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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 3/1/2009 7:09:19 AM
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Jusssssssssssssstttttttttt
Posts: 1437
Joined: 11/12/2008
From: Northampton, U.K.
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Well I dont know if I am considered an older returning student...Im 27, and it seems I have been in school my entire life LOL. I did take a one year break though and that was sort of hard. Eventually I went back after one year, so I am going to say that I am a returing student...ahhaha (If anyone asks). I just really like this thread and I like how positive everyone is and supportive of one another. I will be finishing my MBA this year in Aug 2009. Its not something I am super passionate about, because I feel the topic is off, but nevertheless I am going to stay committed and finish.
My question is, do you think I should take a break from school before doing a PhD program? I would still be 27 when I start if I didnt take any breaks. I am not married, dont have kids, and right now dont have a job. I am trying to find a job but cant seem to do that right now. I have applied everywhere it seems, but nothing it turning up yet. I want to get a PhD in Biblical Studies. I think it would be a blast really. I think I would enjoy it more than the MBA.
What do you guys think? What is your advise for someone like me in my situation. Is is hard to go back after a break? I mean I have taken a short one year break like I mentioned above, but never a long one. Do you think if I take a break that I never will go back. I sort of want to travel a little, see extended family in different countries, and maybe do some missionary work. I just feel I have been in school my ENTIRE like it seems. I have no life outside of school really. I am praying over this, and would appreciate your prayers too as well as any advise. (Hope I am allowed in this thread  )
Thank You
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 3/3/2009 8:52:18 AM
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debilyn
Posts: 287
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Welcome to the thread, all.consuming.fire!
My dad told me I would never go back if I quit. I told him I would, even if I was a senior citizen when I graduated. Well, I'm not a senior citizen yet, but I did wait longer than I thought. I wanted to go back several years ago, but things weren't right. So now I am working on my bachelor's degree, I'm 46, and I've still got a couple years to go. I can only take one class at a time right now, so it is very slow.
What do you plan to do with your degree? Are you confident you would go back when you are ready? How much time would you like to take - a semester, a year, more? If you are planning a career in the ministry, a missionary trip or time as a missionary may be beneficial.
I'll be praying for wisdom and discernment for you as you decide your next course of action.
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 3/3/2009 9:08:20 AM
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Jusssssssssssssstttttttttt
Posts: 1437
Joined: 11/12/2008
From: Northampton, U.K.
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Thanks Darcyjo and Debilyn.
I am not sure if I would go back or not if I took a break. I was thinking of taking a one year break or so, to do some missionary work. I want my PhD in Biblical Studie/Theology. I know that. I wanted to teach Christianity to other nations and countries. I do feel led to do that at some point in my life, I am just not sure when. I am uncertain of the timing of things. When I get back from my missions I would love to be a College Professor whose main course would be to teach a Christianity Class. Again, those are just ideas, nothing for certain yet.
Thanks for your prayers. I appreciate them.
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 3/3/2009 9:28:42 AM
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manda59
Posts: 7406
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
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Justyna
It's good that you have an idea of what you want to aim for, but I'd suggest you take some time to just lay it all before the Lord, ask Him what *He* wants of you, and then wait on Him. It's those who *wait* on the Lord who will renew their strength, so wait and don't try and hurry yourself! Lay your wishes and dreams before Him, ask Him to show you *His* will and to make the way clear. Then even when you think you know what He wants, ask Him for confirmation - from His Word, from someone who knows nothing of any of this, from a sermon etc.
It's *His* job to let you know what He wants - don't worry, if you are open before Him, you will hear, at the right time.
And as for there here and now:
Darcyjo said:
quote:
And do you need some mental rest?
Well? 
_____________________________
"What Manda said; well-stated and wise. Just tell people the truth." deermousie, September 2010
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 3/3/2009 7:16:16 PM
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manda59
Posts: 7406
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
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quote:
ORIGINAL: all.consuming.fire
I'll be 28 this year and I think to myself, what have I done with my life thus far?
So long as you know, and I mean really know, that God isn't asking you that question.
quote:
I just feel like a failure in life, for some unknown reason. Maybe I have been comparing myself with others too much.
And again, God doesn't do that, He doesn't compare you with anyone, doesn't see you as a failure.
You might find it helpful to look back over your life, and see if you can work out (you could ask God to help you with this) where those "negative tapes" come from. It could well be a long while ago.
quote:
See, yes I do need a mental break . Too much thinking. I will pray about this these next few days that He will work in me what He wants.
