Alright, I'm going to share the mess I'm in and see if anyone wants to hand me a shovel so I can dig my way out. I am 22 years old, I did not attend high school (I was semi-home schooled, primarily I was un-schooled.) I don't feel my lack of traditional education is a hindrance to me at all, I feel I am as proficient as a high school graduate. I was in Midwifery school for a few years. Midwifery is a HUGE part of what I want to do, it is integral to my life. The healing arts are in general integral to me. Things such as massage, herbalism. I'm also hugely involved in Appalachia, the folklore and the folk arts of it. I have been told by numerous people throughout my life that I have a talent for writing. I have been writing as long as I can remember. In first grade our teacher made books for us out of wallpaper samples stapled together with blank pages. We each had a folder where we could keep our stories we wrote in the wallpaper books. My folder was quite fat, I had so many. In second grade I had an entire series planned out, involving ghosts. Here is where I am right now: Enrolled in a community college for a Advanced Health Care certificate. It will not transfer to a four year university except as one health credit. It would be a HUGE help for me if I go to midwifery school, though not required. If I do decide on midwifery school, I would take this program first however. Lately I've been wanting to write. I'm taking a creative writing class and it's left me so confused. I could apply my financial aid I have now for the Advanced Health Care Certificate to General Studies and transfer into a four year college as a Junior. I would major in writing, preferably I could find a school with an Appalachian minor. My questions concern what I should do. If I go to midwifery school now, I will have to put midwifery on hold to go to school for writing. I will not be able to attend births while in school. If I already am a writer, I can attend midwifery school with no problem. My concern is losing what I have now, because I have studied it for a while. Also, if I do well in a community college, how much is it going to matter I do not have records of my high school education? Is there a way I can explain myself out of that? I would rather not take my GED considering I already have some college credits and am enrolled full time. I am poor, and do not see myself getting much help from my parents. If I go to school for two years, I will be 25 when I am through with community college. I am told I will be eligable for more finacial aid at that point. Is this true? Also, how is going to a community college, a four year university for two years, and midwifery school going to affect my aid. As in, will it get less and less as time goes on? I don't have an issue paying for my education, as long as I can. I just don't want to sacrifice one thing for another, and would need to carefully plan this most expensive to least. I would like to transfer out of state, how much more difficult is that going to be than transfering in state? The midwifery school I am considering is a three year program. Community college for 2 years. University for 2 years. That is at least 7 years of school, for two separate studies. Is this unusual, or a bad idea for whatever reason? I live very frugally and do not plan on being rich. I am only interested in being happy, and want to homestead. I am however concerned about having a ton of debt without a way to pay it back. Realistically, I am not going to be financially well-off as a midwife and it is doubtful I would be as a writer either. However, it is what I am called to do and I will do it. I just need advice!!!! Help? Please!
I'm a math major at a 4 year school here in Wisconsin. I would say, if you really want to be a midwife, then stay in the program you're in. It's a limited niche, so unfortunately, it won't have a wide range of application in the future, and you might wind up going back to school anyway. Otherwise, since you want to be a writer too, I'd continue writing for now because repetition is really what makes a great writer. However, I would change your program to something that is transferable to a 4 year school, cos let's face it. A 2 year diploma will only do so much for you, especially in the job market today. And 4 year colleges totally rock!! The thing that will get you into a 4 year school is GPA. Even though they like to see GED's or High school diploma, they don't mean quite as much as college credits. Success in a 2 year will indicate potential for success in a 4 year. You might have to do a little song and dance for the admissions dept., but if it comes down to it, you can just take the test. And nowadays, the entrance essay carries more weight. I wouldn't recommend being an English major. Unless you're willing to teach, only about 1 in 1000 actually make it as writers. Don't mean to rain on your parade, but that's the facts. However, since you already have an interest in midwifery, you could major as a Biology major and take the writing minor. You'll find that you'll have much more flexibility with that degree and you can write on the side and gain experience. The one thing that leads to success as a writer is keep writing and submit stuff as often as you can. Don't worry too much about whether it's good or not, and expect a lot of rejections before you get acceptance letters on a frequent basis. Just don't give up no matter how discouraged you get. Making a living as a writer is a tough field to break into, but once you're there you're great... Also, don't worry too much about the money. Financial aid can cover everything (I've got a full ride right now, myself). If the school wants you they'll find a way that you can afford it. Of course, it helps if you're over 26, because then your parents can't be counted towards your eligibility, but still don't let money frighten you. Hope this answered some of your questions...if you wish to know more just ask.
Thanks for your advice. I do plan on doing both midwifery school and 4 year (except with 2 of that being community college). I am not worried about making money as a writer, writing is more for personal fulfillment. If I get published that is great, but I am not expecting to be Stephen King or anything and become blind rich. Midwifery school is 3 years, and I already have the pre-reqs for it. I just felt that the Advanced Health Care certificate would give me a better head start and more of chance for success. I don't think I could major in biology. It's not that I don't see it's importance in midwifery, or think it would be useful, its just not where my passion lies. If I were becoming a nurse midwife it would be different, but because I am planning on being a Certified Professional Midwife I feel it's less of a requirement for me since I will be dealing with only birth rather than more specific medical care or general over-all care. Would an English major help me get a job with something like a woman's shelter or other non profit or something of that variety? I would only work besides midwifery if I ABSOLUTELY had to. I am going to be homesteading too, so money is honestly less of a concern for me than it is for most people. It's not just idealism, it's reality. I know there will be times though when I NEED money and that is why I'd prefer to have that if I need to. I am not opposed to being a teacher if I need to be, it is just far from my dream job. There is so much I am interested in: Anthropology, Archeology, Marine Sciences (I am huge on sea turtles!!), Writing, Appalachian studies/history/lit, Southern Lit. I wish I could study them all Overall though, it's midwifery and writing. I just need to make a decision about school. In a way, I am afraid of being in school forever just because I want to be. I love learning so much I feel like I could go forever for so many things. I hate limiting it.
Thanks BraveSirRubin. That is how I truly felt. I'm not interested in the degree except for the experience of earning it. I'm indifferent to the piece of paper I'd get at the end. I'm sticking with the Advanced Health Care certificate, and finishing my herbal studies and doula certification at the same time. After that who knows, maybe midwifery school. I do plan on taking some creative writing classes though.
Ain't nothin' wrong with taking some writing classes. I'm taking some myself because at times of drought I need to be forced to write something in order to get into the groove. I don't think that the classes could teach me anything, but they could sure as hell give me that push I need to write a lot and frequently. Anyhow, good luck. I think that you're making the right choice.
