by Keri Rozansky | Sep 4, 2024 | Blog
When I started college, everyone was encouraged to get a degree in the tech field – computer science, engineering, etc. But I was more interested in English and writing. So I made English my major and minored in computer science. Minoring in computer science was a huge mistake. I was truly out of my element, and either failed or close to failed a couple of necessary lower level classes. Rather than continue to beat a dead horse, I considered other options.
At that time, I really wanted to become a teacher. My minor had to be a “teachable minor” meaning something that would be found being taught in a typical K-12 classroom environment. That could have been computer science. I chose another love at the time: physical education. It was called “movement science” at my school. I loved it. I learned about the science of movement, human performance, and took physical classes like gymnastics, swimming, and lifeguarding. This was what I’d do with the rest of my life. Until it wasn’t.
Because there was such a push for STEM, the school of education was admitting students with lower overall GPAs but sticking to higher standards for arts students. Had I been able to master computer science, I would have gotten in, but due to the poor performance in those classes, it hurt my GPA to the point of no return. I would be spinning my wheels, taking classes that didn’t matter in order to increase a number that would never increase enough to make a difference. I cut the education portion of my degree and went for a straight Literature & Language degree. Perfect.
But I’ve a lot of criticism or negative curiosity when I tell people what my degree is in. They find it either easy or not of value in the same way some STEM degree might. If I went back to school for the teaching credentials, I’d have a job in no time. Teachers, and English teachers, can be in short supply because everyone is still focusing on STEM. Some in-school experiences have taught me that teaching isn’t for me and never will be.
Instead, I’ve put my degree to good use in a number of different fields. Those STEM fields? They need English or writing experts to write their handbooks/instruction manuals, edit, and write content for their company website. I’ve written and edited content for a radio newswire, I’ve edited and posted building requirements, I’ve written a blog about LED lighting, I’ve edited legal documents for an international law firm, I’ve written blogs and website content for a number of property management companies, and I recently started blogging for an architectural design firm. Through all these experiences, not only have I sharpened my writing and editing skills, but I’ve learned about these other industries as well. Had I stuck in the classroom, I’d be teaching the deeper meanings behind classic literature or guiding elementary school students through the basic mechanics of writing and spelling in the English language.
I’m not saying the call to teaching is a bad one, but it can be very limiting. Even if I’d emphasized in ‘creative writing’ that could pigeon-hole me into something as well. I’ve looked at requirements for creative writing degrees, many of which go over the mechanics you already know, but force you to explore genres you’re not even interested in. Not only that, you’ll be learning your teacher’s way of thinking and doing – any other way will be ‘wrong.’
Continue to hone your writing and editing skills. An English and language degree is a valuable thing, even if people tell you it’s not. Pair it with a skill in the STEM field, or law, or even culinary school, and you’ll be unstoppable.
by Keri Rozansky | Sep 2, 2024 | Blog
Happy Labor Day everyone! Kids are already or almost back to school, and summer is ending. Be safe and have fun with your last summer adventures!
by Keri Rozansky | Aug 28, 2024 | Blog
I’m Turner Moore and I’m 17. I’ve never written a blog post before, so sorry. Me and my friend Jay are starting our senior year at Glass High School soon. It’s going to be great. But we decided to have some fun over the summer. This year is going to be all about getting ready for college and all that, so we wanted to have fun for our last real summer break before going.
I love swimming and I’m planning on swimming in college. I want to go to the Olympics one day. My parents tell me not to brag, but it’s what I do. Swim, not brag. I scored a lot of the state and local records for swimming. I’m also a scout. Our group is called Outdoor Boys and me and Jay have been doing it since we were kids. I got the highest rank a couple years ago, but Jay’s still working on it.
I’m going to community college this year, too, but I hope to go to the state school after I graduate high school. My mom says I do too much and don’t just be a kid. Dad’s proud of me and does what he can. He was the one who dropped me off at early morning swim practices and drove me to camp outs and meetings for Outdoor Boys.
