My application is in....

January 25, 2009 at 5:24 AM

Well, I finally did it... submitted my college application, requested transcripts to be sent from my previous university, and declared a major in music.

I'm stunned that I'm really going through with this, being "almost" 40 and in a completely different field and stage of my career at the moment. However, the overwhelming support and enthusiasm I have recieved from my current teacher, previous teacher, family, friends and colleagues helped me make that final decision to click the "submit" button on the application page. With any luck in 6 years time, I will have achieved this other goal.

Yes... 6 years. As of today, I still have a full time job in the tech industry. None of my electives were in music before, so while I have my undergrad "essentials" complete, I still have all the courses required for this new degree to take. If I take just one course per semester while working, it will take about 6 years to complete, 3 years if I can manage to take 2 courses per semester.

From Bart Meijer
Posted on January 25, 2009 at 10:16 AM

Good luck, Mendy!

From Karen Allendoerfer
Posted on January 25, 2009 at 1:20 PM

Wow, you've really seized the moment. That's great! Congratulations and keep us updated on the next 6 years.

Yesterday I was reading "More" magazine and they had an inspirational article about women who reinvent themselves in midlife--try new careers, etc. They covered people who were elected to public office, started a business, or became marathon runner, one who became an embedded reporter in Iraq, one who became a musician. They might like to write about you too!

From Jodi Bernard
Posted on January 25, 2009 at 2:06 PM

I am really proud of you. I have another friend who is persuing her degree at a Univeristy as well. She, I believe, is in her mid to late 40's. I think it is a great thing and you will really appreciate your time at the University... unlike others who are there for the parties and to "find themselves"

Best wishe to you and please do tell us what is going on in the future at your University.

From Paul G.
Posted on January 25, 2009 at 4:23 PM

Good for you, Mendy! :)

It's a tough decision to make, but that just shows that you're very comfortable with your current life and willing to take risks in whatever form they may take.

From Marianne Hansen
Posted on January 25, 2009 at 9:18 PM

Way to go! I took a graduate degree while working full time, and one of the things that always got me through was seeing how much work the other folks in the program were doing. This may not apply if most of your classmates are undergrads, but I was in a program with folks who were working 60-hour a week jobs and leading single parent families with two children. So I would say, try to catch up with the other grown ups, if any, and you can both support and inspire one another.

From Patricia Baser
Posted on January 26, 2009 at 2:05 AM

Yeah for you! You will probably find lots of "older" students, especially in your ed (non-music ed) classes. String teachers are definitely needed. I know it took a long time for our district to find another string teacher for this school year.

From Bill Busen
Posted on January 26, 2009 at 5:08 PM

This is so cool.

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My application is in....

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