If there is anybody else out there who didn’t know what they wanted to do in life from the time they were three, you’ll understand, empathize and maybe cheer what I am about to detail.
Journalism has been an interest for about a year, and although it seemed exciting it never seemed to quite click in my heart. It was a logical decision, some say I’m writer and I seem to enjoy the act and, apparently, you write a lot when you’re a journalist. Anyway, I started looking at colleges based on this assumption. I found some candidates, but had to put it on hold until my family was settled in wherever we were going to live. So, I go to camp and my family moves to Colorado Springs which happens to have the biggest, most comprehensive community college in the state, Pikes Peak Community College. This is a pretty sweet school! They offer a ton of programs, like Zoo Keeping? Who offers Zoo Keeping? PPCC does. Anyway, I started my college career by taking an online journalism class and a Wilderness First Responder class. Never, ever, ever, ever taking a weekend class and an online class again. I hate doing school all weekend. I wasn’t and am not enjoying either class (well, my WFR instructor got arrested…that gives you an idea) But, I needed to start looking at what I wanted to do for next semester. I still wanted to go to PPCC, but wasn’t sure what I wanted to take and since I don’t need any more high school classes to graduate, I had no obligations there.
Oh, and I was also slightly freaking out about what I wanted to do for life in general, like job-wise.
So, I mentally made a list of what sort of work I wanted to be in. Some of the criteria were as follows; dynamic (no desk job), intellectual (problem solving), something to do with discovering truth, use my discernment, etc… Anyway, journalism seemed to fall within all those categories, but still something didn’t feel right. So, I started looking around.
Talking to my in-house college/career counselor (a.k.a. Mom) she suggested something in Public Service, like Legal’s Assistant or Paralegal. My interest was peaked and I did some research and found out, lawyers don’t do anything! Just kidding, but actually paralegals do a lot of the spadework for the lawyers. And the legal system has always interested me and it seemed like a really fun job. You don’t need to go to law school, all that’s needed is an Associates Degree! I looked, and guess what? PPCC offers an accredited Paralegal program! So, score there =)
But, (don’t you love that word?) I discovered I’m really interested in investigation work and the like. I kept searching and of course, a police detective or criminal investigator popped up. Then started the long back and forth of, “Am I interested in this because of the glamorous TV shows, or is this an honest interest in the work?” Back and forth, it’s hard because the TV shows are very appealing, but I know the real jobs are nothing like them…So, in the process of doing more research I discovered the level detective is a promotion, meaning you have to work as a police officer for three years before attaining that podium. Now, I really looked deep and searched to see if this was something I was truly interested in and I found I was. My desires for a job were perfect, and stuff that drew me to journalism, like, discovering truth and a dynamic work environment applied perfectly. And Mom’s getting really annoyed that I am constantly thinking of the best ways to commit a crime, or commenting on the lack of cameras in Costco, or the blind spots in Wal-mart’s parking lot. I then went back to PPCC and looked for a Criminal Justice degree and presto! There it was.
Now, making this decision is going to be hard, but it’s made easier by the fact that some of the gen ed classes overlap.
I find it funny that I prayed for God to show me a direction and within the space of about a week, He showed me an opportunity, but along with the opportunity comes a huge commitment. If I choose to become a police officer and eventually an investigator, it’s not like I can take the Criminal Justice classes and then go get a job as an accountant. It doesn’t work like that. And right now, there’s not a lot of room for potential husband/family. It’s going to be a career.
So, right now I’m going to start working on the GenEd classes next semester. Hopefully by the time I have to make a decision between Paralegal and Criminal Justice, I’ll have a better idea of what they entail. I still scared I’m making the wrong decision, but I’m going to step out and start heading in a direction. And the classes looking really interesting!
Now, I hold no preconceived notion regarding the ease of either job choice. Even the physical requirements are listed as someone strong emotionally and mentally, but God has been preparing me for something, and maybe this is it.
Walking with my hand in His…
1 Comment
October 19, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Greetings from Bakersfield California! I am Annie’s dad and I want to encourage you in your search process. When I was your age I searched to find the “fit” for my academic studies. I ended up getting a BA in Criminal Justice and a BA in Communications. I had intended to minor in Communications. However, the classes were so interesting to me I could never decide which to take…so I took them all. I never used my Criminal Justice degree. I became a salesman and now I own the company. Businesses really want to see that you can complete a long term goal (degree) and stick to it. Learning how to learn is a part of the education. Don’t be afraid to take a direction that you love thinking it only has one track to follow. Unless you are looking at a profession (accounting, engineering, medical arts, etc. your options remain endless. Good luck in your studies and continue to seek God’s will for your life.