Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Executive Decision

So I have been thinking the last month about what I want to do with my career and have come to a decision.

Since I was in high school, I wanted to be an attorney; a prosecutor to be exact. When my senior year of college came, I was ready to apply and was all excited to be going. But then something started to happen in my life that distracted me from my dream. For some reason, I fell into a deep depression. I was so depressed that I couldn't sleep or I slept too much. I started having panic attacks anytime and anywhere. Depression was affecting everything in my life from my relationship and family to work and school. After about 2 months of feeling like life was over, I started going to see a counselor (who was actually a psychiatry intern). It took me about 3 months of visits each Tuesday to get back to normal. Needlesss to say, while I was thinking life was over, the last thing on my mind was continuing my education. I didn't complete the law school application process and subsequently didn't get in.

Each year, I said that I was going to apply and go back, but then I started working full-time in a hotel operations career. As my pay increased, so did my debt. Of course since I was out of school, I had to pay back student loans, I had car note, rent and credit card bills. So I decided that I was going to lower my debt to zero before I went back to school. That was years ago and i'm still not in law school, but i'm still in debt.

But on Monday, I made the decision that debt-be-damned, i'm applying to law school for admission in the fall of 2009. Applying to law school is a process that i've been afraid of because it's not an easy one. But i'm starting the process on Friday when I get home from this trip.

I'm not worried about getting into law school. What i'm worried about is paying for it. Tuition is no where near inexpensive, so it looks like more loans for me. I will be applying for grants, scholarships and other moneys, but loans will probably be my largest means of paying tuition.

So wish me luck on my process!!

Oh yeah. I did say 2 decisions didn't I? Well that other decision was to just stick with this job I have until I know whether or not I am accepted to law school. I don't know if I will make it though until next August though.

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25 Comments:

Blogger BPS 4.0 : Soul Exposure said...

As someone who went through the same thing. My email is even executivedecision07, LOL!! Get that law degree!! I made the decision to go broke for a minute and get my Masters. It was/is so worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I want to see you entering law school next year, do it, don't even think about it anymore. LOL!!

1:15 PM, September 10, 2008  
Blogger BPS 4.0 : Soul Exposure said...

Also apply to every grant, scholarship, whatever you qualify for in the next year. The work will pay off.

1:19 PM, September 10, 2008  
Blogger life said...

Congrats! It's time for us to start making decision based on faith.

2:35 PM, September 10, 2008  
Blogger Joey Bahamas said...

Do it! I'm applying to grad schools this fall and it means really sitting myself down and focusing on getting it done. I don't want to look back and think what I could've done, I want to do it all...

JB

4:03 PM, September 10, 2008  
Blogger Ashley Smith said...

I am glad that you are following your dream. Good luck on getting scholarships and other financial aid!

I am also glad that you have recovered.

By the way the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is conducting a survey for people with a mental illness such as depression, to see how the public mental healthcare system is working for you, visit the site at www.nami.org

Ashley
http://overcomingschizophrenia.blogspot.com

4:25 PM, September 10, 2008  
Blogger KennonP said...

2008 FORUMS

Atlanta Law School Forum is this weekend, reps from 90% of the law schools across the US will be there. I suggest you find time to make it.

Friday, September 12
noon–5:00 PM
Saturday, September 13
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
InterContinental Buckhead
3315 Peachtree Road, NE

http://www.lsac.org/choosing/law-school-recruitment-forums.asp

4:34 PM, September 10, 2008  
Blogger Corey Keith said...

Congratulations on the decision!!!

7:10 PM, September 10, 2008  
Blogger Darius T. Williams said...

Hmm - check you out. Congrats sir!

9:10 PM, September 10, 2008  
Blogger E said...

Congratulations on pursuing a degree in law. It's always great to pursue your dream. And how cool that kennon has that info posted for the law school reps. It's almost like divine intervention. :-)

11:21 PM, September 10, 2008  
Blogger WhozHe said...

Awsome decision. You can do it, I believe in you.

1:27 AM, September 11, 2008  
Blogger Cash S. said...

ESQ is one sexy abbreviation. Always glad to hear about someone following their dreams. Definitely wish you the best man.

7:04 AM, September 11, 2008  
Blogger Promiscuous X said...

Ya blog name speaks for itself. GETTING MYSELF TOGTHER. Good for you man.

I just had a conversation with my director during a lunch meeting yesterday and she is forcing me to go back to school literally...she needs me to tell her the cost so she can put it in this years budget. Tution Reinbursement. Check and see if your company offers that aswell

7:36 AM, September 11, 2008  
Blogger D.LavarJames said...

CONGRATS man,

A wonderful decision, wishing you all the luck in the world.


I need to get my act together soon too.

9:01 AM, September 11, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A decision you should be proud of. Congratulations.

4:57 PM, September 11, 2008  
Blogger Chet said...

Follow your dreams and do not worry about the bills right now because if there is a will there is a way, you will be broke for a minute, but well worth it, after graduating Law School you will write your own ticket.

Best wishes to you always. Get that degree! Of course keep your current gig until you know for sure.

8:26 PM, September 11, 2008  
Blogger Unknown said...

go 4 it...make it happen

1:04 PM, September 12, 2008  
Blogger ThisMightBeMe said...

Do ur thing. It's never too late to catch that goal.

1:18 AM, September 13, 2008  
Blogger Unknown said...

You can represent me in my book deal...LOL
You're going to do great!

1:49 PM, September 14, 2008  
Blogger Unknown said...

i'm all late but that is some very good news dude. all the best to you.

11:47 PM, September 14, 2008  
Blogger Nobody not really... said...

Forget the debt. Think about how satisfied you'll be when you get to your goal? I think we worry too much about the sidebars in life before we look to accomplish the main tasks.

Congrats man! What schools are you thinking?

1:59 PM, September 16, 2008  
Blogger JACK said...

Excellent decision! We need more of you out there. Hats off!

11:31 PM, September 16, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Depression is anger turned inside out, so you must have been angry about something...let it all go and make your way into this brave new world without any baggage...

"counselor, please approach the bench"

blessings to you. here's to fighting for the little guy!

12:48 PM, September 18, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Depression is anger turned inside out, so you must have been angry about something...let it all go and make your way into this brave new world without any baggage...

"counselor, please approach the bench"

blessings to you. here's to fighting for the little guy!

12:48 PM, September 18, 2008  
Blogger Kyon Saucier said...

I am proud of you good fortune on this journey my friend!

10:25 PM, September 18, 2008  
Blogger yet another black guy said...

Oh snap, now i can act a fool knowing i got somebody to back me up! wait, you said prosecuting didn't you? uh, nevermind.

12:07 AM, September 22, 2008  

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