Reading: David Eggers, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius

Moving: Walked 3.6 miles

Viewing: Gorgeous day, then heavy streaking clouds, then a gorgeous day.

Listening:

5 March 2000: CU Denver

A few weeks ago CU Denver sent a postcard advertising an Open House, an occasion to learn about its evening and weekend programs. I have wanted something like this, so away I went.

I need to go back to school. CFU is commercial adult ed. I knew the instructor could be anyone--my friend MEWN teaches pottery or something like that at the Seattle equivalent--but I guess I did want someone who could spell. Or, if who couldn't spell, who didn't think only copyeditors need bother, someone who strove against her shortcomings. I'm going to finish the course, but I'm glad I went in without expectation.

As we went round the room introducing ourselves, one man said, "My name's Attila, it's a Hungarian name, but you can call me Al." Um, Attila the Hun, right? Don't we all know it's a Hungarian name? Do we get to sing Paul Simon instead?

My father's been anxious for ages for me to continue. He was disappointed when I dropped out of grad school, disappointed for not in me I think (or at least he always acted as if it was for not in). My sister thinks I'm bright and capable. So do a lot of people. RDC thinks I'm well read enough that I wouldn't get much out of a master's course in English except the letters after my name. Well, I wouldn't shirk the letters myself.

I looked into two things: a master's in English lit and a program in the school of ed designed for people moving into education after years in non-academic careers. When the head of the English department returns after spring break, I am going to talk to him about provisional admission. Meanwhile, I am going to attend an orientation for folks interested in the ed program.

It works with urban schools. Diverse urban schools. This means the polar opposite of my own primary and secondary public education. UConn's student population mirrored the real world more, but not much more, a microcosm of Connecticut but not of the world. So that would be an education for me in itself. Also one of the prereqs is a documented 30 hours working with youth--leading Girl Scouts, coaching soccer, moshing with the daycare set. An excellent weeding-out tool, that. DPS will be desperate for teachers in the next few years as the Boomers retire, so this would be a good time for me. But could I handle it?

And so I debate. Do I want the letters after my name for my own amusement and satisfaction or do I practice what I preach and go teach?