It’s been a crazy past few weeks, thanks in large part to the AWARE saga and the H1N1 virus. Add to that 1 year-old Caleb’s experimentation into alternative sleep patterns and milestones at work, you’ve got yourself an involuntary blogging hiatus.
In the midst of all this, it has dawned on me that it is time for change. It was out of a deep desire to gather myself and retool for the future that I applied to Medill’s Masters Programme in Journalism. The letter of admission on my table, and I am forced to think hard now that the deadline fast approaches.
Among the multitude of thoughts floating about randomly in my head:
- The cost of the the programme: pretty much my life-savings
- The need for education: I’m interested in new media journalism rather than old-school print, and a lot of it could be learned doing rather than studying
- Believe it or not, the fact that Medill requires me to use a Windows machine. The community I’ve been a part of: the designers, coders, great communicators are predominantly Apple people. I’m a little shaken that content at Medill is tied to a platform
- Medill is a top-notch journalism programme and maybe part of me seeks that validation as it would open doors to the established media giants now seeking to reinvent themselves
- But that would mean relocating. I see so much potential for Singapore to grow, to come into her own as a mature society, and I want to be a part of that.
- Sometimes I feel that the best way to do that is actually outside of the government, although being inside has many benefits as well.
- Maybe I am a journalist. I am in love with storytelling and the exploration of issues.
I don’t know what exactly it is I have to do, except that I’ve never been comfortable with routine. Like muscles, jobs, roles and their players need to be broken and rebuilt to grow stronger.
I need suggestions. You guys got any?
I would repeat the old cliche, 'Follow your heart'.
Many times the point of furthering your studies is not really about what the piece of paper that will do for you professionally but it is a lot more about the entire experience, interacting with like-minded people, the trip to elsewhere may open a multitude of different doors for you.
I can understand wanting to be a part of Singapore's maturing process, but I personally feel that she needs her people to explore and bring back different gifts - be it knowledge, experiences, perspectives, processes.
Having a windows machine sucks (pardon me) but perhaps you could be one of those who would trigger a change. Why not? Even if it may not be possible, looking at it from a higher perspective, I think suffering with Windows for a while is worth the pain with the bigger picture in sight.
Money can always be earned, but of course you have your family to consider. However, perhaps money will no longer be a issue with the doors this program may open for you.
The easiest way to decide is to imagine yourself on your deathbed, wondering if you would live your life with regret if you have passed up this opportunity. I'm sorry to be dramatic but I think us humans sometimes take life for granted and have an inability to set our priorities right until we face a life & death situation.
These are just my 2 cents, I've always been a tad extreme. :) All the best Lucian, I've always been in love with your writing and it is a waste not to pursue it further. It is your gift and you know it. Though having been through half of a journalism major, the reality of journalism is not at all 'storytelling' & 'exploration of issues'.
There is a reason why you applied for it in the first place. :) I apologise for the long-winded comment.
Same. Follow your heart.
I don't exactly work well with routines either. I resigned from my teaching position in MOE & found more joy in the job I'm having now. I've never been happier being myself & the results show in my work. However, truth being told, the only person who supported my decision is my hubby but that's all it really matters. So whatever decisions u make, do discuss with your wife. She's the one you're gonna face each day, not your fellow peers/parents.
First big question. Are you called to do this? My guess is that you're not sure, that's why you're asking?
How long is the course at Medill? If it is not long, you may not be missing out too much in Singapore.
Relocating isn't bad. You can always come back. Yes, it's painful but not a huge deal. If you want to relocate, now is the time... since the little ones are still little enough and not in the school system.
I think college often equips one with theory and not a lot of practice, but that piece of paper that is called a degree will definitely open doors for you, especially if you're looking for change in your career plan. You could, of course, continue working and go in the direction you want to go but it will take a longer time, probably, but yes you will be gainfully employed and bring home the bacon.
Money can always be made. Opportunities like this do not come by all the time. Of course, you can always ask Medill if you can sit on it for a year to think it over and fulfill whatever your duties may be in Singapore and go to school next year.
As for the requirement to use Windows, I can't believe a school would be tied to a platform either, unless they have certain types of software that don't run on Mac (like architectural CAD programs), but to me, that isn't a big deal. The bigger deal is what you're gonna learn there, the people you're gonna meet there and the experience you and your family are gonna have there.
I feel for you, brother. I know this is a big decision. Will be praying.
That's my two cents.
It's a big decision without a doubt. I have 2 things to say:
1) How does Faith feel about it? Her support, along with the considerations of costs and transplanting your kids for a year or two for the duration of the course, counts the most.
2) As a colleague and friend who's been ministered by your gift of writing and communication in general, I can't think of a better fit for you.
Will pray for you and family.
You don't need a masters in journalism to be a good journalist. Journalism is one of those professions where the best of them are born, not made. But if you feel that your life will be substantially enriched by the experience, then go for it.
Seize the day. You can always return to Singapore afterwards. It won't change that much in the next few years.
Also, Chicago is a great, great city. From living a few years there, you might come away with many new perspectives on Singapore. I certainly did.