Going to grad school

December 2, 2020

I've been experimenting with more video content these days since I want to improve my video skills. I see video as part of my current and future work as a person who communicates ideas.

So I created a video, instead of a blog post, to share some big news with you.

I'm going to grad school in the new year! (Also, it's my 45th birthday today which is news but not "big" news.)

(If you're reading this in email it might be easier to view video on blog post.)

About 2 years ago, 18 months before the end of our family's homeschool journey, I started to get serious about figuring out what I would do when I retired from homeschooling.

After a lot of reflection on my skills, interests and experience, and looking at my options, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in education. I want a seat at the table where people make decisions about education. (Education happens in a lot of arenas and is not just K-12, so my vision for influencing decision-making is pretty expansive at this point.)

I love thinking, studying and writing about ideas. I have a bachelors degree in education and a lot of personal experience in alternative education. And I have a strong interest in the philosophical, historical, sociological perspectives of education. So I decided to apply to grad school in the education field.

And I was accepted!

This video is about that decision making process. My journey of discovery and the factors that contributed to my decision.

I forgot to announce the actual school & program I'm enrolled in. I'll be going to Concordia University in Montreal. Studying for a MA in Educational Studies.

I hope to document some of this experience in future videos and I'll probably be producing videos (and writing blog posts) in the coming years that delve into the actual subject matter of my studies as I hone and communicate those ideas.

It's the start of a new chapter. And I couldn't be more excited.

A few links I mention in the video (and some others of interest):

• A path to Employment - a series of posts on my blog about my transition into employment after homemaking and homeschooling
• Second Bloom: Transitions to New Midlife Vocations from Mothering and Homeschooling - a series of conversations with eight extraordinary, ordinary women.
• A season of discomfort - from fall 2017 when we realized our financial situation required me to bring in a more regular source of income.
• My vocational biography - a resume of sorts.

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