It’s definitely another interesting semester. And it’s my last one!!! So far, I enjoy each of my classes, and I have learned so much. (Except tennis, which is because it still hasn’t started yet.) The amount of required reading is crazy! At least I’ve enjoyed (or felt intrigued by) most of these readings, and my classes have had very interesting (albeit disturbing for some books) and stimulating discussions.
Also, I’m volunteering at a museum in Belleville, and I enjoy it, too. It’s kind of an internship, except it’s not for credit and I have no required assignments. I’m learning to use a museum computer program. I’m putting collections of old photos into the program, which has a database and holds photos, documents, and records of objects. Some of photos I work with date back to the 1920s, even to the 1880s. Pretty cool.
I am looking forward to a number of things this semester. For instance, I get to buy three honor society cords for graduation: Phi Alpha Theta, Phi Kappa Phi, and Sigma Tau Delta. I’m really excited to get my cap and gown–finally! Also, I was sooo eager to go on the LIS Shakespeare trip…like I said, was. Unfortunately, I can’t go again this year. Maybe if I can afford it, I can go next year after I graduate. In April, choir will be performing pieces from Lion King. I’m absolutely thrilled about that! And–of course!–graduation.
One big question has been looming like a dark cloud over my head: Where do I go from here? Ahhhh!!!! I really don’t know! I was so sure in high school. I knew exactly what I wanted to do in college. Now I’m leaving college, and I have no definite sense of what I want to do or where I want to go. I’ve been asking relatives, friends, professors, and staff members for advice. So, I have a bunch of ideas for jobs, grad programs, and internships. But I need to narrow it down. I’m going to apply for various summer internships. Hopefully, the experience I’ll acquire will help me determine what I want to do…or not do. After that, oy, who knows? Sadly, there are few options if I continue studying history. There are several English/writing-related avenues, but I’m not sure which I want to do most.
What do I know for certain? I don’t want to teach. I don’t want to sit at a computer and desk or be isolated from people all day long. I’d seriously lose my mind! But if I research or write, I will spend a lot of time at a computer and desk. I want to travel a lot someday. Maybe not for extended periods, but I want to visit so many places worldwide. I enjoy all kinds of history (social, cultural, military, political), and I like research. I love writing, too. I have other interests that I probably won’t pursue, like criminal justice or anthropology.
For anyone else who’s in the same boat I am, don’t panic like I am! Ask others for their suggestions. Talk to people who are either working in or getting a degree in a field that interests you. Can you see yourself doing that, too? Unfortunately, this is all the advice I can offer…for now.