Being open to Him is so totally the best way forward.
_____________________________
"What Manda said; well-stated and wise. Just tell people the truth." deermousie, September 2010
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RE: Older (Returning) Student Support Thread - 3/28/2009 11:52:49 PM
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intheworks
Posts: 17
Joined: 1/15/2009
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I am replying to myself to give an update.
Do to overlapping courses, I am finishing up one Liberty University course and in the middle of two more. Although the workload has been heavy, it has been so rewarding. God is good and He does provide. I can tell you all that Liberty University Online is the real deal and is as demanding as I could have planned on.
I am going to slow down a little and take one fewer class per semester. I have taken myself away from my family too much. The Masters in Divinity program has been demanding but very rewarding. God is good and I love to learn more about Him and how to serve Him better.
In Christ,
Tony
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 3/29/2009 12:03:35 AM
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intheworks
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Dear Justyna and others,
I am 39 and have taken several breaks. I went to community college at 18 but didn't have my heart in it. I then served in the military (a great experience..seriously). So I went back to finish my Associates Degree at age 25. Then, I took another break and started my BA degree at 29. Now 10 years later, I am in my first semester toward my Masters in Divinity degree.
So, I have had breaks of 7 years, 4 years, and 10 years. Each time, it has been an easy transition for me. After a few weeks, I am in the groove and ready to rock. However, it is harder to stay up late to do my school work (I work full time as well) at 39 than it was at 29. However, God provides.
My only regrets is that two of my breaks were a few years longer than they should have been. Can't live in the past though.
In Christ,
Tony
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 3/30/2009 8:35:53 AM
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debilyn
Posts: 287
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quote:
However, it is harder to stay up late to do my school work (I work full time as well) at 39 than it was at 29.
I can echo that, but I'm a bit older than 39.
I've completed my second test in this course, and now have to do a research paper. Oh my, it's been yyyeeeaaarrrss since I've had to do one. This isn't easy, but I'm sure I'll muddle through. I just have to make time every day to get this info together.
I hope everyone is having a good semester, even though we may struggle at times.
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 4/4/2009 12:28:42 AM
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intheworks
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Once you get in the grove...it's all good. If you are serving the lord...it's all gooder.
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 4/4/2009 1:57:37 AM
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karlie
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From: Central California
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It can take some time to settle in again as an older student. The papers do get easier as you go along and get the feel for what the professors are looking for.
I graduate on the 23rd of May, with honors too. Woo Hoo! I got my cap and gown last week, ordered my announcements, and am ready to go! I'm a little jazzed about that!
_____________________________
When we're at the end of ourselves, that's the place where God truly is.
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 4/25/2009 7:04:29 AM
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ShallbeRebuilt
Posts: 1495
Joined: 11/8/2007
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Karlie;
Just wondering if it's a tad bittersweet?
I have just recently realized that this is my last semester on campus. I will graduate in December, God willing, but the rest of the classes required for my degree on my main campus require negligible time actually on site.
I've so enjoyed going back to school: it's certainly been very hard what with my circumstances, but being able to take advantage of so much learning at my age (when I realize what a privilege it is!) and being around so many talented, knowledgeable and godly people, has been so exciting and fulfilling. I am asking myself what will I do without it???
Since it's a small college, I've come to know my professors pretty well, too. How I would love to go back and teach there...well, I think I would, anyway. I'd like to teach music on a college campus, for sure.
After I graduate, I don't yet see many options to coming back home, stepping up my private teaching as well as getting some "regular job" like receptionist or grocery clerk. And that just feels sort of ....wrong.
How much of that "wrong" feeling is just my selfishness and wanting an "exciting" life like I've had for 3 years? I've hoped for a more peaceful life, but how much "peace" can I truly handle now?
I don't know. Would God give me this privilege and degree if He just planned to put it on a shelf? I don't know that either.
Karlie, what are your plans when you graduate?
shallbe
_____________________________
The saint is hilarious when he is crushed with difficulties because the thing is so ludicrously impossible to anyone but God.~Oswald Chambers
Esther's HoldFast blog
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 4/25/2009 4:06:16 PM
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karlie
Posts: 7034
Joined: 4/10/2005
From: Central California
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quote:
Karlie;
Just wondering if it's a tad bittersweet?
