensives - so it is interesting to hear how it is structured. I think it is great that you have small classes - I like those best because you get a chance to know people a bit better.

The audio class that I am taking teaches how to record, mix, and edit audio for radio, television, and film. It is a face-to-face hands-on class with a lab, although there is an online component as well. I've always wanted to do sound design and years ago dreamt of being a film composer. The best part is that I'll be able to focus on writing dialogue, working with sound for video and film, as well as industry-standard software and perhaps I'll even get a chance to compose something (exciting!!!!).



karlie -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/29/2008 2:38:50 PM)

How did I get unsubbed to this thread? [:o] I decided to come see if everyone was back in school and settling in and realized I wasn't subbed to the thread anymore.

I just completed my first week back and so far am really excited. I'm graduating in the spring, so am finally into the really cool classes I've been waiting for years to take. I have 18 units, so am working my tush off already, but love the content. That makes a lot of difference.

I apply to grad school in March. Yikes!



Grace-N-Mercy -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/29/2008 3:03:17 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: karlie

How did I get unsubbed to this thread? [:o] I decided to come see if everyone was back in school and settling in and realized I wasn't subbed to the thread anymore.

I just completed my first week back and so far am really excited. I'm graduating in the spring, so am finally into the really cool classes I've been waiting for years to take. I have 18 units, so am working my tush off already, but love the content. That makes a lot of difference.
I apply to grad school in March. Yikes!


Oh what a difference it makes when you're in your "major" classes! I'm glad to see you're so excited.

I'm still taking my "basic" classes, so hopefully next semester, I'll be digging into the meat & potatoes of the program! I can't wait.



karlie -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/29/2008 3:20:39 PM)

quote:

I'm still taking my "basic" classes, so hopefully next semester, I'll be digging into the meat & potatoes of the program! I can't wait.

It seems like it takes soooo long to get there!



shawke -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/29/2008 3:33:09 PM)

I get to start my major coursework Sept 10, but it's only one class at a time with anywhere between 9-12 credits per semester, so I have about six semesters until I'm done. It seems like a long time, so I decided to live "one course at a time." [:D]



Grace-N-Mercy -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/29/2008 3:40:42 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: shawke

I get to start my major coursework Sept 10, but it's only one class at a time with anywhere between 9-12 credits per semester, so I have about six semesters until I'm done. It seems like a long time, so I decided to live "one course at a time." [:D]


Aint DAT the truth!! [:D] It seems our whole lives begin to revolve around courses!

quote:

It seems like it takes soooo long to get there!

True, but then you get to the end and you wonder where the time went!



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