Why I Decided To Go Back To School

Written in 2013

Before I get into how my experience has been at Full Sail, I want to talk about why I wanted to go back to school.

First, I was actually encouraged by someone in my church family to start dreaming again. So I wrote down my goals and I wrote down a vision for myself. The first goal was to go back to school.

Second, I have always wanted to be a creative writer but I’ve also wanted to write for a magazine. I knew that I would need experience if I wanted to go into the journalism field. In journalism, employers are not necessarily concerned about whether or not you get straight A’s in school.

Third, I felt like I was sitting around doing nothing. I wanted something to focus on. And I’m a student at heart. In other words, I like learning.

Fourth, I believe school will provide more opportunities for me. School allows me connect with others in my field. It allows me to practice my craft. And I definitely have added benefits such as getting a new computer.

Last, I simply wanted another chance. Okay, so I’m about to share something I have never really shared with anyone. The reason I wanted another chance is because I didn’t give my best as an undergraduate student.

I graduated as valedictorian from high school but when I got to college I did not have the same focus.

If I remember correctly, I failed four classes while at FAMU.

I was supposed to graduate in 2011 but I graduated in 2012.

And I’m ashamed to say my freshman year I had a 4.0 GPA but when I graduated it dropped to 2.9.

On top of that, I had a four-year scholarship that paid for everything except my books. My last year in school, two semesters before my graduation, I lost my scholarship because my GPA did not meet the criteria to keep the scholarship. I eventually had to take out loans.

When I look back over my undergraduate years, I definitely could have and should have given 100%.

I had an opportunity to get an education and I took it for granted.

When I decided I wanted to go back to school, I said to myself that I was going to do my best and that I was going to make the most of the opportunity.

I’m about four months in my master’s program now and I’m enjoying it.