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More Major Changes

August 25th, 2017 at 12:50 pm

My youngest is frustrated and has pretty much decided not to attend MSU this semester. I am extremely upset on one hand and fully supportive on the other. We have been working all summer on in-state tuition and are getting the run around. It isn't even about the length of time we have lived here. It is about me not having permanent employment in Michigan. They say subbing is not permanent and working from home for my other job isn't considered employed in Michigan either. What upsets me is they knew this all along and only in recent weeks has it become a big issue. I really don't understand where I work is an issue if I live here full-time!

To shorten this long saga, my son says he is seriously considering signing up for the Air Force and letting them pay for school (He had talked about ROTC but never full time) I fear he is going in for the wrong reasons. However, he is an adult, and all I can offer is my opinion. I told him I would like to see him go ahead and just work this semester and go to the community college next semester (We are one month short of in-state tuition with them, hence the suggestion for the semester off). I said at that point he can decide whether he really wants to go the military route or re-enroll with MSU for next year. With AP credits and a semester at community college he would not be behind. He said he would consider my suggestion.

All of this has had me do some serious soul searching. I am going to get my teaching license in MI. Unfortunately, my NH and FL licenses have expired. I won't need to go back to school. However, I do need to take two state tests and get certified in first aid and CPR. I will spend this school year doing all of that while I sub. Depending on cash flow, I may even have it all done in one semester. I figure between the study guides, tests and certification, it will be around $500.

My ultimate goal is to work as an educational/site coordinator (basically advising at the community college level). If I can't land a position in that capacity, I will return to the classroom full time. I have seen openings in both fields, so I know going through the licensing process is worth it.

I love my editing job, but it is too unpredictable to carry on long-term. Due to the logistics of it, I rarely get a full day off. This was another big reason for my decision. Obviously, I will be sticking with it for now.

9 Responses to “More Major Changes”

  1. ThriftoRama Says:
    1503663561

    I too am surprised what employment has to do with it. Does that mean unemployed people in Michigan aren't technically residents either??

  2. Laura S. Says:
    1503665429

    @ThriftORama That is exactly the question I posed! I did not get a response to that one.

  3. creditcardfree Says:
    1503665603

    Residency at colleges is very different from state to state from what I have come across.

    I will tell you that my Army husband said he would join the Air Force if given the choice again. He said their deployments are much, much shorter. But as a mother, it would be difficult for me to send my child into the military. But I have also seen many people grow into great leaders because of their military experience.

  4. Beawealthywarrior Says:
    1503666000

    Well I am retired Air Force and a product of ROTC and I can say both are great! However, I would always tell my young recruits to make sure they know the good and the bad about the military before a decision is made.

  5. Laura S. Says:
    1503667965

    I have no doubt he will succeed no matter what. He has already talked to my brother who had 8 years in the Air Force and is set to talk with my uncle who retired as a top general in the Air Force. If he still wants to go after that, I will support him. I guess I just feel bombarded since this was all so last minute. Frown

  6. snafu Says:
    1503763426

    Observing students who have difficulty adjusting to the self discipline required in universities, I've wished I could intercede to suggest they join the workforce for a year to mature in the 'real world.'

    While this is not the issue here, delaying a semester or two is not a major loss. It can settle residency requirements and give him time to reflect on pros and cons of military service. It provides opportunity to save some money and understand challenges of the working world.

  7. Laura S. Says:
    1503842267

    Thank you all. In the end we compromised. He is still pretty set on joining the AF full time. He is having meeting with the recruiter, but has agreed not to sign anything for at least 30 days. I am highly encouraging him to re-enroll next semester/year and work in the meantime. I told him going the ROTC route will still cover most, if not all, of his costs n the end.

  8. Beawealthywarrior Says:
    1503854523

    I was once the recruiter for Air Force ROTC at The University of South Carolina so if there's any questions let me know if there's any questions I might assist with.

  9. rob62521 Says:
    1503859274

    OK, this just stinks! I'm so sorry. My suggestion is you contact your local state reps and ask about this. Sometimes they have scholarships and can help you for college expenses. Plus, maybe they can unwind some of the red tape as far as the residency requirements.

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