Time for a change?
I did some research tonight into what would be involved in me going back to school to become an elementary school teacher. UBC has a 12-month program; I would be looking at starting in September 2007 and finishing in August 2008. Of all the prerequisites, I am missing 3 credits in Canadian Geography and 3 credits in Canadian History. I found equivalent courses offered via distance learning (I know, not one of my strengths). I could start them anytime, I would just need to be finished in order to submit all transcripts by May 2007.
Sounds do-able. Now can I afford it? The distance learning courses together come to about $1200. Tuition, textbooks and student fees for the 12-month UBC program cost just over $12,000. Yikes! Plus I wouldn't be working for 12 months so that's roughly another $11,000 (expenses of ~$900 per month) I'd need to save. This is where I get cold feet. :(
I'd like to volunteer at some summer camps or get involved in other activities with children around the age I would like to teach (I'm thinking grade 2-6, or 7-12 year olds). I think I like working with kids, but I'd like to know for sure. Any suggestions?
posted by jen at 10:00 PM
3 Comments:
That sounds exciting! I think volunteering would be a great way to test the waters, and summer is a perfect time for that!
11:06 AM
You know what, though? The thing with money is that it always sounds like a lot right now, but it just isn't. I always find myself worrying about how much money I need for this or that, and then I have to stop and realize that it's all peanuts.
Think about it: your household income will drop $30,000 that year. Ouch! But that's only $2,500 a month. What with the income tax you aren't paying on that, that turns into only about $1,500 a month less in take-home pay. For me, that means more careful spending on my VISA and no more eating out at fancy restaurants. It sucks, but it's what being a student was (and still is, for you) all about.
You'll earn far more in being happy in than you'll lose in being poor. :-)
6:16 PM
Neil's right - being happy is super important. You guys should be able to afford it - Mel and I are getting by on one income right now, and I'm pretty sure you pay less rent. It might involve being more in "student mode", but there's nothing wrong with that. Also, you can give your tuition credits to luke to save on his taxes.
5:24 PM
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