After the MFA-Good Article

Log Out | Topics | Search Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Email This Page

Author Message   Emanuel Veteran Poster Username: Emanuel Post Number: 571 Registered: 03-2004 Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 03:54 pm:        Check out this article by Lisa Romeo on being over 40 with a family, starting an MFA program, and trying to use the degree practically. I think you will find it enlightening: http://lisaromeo.blogspot.com/2008/06/after-mfa-t-minus-25-days-or-what-was-i.ht ml   Yvettep AALBC .com Platinum Poster Username: Yvettep Post Number: 3004 Registered: 01-2005 Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - 01:56 pm:        "attending graduate school in mid-life..." I can so relate, Emanuel! LOL I agree that this is an informative article. I especially liked her rejection of the concept of "balance." This is one of those pop-psych myths we have bought into (like "closure") that sound like worthy goals but really keep us from getting on with things in a productive manner. Of course, a 2 or 3 year program (e.g., masters' level) is a lot more do-able at middle or any age than a longer one (e.g., at the PhD level). Hey, but if you've thought long and hard and still have that burning desire in your heart--go for it! I remember reading an advice column (Dear Abby?) letter one time from a middle aged person thinking about going to medical school. He or she said something like, "If I do this, by the time I finish in X years I'll be 51 (or however old)." Abby replied something like, "In X years you will still be 51 years old. I fyou do not go to medical school you'll be 51 years old without an MD..." I have never forgotten that story. (Or at least the gist of it, as I have obviously gotten fuzzy on some of the details... LOL )