So...What's Next?

Trafton B.

May 29, 2011 - 8:30 PM

Well, graduation is just around the corner and that means that everyone is curious as to what my next move will be in life. Job? Grad school? Travel? Ski bum? It's the question of the hour, you might say, and I feel like I might as well answer the questions publicly for both your and my own benefit. It'd be nice to clear the air and collect my thoughts before making this next big move.

 

Thankfully, I have an answer for the short term. I'll be back at Aim High in June for one more summer of teaching science class. It wasn't my first choice for summer employment, but it's pretty ideal for my current situations. Plus, I'm getting' a raise! How ‘bout that? Who knew that four years of college and a bachelors' degree could be so valuable?

 

In all seriousness, though, I had two reasons for returning to Aim High. First, I just couldn't turn down the opportunity to teach those kids one last time. I guess I shouldn't say ‘one last time' until I find gainful employment for next year, but this will probably be my coup de grace with Aim High. I have the opportunity to watch my first class of seventh graders graduate from the program as ninth graders. How could I pass that up? As I hope you all caught a glimpse of from my blogs last summer, Aim High is a very special organization and it's one that deserves a great deal of respect and support

 

My second reason for returning is that it will give me time to scope out the job scene in the San Francisco Bay. My plan for this summer is to be applying for jobs in the urban planning field. I'd love to be working for a large development firm so that I could gain experience in a wide range of disciplines like urban design, sustainable development, or environmental planning. I know my future will very likely involve a master's degree in urban planning and at this point I foresee that happening in California, so it only makes sense to move back to the Bay now. It's been a great four years in the Pacific Northwest, but I just think I'm a Californian at heart.

 

With that said, however, I have a second round interview for a Teaching & Admissions Fellowship position with the Chewonki Semester School, which is the complete opposite of what I've been writing about already. It would be teaching rather than planning and it would be in Maine rather than California. So, yes, it would be on the other side of the nation from my friends and family, Duck's football games, and my future as a professional, but it would be so much fun. If offered the position, there isn't a very high chance that I will take it but I couldn't help but apply.

 

So, there you have it, those are my future plans. Oh, and I almost forgot one little piece. After Aim High I have plans to road trip over to Michigan with my sister who's starting her first year at Ross School of Business in September. She also just a new renter to take her apartment in San Francisco, which means that now she and I will both be moving back in with our parents for a couple months this summer. One big happy family again, can't wait.

 

Countdown to Graduation Day: 15 DAYS!