Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Anxiety-Driven Questions About The FUTURE

Such an inappropriate for a first post on a bibliophilism blog. But it's what's punching me in the face, demanding to be talked about right now.

My college career is in its autumn, I'm about to be a senior. And I'm scared out of my wits because I'm still unsure of what, it is, I want. It's terrifying. There are so many options, and I'm so afraid that I'm going to end up hating what I end up doing. Teaching was always something I considered. I like the idea that I might make an impact on a kid. I like the idea that I will get to talk about biology for 180 days a year. I like that it will give me summers and I will have hours will be good for having a family someday. I don't like the bureaucracy. I don't like that I have standardized tests to answer to, and that I will be responsible for getting kids that read on 4th grade levels up to speed on concepts they will probably not understand. I like the idea of being an inspiration. I like the idea of being that crazy teacher everybody remembers. But I also like control. And being able to control my surroundings for the most part. But as a teacher, that's a real wild card. Especially when we're talking teenagers. I want to get a Master's degree, but I'm not sure in what. College of Charleston has a Masters of Environmental Studies program that looks pretty awesome. But I'm still not sure.
Where will I be in five years? Will I travel? I would like to. But sometimes I feel like I'm cemented by my mother. And I love her and I'd hate to leave her. But I'd love to see the world too. Live in a few different states. Countries. Maybe I can be Nigel Thornberry/Steve Irwin instead of a teacher. Will I be married by then? Will I be going for my doctorate? Will I be working at a college? I worry too much, I know. But doesn't it bother you, too? So many possibilities in this world and you only live once to enjoy it all. And so many decisions to make when you're still young. It's so nerve-wracking and I can barely stand it.