Actually it's not...lol! I've been at this a long time, starting out just part time when my kids were still at home. It's been a long road with a lot of juggling and sacrifice, so I am glad this phase is done and I can get on with the rest of my plans.
I do understand you about wondering what's next. As ready as I am to graduate, it's scary to think of leaving my comfort zone and moving to the bigger playground!
quote:
Karlie, what are your plans when you graduate?
I'm going on to grad school, hopefully in the fall. I am waiting to hear back from my program about acceptance. I have the grades(I'm graduating summa cum lude )and great professor recommendations, but with the budget cuts out here, they've severely cut back this program and are only offering 10 positions, so I have no idea how that will go. I know there have to be many others with qualifications as good as mine, so it may come down to drawing straws  . I have one other option in my area at a private university, and I'll apply there if this doesn't work out. I should find out any day now. I am just praying I get in!
_____________________________
When we're at the end of ourselves, that's the place where God truly is.
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 5/13/2009 9:02:33 AM
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debilyn
Posts: 287
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Praying, Grace ...
I'm all done with my literature class. Made an A-, too! I'm so excited about that. Next comes math. I'll manage. I don't start back until July (month-long session), so I'm enjoying the break.
Hope others did well/are doing well in your classes!
Oh yeah, I managed to make an A on my research paper. Next time, I'm sure it won't be quite so intimidating, but the whole process was a little draining. The paper setup, citing sources, etc. was all so different from when I was originally in college. However, I managed to figure it all out okay. The professor and the writing tutors here were a big help with that.
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 6/1/2009 10:03:54 AM
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vicbhe
Posts: 57
Joined: 4/24/2005
From: Arkansas
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Finished my first semester. Taking four classes I ended with a 4.0, Im excited about that! Starting Summer classes today.
_____________________________
"Pay now, play later. Play now, pay later." Orville Ashley, my 10th grade algebra teacher talking about college. Wish I'd listened better back then.
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 6/4/2009 11:26:11 PM
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intheworks
Posts: 17
Joined: 1/15/2009
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Congrats to all the recent Grads. Enjoy. Take it in. You earned it. 
I am in my 2nd semester at Liberty Online. I am still impressed with the courses and professors. I hope to have my Master of Divinity -Pastoral/Preaching degree in about 1.5 years. I have a bach. in business. It is so much more rewarding to learn about aspects of Christianity than business. It doesn't get boring. God is good.
Tony
I highly recommend Liberty University. It is not a diploma mill. It is hard work, but very rewarding.
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 6/6/2009 7:34:01 AM
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Grace-N-Mercy
Posts: 3861
Joined: 5/2/2005
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Congrats, Karlie! Have you heard back about your acceptance yet?
Congrats, vicbhne!
intheworks - I'm also at Liberty U and enjoy it!! The work certainly is vigorous! Sometimes I miss being on campus, but I'll manage.
I just realized that I have a full two years left to go... and I've already been doing this for two years. It looks like the internship will take a full year since I have to work it around my work schedule. I've already been offered two internships at my agency, but the problem is, each location is an hour-long drive. That's 4-5 days a week! My job is already tough and I don't want to be looking at burnout in six months! I did contact one of the local agencies, but because they only bill Medicaid, I won't be able to do an internship there (Medicaid only allows for Master's level therapists, only).
Oh, and I have an intensive on campus coming up in about 4 weeks, and I still can't decide if I want to drive or fly! I want to fly, but all that luggage? 
_____________________________
Join me in the Job Searcher's Support Thread
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RE: Grad Student Support Thread - 7/9/2009 5:31:12 AM
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ShallbeRebuilt
Posts: 1495
Joined: 11/8/2007
Status: offline
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Hope everyone is doing well.
I had a big disappointment yesterday. Attended my first class of the second French semester (tested out of first semester) and found that it was far too advanced for me. No way I would be able to keep up with the material.
Frankly, I pretty much cried about it all day. This throws off every other plan for school, work, and parenting that I had in place.
So, I'm re-evaluating and will not graduate in December as hoped. Probably will graduate mid-summer.
Which will likely require me to get yet another job to add to the income stream while I finish these classes...anybody done any substitute teaching?
Chime in and give an update on how things are going for you!
shallbe
_____________________________
The saint is hilarious when he is crushed with difficulties because the thing is so ludicrously impossible to anyone but God.~Oswald Chambers
Esther's HoldFast blog
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With honors, too, so it was a good day 