I don’t know what else to tell you without giving too much away. Or making it sound like I’m just telling you my stats. I’m more than just numbers and achievements, but you won’t know that until you get to know me better. You can read about me and Jay’s summer and more about us soon though. This friend of ours is going to be turning it all into a book soon.
by Keri Rozansky | Aug 21, 2024 | Blog
Visiting my Alma Mater to Help the New Generation of Lakers Move In
This August has been a whirlwind of change and, to an extent, emotion. It’s the beginning of my son’s senior year of high school. A picture popped up on my personal Facebook page memories – one of a teary-eyed five year old who wasn’t ready to leave Mom and Dad for kindergarten. The picture I took of him last Thursday as he smiled his laughing smile that says “not another picture, Mom!” was his first last day of his K-12 school adventure.
Next year, that “first day” picture may happen in front of a dorm building as he starts his college adventure. Yesterday, I connected with fellow alumni at my college Alma Mater. We were there to help the newest freshmen moving into the dorms feel welcome and at home. We unloaded cars, trucks, and trailers stuffed with all the ‘essentials’ and helped load them into the building, up stairs, or wherever they were needed.
As I stood out on the curb, greeting parents and new students, I thought about how I hadn’t had this first welcoming face waiting at the curb when I moved in 25 years ago. The program started 21 years ago – I wasn’t yet an alum, nor was I moving into on-campus housing. When I became graduated and possessed my position in the group of proud alumni, I promptly got married and moved out of state with my husband to start new jobs and a new life.
This move-in process is something I’d like to continue participating in. It was fun, I met some new people – not only new students and their families, but other alumni I didn’t know – including some from the pioneering class of 1967! Then I realized this may not be possible, next year or for a few years after that. Next year, we may be moving our own college freshman into his dorm. That’s something I’m not quite sure I’m looking forward to yet, but it’s a look into the future nonetheless.
The college years, as many know, are interesting and different. Your experience is your own, unlike your K-12 years where everyone is taking most of the same classes, has a similar group of friends, and eats lunch at the same time every day. College is about finding yourself and what you love. College means scheduling classes around your needs – if you’re an early bird who loves rising at 6 a.m. and can be awake and alert for an 8 a.m. class, you can do that. If your body runs on a later schedule, you can arrange it so your first class doesn’t start until 1 p.m. Dining halls are open from early in the morning to late at night, so you can refuel when you need.
Today, I take a moment to reflect on my own experience, imagine the excitement and experiences of these new students who moved in yesterday, and imagine what my son’s own experience will be like in a year’s time. A look back in time with nostalgic feelings for what was, and a look forward to the bright hopes of what one day will be.
by Keri Rozansky | Aug 15, 2024 | Blog
We’ve been gearing up for this school year. It’s my son’s senior year, and high school graduation. The culmination and reward of 13 years of schooling. I’ve been looking through all of his “first day of ____ grade” pictures. He’s gone from a scared, teary-eyed 5-year-old who didn’t want to leave his parents to a confident 17-year-old who gets up, showered, dressed, and out the door all on his own.
We spent the summer touring colleges, examining each with a critical eye for the things he’s looking for a in a school. We’ll continue to tour through the fall, and hopefully be able to sit in on a class, or observe current students in their natural habitats. That can’t be done during the summer. He doesn’t seem worried about the college experience as much as he does about being comfortable with his choice. He started out dreaming of going to Arizona State University, as it would take him back home where he grew up and still has dozens of friends. When his dad and I were growing up and in school, if you moved away, you lost touch with the those friends, most likely forever. With computers, texting, social media, and all the other ways we connect, he never lost track of any of his friends.
But these summer college tours have opened his eyes to the potential of Michigan’s schools, where we currently live. He’s found one in particular he’s growing to love every time he visits for another admissions event. He’s considering more, and different majors. He’s opening up to possibilities.
While we’re less than a week into his senior year, with much more to come, I see how the work of the previous 12 years has paid off. It’s a year of change, that will be followed by many more.
