So it looks like I am going back to school in the fall

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

When I attended community college after high school, I never even finished up my AA degree. I went to class after class, semester after semester, but never knew what I wanted to do with my education. Finally in 2006, I decided that I wanted to major in English, but never finished. By California's standards, I was a math and a music class short of achieving my AA.

Well this past year I've been living in Tennessee, and working retail and restaurant jobs, I've gotten the motivation I've needed to want to do something more with my life. So I went down to MTSU today, submitted my application for my transfer, and now I just need to wait on some residence documentation to set everything in motion. If everything goes as planned, I'll be going back to school this fall, and I'm looking forward to it immensely.

 

[Ugfugly]

Good luck! It's always a good choice to further your education. You may not notice the difference straight away but it gives you an edge in the job market.

Of course it's not everything but it helps.

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

Thanks man. I'm still not sure exactly what I want to do with my degree, but I figure I should at least get it, or else I'll be doing nothing (except selling shoes in the ghetto, like I'm doing now).

I'd like to get into writing. Ideally, I'd love to get into movies via acting, directing, and writing. Currently, I'm in the beginning stages of writing a novel with a comic book plotline, and I have a couple other ideas I'd like to write down, and eventually get published, and turned into movies ideally.

I also wouldn't mind teaching. It's always been something that I've been fairly interested in. My most inspirational teacher that I've had in my life was my government teacher senior year of high school. He really helped to shape my political views, despite the fact that he was conservative and I'm a liberal.

Being politically opinionated, kind of another "setting the bar really high" type of job I'd love is to have a radio or TV talk show, kinda like Kieth Olberman or something like that.

Back to the teaching thing, I also wouldn't mind using that as a jumping off point maybe getting into coaching. I actually would have connections out where I'm at now, as I know someone who was a drama teacher and wrestling coach at the high school here. Getting into coaching would be pretty awesome, given my love of sports.

Lots of things I'd like to do, not sure which direction is the one I want to take yet, but I can't really accomplish any of them if I don't get my degree.

I just got done filling out my FAFSA form earlier tonight, hopefully that all goes through and I can actually AFFORD this venture.

 

[SuperFerret]

Best of luck Nell.

 

[8Diagrams(WU)]

Good luck. Excellent choice to go back to school!

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

Bump for update.

I got admitted to the university today. In the fall, I will be a student at Middle Tennessee State University.

GO BLUE RAIDERS!!!

 

[Darthphere]

People go to college?

 

[Mdizzle]

Congrats bud. I know it's hard to go back after you've been working fulltime for awhile. You get used to the cash, but the life change will be even more rewarding. You're going for a degree in English was it? I have my BA in English; I think you'll find it interesting.

There may also be opportunities for you to specialize in creative writing, etc., depending on what courses are offered. Might want to check that out too.

 

[blightsbiohazar]

I'm also still in AA meetings. I know how it feels

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

Congrats bud. I know it's hard to go back after you've been working fulltime for awhile. You get used to the cash, but the life change will be even more rewarding. You're going for a degree in English was it? I have my BA in English; I think you'll find it interesting.

There may also be opportunities for you to specialize in creative writing, etc., depending on what courses are offered. Might want to check that out too.

That's definitely something I'd like to look into. Creative writing is why I decided upon English in the first place.

I was taking an acting class back in community college in California, and there was this girl in my class that I spent a lot of time talking to. We did a lot of projects together in class, and we spent a lot of our time in class talking about the things we wanted to do in our lives and with school.

I was undeclared at the time, and talking to her, she was adamant that I make a decision on my major. So I spent some time thinking about it. This was my 3rd acting class, and I loved it. I had taken a lot of literature classes, which I was good at, and which I enjoyed. It was also right before X3 came out, and I was writing essays on the film nearly daily. I came to realize that if I was passionate about something (no matter how trivial), I could develop a well thought out opinion on it and express it. Also being a creative person myself, I have many ideas for epic books, comic books, and movies that I'd like to put in motion.

I put all these things together, and thought that I would need to get into something where I could get into writing. Whether it be some kind of editorial piece where I can write my opinions (I'm passionate about more than just X-Men), or whether it was fictional, creative writing.

I figured that English could encompass all of that. Getting more into it (especially recently, with the elections and everything) I started considering the possibility of teaching. The election had me debating politics with friends, defending my political views, etc... and one of the most influencial people in my life politically was my government teacher my senior year of high school. Ironically, we was a blatant Republican / Conservative (I am a registered Democrat, consider myself Liberal), but he taught the class with a sense of respect. He encouraged myself, and others, to express ourselves, even if we didn't agree with him. He never put us down for our opinions, in fact, he challenged our beliefs, so that we'd actually have to back them up, and come up with reasons other than "cuz my parents said so". He really helped to shape my political views, and I am forever grateful to him for that. I think that if I could have that kind of effect on young minds, that would be a very great reward.

