Jesse A. Schroeder

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For a few months now I've been considering the Master's of Social Work program at the Ohio State University. In all honesty, I know very little about social work as a profession, even less about the graduate field and I'm only started to get to know the program at OSU.

However, I'm excited about the program for a few reasons:

First, I need a change of pace; I need to challenge myself; I need to get moving on a graduate education.

It has been a full year since I was asked to leave GCCS. I loved teaching, and at the point when I was asked to leave, I had come to a point where I thought I could teach at that school for the rest of my career. Being asked to leave on short notice made me rethink what I really wanted to do with my life, and that proved to be a difficult question. Even after a year of reflecting, talking with a spiritual director, going to retreats and conferences, and getting advice from family and friends, I still don't really know what I want to do "when I grow up." I don't feel like I have a clear vision or goal for my future.

I'm trying to be OK with that. But it's tough. Perhaps that what it means to enjoy the journey for what it is, but I think it would be easier, and perhaps I would be more "successful" if I had a clear goal.

But what I've learned through the course of this year is that I easily sink to the lowest level of demand being placed on me at the moment. So I work five days a week, and enjoy my evenings and weekends. This is a pleasant life, for sure. But I don't feel satisfied, challenged, or fulfilled. I don't feel as though I'm doing what I could be doing; I'm not being who I want to be.

I believe that returning to full-time studies, in a field that is totally unknown to me, at the graduate level, will "kick my butt in gear," will open up new ideas and possibilities, and will hopefully help me to find out who it is that I am and who I want to be in life.

Second, OSU is local (don't have to move), convenient, and affordable for in-state students.

Kellye and I have talked about many different options for us, including ideas like moving across the country or even out of the country. I'm drawn to the sense of adventure, but the reality is that our home and our community in Columbus is really good. There aren't many reasons to leave something that is so good for our family. Furthermore, as we consider possibly starting our own family in the next few years, we'd like to be close to our parents and other loved ones.

The MSW program at Ohio State can be completed in two years (as a full-time student), and the total cost would be under $25,000. To receive a solid, versatile degree from a recognized institution in such a short time for a relatively low cost is a great opportunity that I feel I should take advantage of.

I recognize this degree program will not be everything, but it is a good start.

I dream about being at an institution where the faculty and staff have close relationships. Where I live near campus and walk everywhere. A place where I love my studies, have an opportunity to teach and even minister to students. A place where my Christian faith is informed and challenged. I realize that this will not happen at OSU. It won't be the "dream graduate school."

However, an MSW is a versatile degree, and OSU is a school that offers many opportunities. As a large institution, I will have chances to take classes in different fields if I want, network and make connections, and hopefully learn more about career opportunities and areas in which I would like to continue to study and work. The bottom line is that, as best I can tell, an MSW will put me in the position in two years to be a strong candidate for a good job in an organization that I would be excited to work in.

So, as best I can tell right now, I will be a full-time graduate student beginning September 2010.

I've written about this as much to process for myself why I'm making this decision, because honestly I also have a lot of uncertainty. But I also welcome any feedback or advice that anyone has to offer.