Here it goes. These are the things that make me happy, in no particular order: Travel, Writing, Reading, Scuba Diving. So how do I incorporate all of these things in a life where I can also feel secure and settled, but also not lose my sense of adventure? I have decided to go back to school. I want to get an MFA in creative writing. I want to finish my novel and try to get it published, and I want to continue writing for the rest of my life. I also want to use my degree to teach literature and/or creative writing. I think reading and writing are very important skills for everyone to develop. Reading often makes you a smarter and more articulate person. It makes you a better communicator both in writing and in person, which is a skill that is so lacking these days. I want to inspire writers like me, who aren't being encouraged to pursue their passions, to forget what everyone else says about not making enough money or not finding a career and just do what they love. If you are unafraid to work hard the money will come, and if you love what you are working at, well, you are already 10 steps ahead. Okay, now that that rant is over, I'll tell you where the travel and diving comes in. I have missed the application deadlines for the 2014 semesters, so while I wait for the 2015 school year I will be getting myself TESOL certified (PS - this is on my bucket list) and I will be heading back to...drumroll....Thailand! I have just been accepted into a program and will be teaching English in Thailand from October 2014-March 2015. After my contract is up, I will be going back to Ko Tao for 2-3 months, working towards my dive masters certification.
So how does this all fit into my master life plan? Hold your horse, I am getting there!
The TESOL certification, aside from it being a goal of mine, will only help me to get accepted into my MFA program, and eventually get a teaching job (I'm not sure yet at what level I'd like to teach). Once I graduate and get said job, I will be able to teach during the school year, and in the summers I can do one of two things. I can either travel somewhere and use my TESOL cert to volunteer and do some good, or I can go somewhere tropical for 2-3 months out of the year and use my dive masters certification to work at some resort or in a dive center. All the while I can continue writing on my down time.
I don't know what you or anyone else thinks of this plan of mine, but I think that sounds like a pretty rockin' life.
So, follow me as I prepare over the next 5 months for my next big adventure. It feels so good to finally be moving towards a solid life goal.