Hatrack River Forum: MFA - What a groovy idea!

This is topic MFA - What a groovy idea! in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

Been considering the next step in my education . . . the master's degree.

I have looked at the "reasonable/responsible" next step in my professional career . . .

the dreaded choices of MSW or MPA.

*insert clip art of Shan screaming hysterically "no, no, no, no, no, no" and bashing head on wall*

hence, I have just not pursued any graduate degree.

But, lookee what I discovered! Close to home and everything!

MFA in Creative Writing

I sent away for a packet of information. I think I'll go for it . . . [Smile]

Posted by Dante (Member # 1106) on :

If you're going to get an MFA, be sure you have very specific subsequent professional goals in mind.

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

Ahhh! For the application for admittance to an MFA? Or later?

I'm solidly locked into my career, as it is. Which includes a ton of technical writing as well as more creative applications for publications, curriculum design, and the supporting materials, etc. That's not changing until after my son is raised and self-supporting.

Once that happens, I would be perfectly content back in the non-profit, low-paying, direct service field.

Or I'll become a nun . . . *grin*

Posted by Dante (Member # 1106) on :

Both.

What I'm trying to say, in a very delicate and sensitive way, is that MFA programs are a huge waste of time and money for most people.

That said, if you have no plans on needing an MFA for anything practical, and you have the free time and spare money to complete a program, and you're convinced it's something you'd enjoy, by all means...<grin>

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

Ahhh! Got it! Since I am well-established in my job, it's just a step up into the next level. An MSW or MPA would be logical - but I really don't want to get to that level of political structure. Yet an MFA does have some applicability to what I do - the nifty, creative parts. And I can afford it - with careful attention to spending patterns. But mostly, it sounds like a lot of fun. Thank you for your delicate attention to my sensitivities. *grin*

Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :

Sounds like a great idea, Shan. Good luck!

Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :

Sounds like it could be a lot of fun. [Big Grin]

Enjoy!

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

I am having all sorts of fun today figuring out (just in my head, as of yet) a possible portfolio of both personal and work related writings to submit, my application letter slant, and who to ask for rec's from . . . .

If nothing else, it's a great way to avoid filling out tax return paperwork. *grin*

Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :

See, I just don't understand why people avoid their tax paperwork. It's FUN!

[Razz]

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

Well, hey! Come on over -- I'll feed you homemade soup in return for you preparing my taxes. Deal?

[Big Grin]

Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :

I'll do 'em for nothin'. Send me an email.

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

You're so sweet! It's just organizing the box that contains all the records - a task I really wouldn't curse anyone with . . . if I may, I'll e-mail with questions?

Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :

Sure...and the organizing part need not be so hard either. I just put post-its on a huge table and make piles for the categories. I forget what part of the country you're in...maybe a road trip would be fun if it's not too far.

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

If you're visiting Shan, I'm on the way.

Kinda.

Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :

LOL! California? I haven't been there in...well, a very long time. 1992 or so I think. That's kinda far. [Smile]

Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :

(Besides, I can't go to California anyway. Part of my luggage would be illegal there.)

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

*sniff*

But I want to see you, too!

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

I'm in the gloomiest, wettest, rainiest part of the Pacific NW.

*dramatic sigh*

We just had 35 (?) straight days of rain.

The mold spores have taken over.

*shudder*

I've got an idea - let's take all my paperwork and go to rivka's - who maybe has sunshine . . . yes?

Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :

You guys think you have it bad? Try Missouri's weather. Its warm and sunny one day and the next its below freezing and snowing. Everyone is sick.

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

At least you GET some sun . . . we're all dying of toxic mold spores over here.

Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :

Hey, our weather out here has been beautiful, if dry (and smokey). Come to Tulsa. I'll take you to the Zoo!

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Shan:
I've got an idea - let's take all my paperwork and go to rivka's - who maybe has sunshine . . . yes?

Sunshine, yes. Warmth . . . well, depends on the week. Although I suspect even when we're cold, you'd call it warm. [Wink]

Be happy to have ya! [Big Grin]

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

*Shan packs her bags and races out of the rainy Northwest with great glee*

*Gets to the front door and remembers the last time she ran away from home at age 8. The mailbox at the end of the drive. The three wasps by the mailbox that arrowed in on her and chased her all the way back up the driveway*

*Shudders*

Rain check, rivka? [Big Grin]

Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :

[ROFL]

Shan, you're so cute!

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

Does that mean you would like to postpone to a time when it IS raining here?

Where's the point in that?

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

[Razz]

It just means I'm deathly afraid of wasps.

[Big Grin]