going back to school!

[skibum515]

I sent in my application today for admission to the University of Utah! I'm going back for a second bachelor's degree - this time in Chemistry. It's a subject I've always enjoyed and been good at, so time to fire up the old brain again!

I decided to do this sooner rather than later because I'm already scared about going back and if I don't do it now, I'll just keep putting it off!

I'm going to take summer/fall classes and continue to ski instruct in the winter, and it should take me about 2 years to finish. I'm going to meet with the Chem department adviser tomorrow to set up a potential schedule!

[Dana]

Very nice!!
What do you want to do with your Chemistry degree?

[ccbegay]

way to go...and yes do it now!! now that you have the chance...i went back to school last fall after taking a 2yr break and am graduating this dec..yay...but it was SO hard transitioning back into school-mode...I like chemistry... loved it...yay!

[TheWife]

Exciting, you are so brave! I can tell you right now I will remain a 10th grader for life lol. I have a really awesome BIL that goes to U of U.

[skibum515]

Originally Posted by Dana

Very nice!!
What do you want to do with your Chemistry degree?

LOL I don't know! I think that's my biggest trouble is I don't know what I want to be when I "grow up"! I've been tossing around the idea of teaching HS chem, because I really enjoyed that class when I was in it, plus you do labs so it's not as mundane and it would afford me the opportunity to be able to be home with kids in the summer (not that I have any yet, just the 10 year plan) and after school

I also wouldn't mind working for .... ??? hehe. Ideas are greatly appreciated!

[SeatClutcher]

Congrats, Emily! It's so much fun to take classes in stuff you're passionate about, and what a great way to take advantage of whatever you can while you can.

[czechmate]

Emily,
That is sooooo great!!!
You are the smartest person I know -- Chemistry???? All is remember is the smoking turd. Sad, but true.

Let me know what you want to be when you grow up, because I can't decide either.

Good Luck!
Jen

[BAC]

Aiming for teaching Chemistry I think is a good idea. That way you have a default goal that will make you money and if you find something else along the way.. all the better.

In the mean time, you could try substitute teaching to see if you can even stand the enviroment...(Here in MI all you need is 90 credits to sub) I subbed high school/jr. high for a year even though I have absolutely no intentions of becoming a teacher.. it was a GREAT experience for me and I'm so glad I did it... even though I think I would like to pursue a different career.

Good luck!

[spotty4]

Hi skibum! I think teaching is a fabulous idea. If I weren't in my present position, I think I would have worked toward teaching. Being a scientist (Meteorology), I have a huge passion for getting, and keeping, girls interested in the sciences and math. Girls tend to be on par w/ boys through 7th or 8th grade, then they fall off. Its not longer "cool" to be smart. And boys will like them less if they're smart. That mentality is really sad to me. I know they don't tend to teach chemistry to those ages (I took it in 10th grade), but I think it'd be fabulous to teach chemistry in HS. Those girls would see a young, cute, female teacher and perhaps be inspired to stick w/ it! If I ever step away from this career, I still think I'll head toward teaching. Go for it!

[Alli1101]

That's awesome Emily, congratulations! And chemistry, too- that's awesome.

As for ideas in addition to teaching- I had a friend who worked at a pharmaceutical company with his degree in chemistry, and he later decided he wanted to go on to be a pharmacist. I don't know in detail what he did, but i do know he was in a lab most of the day. I also know several friends that got their biology degree that went on to be pharmaceutical reps, which is drastically different than being in the lab but is another great way you can go with science degrees as well. I also know another person who has his degree in chemistry and works at Dove, spending his days in labs and traveling to meetings around the world (literally- he was in Japan on more than a few occasions for work).