A New Focus

Happy 2010... a new view on life…and a change of focus.  Can’t believe it’s been eight months since I blogged. Somehow, 2009 was a blur of busyness and trying to stay on top of my job, keeping up with a very busy teenager, our home and family, health issues…you know how it goes. I turned 50 on September 12 and two days later, on September 14, like so many other Americans, I joined the ranks of the unemployed. I was braced for possible changes in my job but was still surprised. I immediately filed for unemployment while trying to determine what to do next…God showed me.

 

There have been times in my life when divine intervention has been evident and that happened to me after my layoff. Nearly every “never” that I’ve ever said has come true…it’s like God is telling me I should never say never . Anyway, two of my nevers were that I would never go back to school and I would never have an SLR camera (they are too big, too hard to learn and what the heck is an F-stop anyway?). Two days after I lost my job, someone told me that if she were unemployed she would go back to school and do something she loved. So, I looked online at Mt Hood Community College’s course offerings (just looking of course since I was NEVER going back to school). I was intrigued by their Integrated Media Program, which includes graphic design, digital photography, broadcasting and video production. It's a 2 year Associates Degree and each program takes 20 students a year. I called and was told it was full and to try again in the fall of 2010. Two hours later, I received a phone call that they had an opening and would accept applications for two days. So I took my placement tests (who needs algebra when you’re my age?), and miraculously passed! Got my photo and design portfolio together and submitted it with my essay. They had 25 applications for that one spot. One week after my layoff, I was accepted into the Digital Photography Program and started school the next day!

 

The more difficult part of this whole crazy scenario was that since I had filed for unemployment, I would have to apply for the Oregon Unemployment Training Program, which would allow me to go to school full-time and still receive unemployment (and not have to look for a job). As with any government application, there were tons of forms to be filled out, another essay to write, etc. If they decided not to allow me into the OUTP, then I would have to quit school to keep the unemployment. So after 7 weeks of waiting, I received notification that I was approved.

 

So…I’m going to school full-time, am learning how to use an SLR camera (I now know what an F-stop is…just don’t ask me to explain it!) and, I’m receiving unemployment… that is definitely divine intervention! It’s been years since I’ve been in school and let me tell you, things have changed! I’m the oldest in my class (most of my classmates are young enough to be my child!), but I just finished my first semester and have a 4.0 GPA! I’m learning all aspects of digital photography, and how to use Adobe Photoshop, Lightoom, InDesign, Dreamweaver and Flash. My old brain is being challenged to learn all kinds of new things!

Comments

[Amy]

Yay! So awesome to hear!

[bonnierose]

so wonderful.. good for you.. u sound happy! hugs