<p>I am an education major and have been since day 1 of my college experience way back in August of 2007. I will be starting my senior year this fall, final semester of classes, and planned to student teach in the spring, graduating next May.</p>
<p>Minor problem... I don't want to teach anymore, and I came to this realization earlier this summer. I found something I want to do instead: Law Enforcement. I want to pursue a career as a police officer. I have switched my major to "Education Studies" which is basically a route people like me take, if they decide virtually last minute they want to do something else, they can finish with their bachelor's degree, not have to student teach, and not get a teaching license. It's a good alternative for those who don't want to teach, but still want their degree. After all, I worked REALLY hard to get this far in the last three years. Most people take 5 years to get a teaching degree, and I did it in 4 - it was hard work, and I don't want to walk away with nothing. So, my plan is to graduate with an ed studies major this december.</p>
<p>I've been working on applying for police departments in the area, getting practice in the methods of applying, testing, interviewing, etc., and if I get to the hiring stage, then I'd take the job in a heartbeat. Couple of issues and things stressing me out about the whole thing....</p>
<p>If I don't get a police job by December, what do I do in January? I will not have a teaching license, so I won't be eligible to teach as a "fallback." Virtually no other career I would be happy with, that I know of. I feel like this is what I'm being called into, and it's what I'm meant to do, but I'm only 21, so I'm young. Most people don't get started in LE at my age... it could take several years of applying and working towards it before successfully landing a job... I've only been applying and seeking a job since May.</p>
<p>But, there's another problem. My parents/family are completely clueless, still. When I first started applying, it was more of a "I'll get some experience, if I don't get a job, I'll continue with my plan to teach." And I didn't care that much. I figured I'd tell my parents if it became more "definite" and if I became a final candidate. A lot of police jobs/vacancies end up being "1 or 2 openings, 120-150 applicants" - chances are, since I don't have any experience or criminal justice degree/courses, I won't finalize in the top 5. But who knows? Worth getting the practice. That was my original position.</p>
<p>Now, I'm to the point where I'm so against being a teacher that I don't want to student teach - I feel like I'll be miserable, and that would not benefit me, my cooperating teacher, or my students. Better that I don't set foot in a classroom as a teacher.</p>
<p>The only one close to me that really knows is my soon-to-be wife (getting married Dec 31). By the way, she is in FULL support of my decision, if that affects your advice. I don't know how to break the news to my parents, and I guess I need a little reassurance... lol...</p>
<p>I don't know if this is going to work out. My fiance is still in school until Dec 2011, so that means we'll be supported on MY income between Dec '10 and Dec '11. A whole year, and I don't even know where the financial stability is going to come from during that time...</p>