 

[JaD]

I'd like to get into writing. Ideally, I'd love to get into movies via acting, directing, and writing. Currently, I'm in the beginning stages of writing a novel with a comic book plotline, and I have a couple other ideas I'd like to write down, and eventually get published, and turned into movies ideally.

Lots of things I'd like to do, not sure which direction is the one I want to take yet, but I can't really accomplish any of them if I don't get my degree.

That's definitely something I'd like to look into. Creative writing is why I decided upon English in the first place.

I was taking an acting class back in community college in California, and there was this girl in my class that I spent a lot of time talking to. We did a lot of projects together in class, and we spent a lot of our time in class talking about the things we wanted to do in our lives and with school.

I was undeclared at the time, and talking to her, she was adamant that I make a decision on my major. So I spent some time thinking about it. This was my 3rd acting class, and I loved it. I had taken a lot of literature classes, which I was good at, and which I enjoyed. It was also right before X3 came out, and I was writing essays on the film nearly daily. I came to realize that if I was passionate about something (no matter how trivial), I could develop a well thought out opinion on it and express it. Also being a creative person myself, I have many ideas for epic books, comic books, and movies that I'd like to put in motion.

I put all these things together, and thought that I would need to get into something where I could get into writing. Whether it be some kind of editorial piece where I can write my opinions (I'm passionate about more than just X-Men), or whether it was fictional, creative writing.

I figured that English could encompass all of that. Getting more into it (especially recently, with the elections and everything) I started considering the possibility of teaching. The election had me debating politics with friends, defending my political views, etc... and one of the most influencial people in my life politically was my government teacher my senior year of high school. Ironically, we was a blatant Republican / Conservative (I am a registered Democrat, consider myself Liberal), but he taught the class with a sense of respect. He encouraged myself, and others, to express ourselves, even if we didn't agree with him. He never put us down for our opinions, in fact, he challenged our beliefs, so that we'd actually have to back them up, and come up with reasons other than "cuz my parents said so". He really helped to shape my political views, and I am forever grateful to him for that. I think that if I could have that kind of effect on young minds, that would be a very great reward.

Wow, you and me are incredibly similar I think. (Heck you even live(d) in California )

I have the same passion and gift with writing over everything else. And at the same time I find a great love in being on stage in front of people, making them laugh, smile, etc. Being complimented on acting is something that I've been fortunate enough to receive from teachers, directors, classmates, etc. (heck, even random people years later who recognized me from plays in high school ) And I definitely want to pursue it. I find writing and theater to be my strongest subjects and talents without a doubt. But I will say that my direction has been a bit off course for the last couple of years. It's been pretty difficult to find that extra motivation with school when you feel you're in a setting, or class that doesn't fit with you. It's basically one of the main things I'm dealing with right now

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

Wow, you and me are incredibly similar I think. (Heck you even live(d) in California )

I have the same passion and gift with writing over everything else. And at the same time I find a great love in being on stage in front of people, making them laugh, smile, etc. Being complimented on acting is something that I've been fortunate enough to receive from teachers, directors, classmates, etc. (heck, even random people years later who recognized me from plays in high school ) And I definitely want to pursue it. I find writing and theater to be my strongest subjects and talents without a doubt. But I will say that my direction has been a bit off course for the last couple of years. It's been pretty difficult to find that extra motivation with school when you feel you're in a setting, or class that doesn't fit with you. It's basically one of the main things I'm dealing with right now

What part of California do you / did you live?

Yea, when I got into my acting classes, I fell in love with it. I should have kept in contact with my teachers, I might have been able to use that to get into acting myself. Perhaps I will re take some acting classes at my university and see if I can't get into it again. Everyone in my classes always praised me for how good of a job I would do, so I guess I'm at least decent.

And yea, I know how you feel about being in a class where you don't feel you belong. That's been my problem with writing in school, is having to write about things that well, I don't wanna write about. Without the motivation, it's harder for me to write.

But yea, when I look back at all of my classes, and see about a bajillion writing, english, and lit classes that I took, and that all of those were my most enjoyed classes, as well as the ones I was strongest in, I finally had to take notice and say hey, maybe there's something to that.

Hell, I'm even currently in the middle of writing a book. Novel format, comic book story. Superheroes and all that good stuff, but no pictures

Actually, this goes back to how creative I am - this book (which at this moment, I want to be book 1 of 3 - if I don't make more than that) is based upon a character I created back when I played City of Heroes. Well, there's a couple characters I have who are also inspired from characters I made in Freedom Force, too.

But yea, a character that I played and leveled up in a video game had enough going on for him for at least a damn trilogy, lol.

