Erica J Myers

Postponing My Studies

I feel I have been burning my candle with a blowtorch! I love my career. Yet, I am having to deal with work on Saturdays while trying to attend classes. There is no budget for a second person. I am willing to take a pay cut to hire a second person to assist me. This master’s program is also a full-time job, despite having classes only on Saturday.

On top of that, because of the C (which I find a bit unfair due to the quality of my projects), my financial aid has been terminated. I fall .09 points below a 3.0 GPA, for a total of a 2.91. I am disappointed, but also disheartened because I love the program, but the comments from the financial aid department and program leader at American University left much to be desired about AU. I asked for assistance so that I can keep my financial aid and continue. After being declined, I was asked if I knew the hardship and complications of paying for school out-of-pocket. What the hell kind of question is that? Even still, I had no choice. I have to pay out of pocket. Sure it’ll save me the interest of not having a student loan. I just need to do what’s best for me.

So I’m postponing until another moment when I am not so burdened. I can jump right back in at AU, or Syracuse is tempting me with the same program, but online and at a more affordable tuition.

Also, I have to realize that I have a great career that I love. It’s hard to find your own sandbox. I’m the “adapt and overcome”-type person, but I am at a level in my career where a master’s degree would position me. In the meantime, I’ll keep my brain active with some courses at Coursera. There’s a scriptwriting course and the Strategic Communications certification that I could get there. Wish me luck!

Comm 620: Visual Storytelling I — Media Pitch