Need a Niche and Advice

Student Lounge College Life
1

<p>Hello, </p>

<p>I majored in Secondary Education / English at a local state college and got through it with average marks, not terrible and not great. I learned some teaching strategies, a few grammar ins and outs, and received a teaching license for my state. I have yet to find a real teaching position, though, and have had to settle for work as a substitute teacher. All other viable work I could do in the education field, like working as a private tutor, is taken. </p>

<p>I'm currently pursuing a certification to teach English as a Foreign Language to international students at our local public schools, but, for one, I'm not certain this school will prepare me well enough, as most of this program is online. Secondly, I feel like I've gotten into a bit of a rut. College has offered me great freedom, and I want to continue going for the rest of my life, but I've been attending this particular college for around seven years, and I have little to show for it because of delayed course offerings and other inconveniences. A great deal of my life has passed by while I've been here; my mother died of cancer, and I haven't made many friends to comfort me. I've just been here, trying to get back on my feet. </p>

<p>When I look online, I see great colleges in far away states like New York. I would really like to attend even one of the public colleges there, but I probably don't have enough money, talent, or creativity. I want my education to mean something, though, and I need a change of scenery. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I want to make new friends and make progress with haste; I can't seem to do a lot of that here.</p>

2

<p>What are your goals for going to college “for the rest of your life”? just continuing to take courses without a concrete plan is probably the worst thing you can do.</p>

<p>If you are ready to move, why don’t you see what options you have to gain a teaching certification in a place where there is a need for dedicated teachers (maybe a large urban area)? If you have decided that teaching is not for you, then see what other options appeal to you and then make a plan.</p>

3

<p>I’m currently working on a master’s degree in ESOL at this college. I’m hoping that will open up more opportunities for me. I’m tired here, though, and I would like to master other skills, like educational game design, so that I could really stand out on a resume.</p>