Thankfully, this time I don't mean a new blog! This time my change of pace is a redirection of my entire life! At the current, I am enrolled at a small, private university in my hometown of Shreveport, LA. I'm registered as a French and English major, which I had been very happy with. But things have changed, and I'm a bit frightened about it.
In August, I will be applying for transfer to a large, public university in Colorado! I'll be applying to enter their College of Science and Arts to study Linguistics and Anthropology, with a possible minor in Classics (Greek and Roman Studies)! It's ridiculously exciting, but equally frightening.
When this posts, I'll be riding in a car to Colorado. My Grandfather and I left today at 6 am and are going to be back home Tuesday (just in time to write my post for Wednesday). On this trip I'll get to not only see family I've missed, but see the campus to which I'm applying and where I am hoping to spend my next three - four years of study. I'll have a full write up on the trip (with pictures!) on next Wednesday, but today I wanted to discuss my reasons for transferring. I'm sorry this is a long, mostly photo-less post! Just bare with me.
Early June or late May, I discovered that my current university had cut thie Latin program and would no longer be offering any Latin courses. This was the factor that made me first debate transferring schools, but it's certainly not my only reason. When I chose my school, I chose it because it was close to home and the website promised me the ability to attain a Masters in the Art of Teaching in 5-years (beginning as an undergraduate). In my research and visits to the school, no one felt the need to correct me and tell me that the undergraduate Education program had been cut. Strike 1.
As I get into school and begin classes, I learn that my undergraduate MAT is not possible anymore, and settle for a double major of French and English with a possible minor (definite classes) in German. Little did I know, or anyone tell me until a German major friend, that the German department was closing down and would not be offering beginning courses anymore. Strike 2.
The general atmosphere of the school is very much like a small-town. It's a very close knit community with the cliques (granted not a bad as high school). There are the choir kids, the athletes, the science majors, and everyone else. I don't like the atmosphere or the community. Strike 3.
Tuition went up. A lot. Strike 4.
Finally, I learn that Latin isn't simply not being offered the upcoming fall semester (I had been led to believe that I could register for beginning Latin in the Spring) but that is will not be offering any more beginning courses and will be phased completely out in the next year or so. Strike 5.
There are other, much more minor, strikes against the university, as well, but I won't list them here; this post is already long enough and I still have a bit more to say.
I feel that in attending the school a full to year, I've given it a chance and given myself ample time to develop opinions of what is best for me. As much as I'd love to say I'd like to stay at my school, I wouldn't. Granted I've made some great friend and I have a fantastic chapter of my sorority here, the education is not one I'm happy with. I love languages and want to study them above all else, but I cannot do that at my current university. The new university, should I be accepted, offers at least 15 languages, as well as Linguistics and Anthropology departments (two professions I've always hoped to go into later in life). It seems that, for me, this transfer is the best option, despite the 2 days it takes to get home. Despite the hours and the miles, my family is supportive, most of my friends are supportive, and, thankfully, my partner is entirely supportive and hopes the best for me. With his, and my family's, support I'm fully ready to take the step and apply the moment the application goes live online!
What did/do/will you study in school (if you choose/chose that path)? Have you ever made the choice to transfer universities? What went into your decision?
*Disclaimer: Both photos were pulled from DeviantART. Both have credit to the photo page under the photo. If the link appears broken, please notify me and I will correctly credit the photo. Neither photo is mine or was take by me. All rights remain with the original photographer.*