 

[Mdizzle]

That's definitely something I'd like to look into. Creative writing is why I decided upon English in the first place.
I figured that English could encompass all of that.

Getting more into it (especially recently, with the elections and everything) I started considering the possibility of teaching.

In terms of teaching, I've thought about that too. For me, if that happens, it'll be at the graduate level. I think it would be more interesting to converse with people who, for the most part, are as engaged as you are and can offer a higher level of feedback/discussion.

The other reason I loved studying English lit is that you're able to study not only the text itself, but also the culture and history of the period in question, factors that generally shape the context of the work. I'm richer for the experience of having studied English, for sure.

Hell, I'm even currently in the middle of writing a book. Novel format, comic book story. Superheroes and all that good stuff, but no pictures

Actually, this goes back to how creative I am - this book (which at this moment, I want to be book 1 of 3 - if I don't make more than that) is based upon a character I created back when I played City of Heroes. Well, there's a couple characters I have who are also inspired from characters I made in Freedom Force, too.

I've done some fan fics as well and other random pieces. I used to write a lot, but lately, I haven't felt that creative spark. You should also think about posting some of your work on the site perhaps, get some constructive feedback. If not for that, then just for our own reading pleasure

Keep up the writing. It's certainly a craft, and something that could earn you a potentially lucrative income as well, depending on how you apply it. I've been doing corporate/executive writing for about two years now, and I've learned a lot. There's a bit of wiggle room to be creative, but I've definitely picked up on some technical points to help me become a better writer overall.

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

I've done some fan fics as well and other random pieces. I used to write a lot, but lately, I haven't felt that creative spark. You should also think about posting some of your work on the site perhaps, get some constructive feedback. If not for that, then just for our own reading pleasure

Keep up the writing. It's certainly a craft, and something that could earn you a potentially lucrative income as well, depending on how you apply it. I've been doing corporate/executive writing for about two years now, and I've learned a lot. There's a bit of wiggle room to be creative, but I've definitely picked up on some technical points to help me become a better writer overall.

I've thought about posting some of my stuff up. I may, dunno yet.

I just finished the origin segment tonight for the MAIN character. So now I get to move on to the origins of the other characters, bring them all together, and then BAM, climax.

 

[JaD]

What part of California do you / did you live?

The Bay Area

Yea, when I got into my acting classes, I fell in love with it. I should have kept in contact with my teachers, I might have been able to use that to get into acting myself. Perhaps I will re take some acting classes at my university and see if I can't get into it again. Everyone in my classes always praised me for how good of a job I would do, so I guess I'm at least decent.

Pretty much the only thing I was looking forward to on my way to class and school. By all means get into it whenever you can. It comes with great new friendships and experiences . I'm glad I've been able to even be complimented on it by my director at the school I'm at (and in the past). Even if I'd bump into him outside of class he'd let me know he was hoping to see me in the summer productions, later in the fall etc. If you're good at something, never do it for free. Mr. J knows best.

And yea, I know how you feel about being in a class where you don't feel you belong. That's been my problem with writing in school, is having to write about things that well, I don't wanna write about. Without the motivation, it's harder for me to write.

Same here, it's almost the same as being asleep in class for me. Like God, why can't I just move on, do some writing on stuff I'm passionate about and love. Like film, comedy, life experiences, the fact that MTV is now pure garbage But it is tough like that, just something that has to be dealt with I suppose.

But yea, when I look back at all of my classes, and see about a bajillion writing, english, and lit classes that I took, and that all of those were my most enjoyed classes, as well as the ones I was strongest in, I finally had to take notice and say hey, maybe there's something to that.

Hell, I'm even currently in the middle of writing a book. Novel format, comic book story. Superheroes and all that good stuff, but no pictures
Actually, this goes back to how creative I am - this book (which at this moment, I want to be book 1 of 3 - if I don't make more than that) is based upon a character I created back when I played City of Heroes.

Well, there's a couple characters I have who are also inspired from characters I made in Freedom Force, too.

But yea, a character that I played and leveled up in a video game had enough going on for him for at least a damn trilogy, lol.

That's awesome how you are writing something you created from a video game Maybe I can help you film the trilogy once it's finished. Move over Peter Jackson *throws phone book at him* I think some of my best ideas come from poetry, creative writing, stories/scripts. Lately that lack of extra motivation for me just keeps some of my writing unfinished or just in it's beginning stages unfortunately. Like a script for a play which is just lying on my desktop which I know can be great (you know when you see something in your mind you just know how it will look and that it will work, same with this) It may just be a matter of time, or me waiting for something to happen (which I hate saying but is an awful truth, for me at least)

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

The Bay Area

Hey me too!

I moved to Tennessee last year, but before that I spent my entire life in San Jose. What college education I did get, I went to Evergreen Valley College.