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What to Do—What to Do

Daughter No. 1 is a junior in college studying chemistry and philosophy. Daughter No. 2 has been accepted by a college to explore international studies beginning in the fall. Now, Husband has enrolled in a local college to study political science. 2008 seems to be the Year of Education.

So, what should I be doing? I suppose I could find a school myself, but I don't really want to. I don't ever want to stop learning, but at the moment, I can't think of a thing I would want to study besides the horn, and I already do that. I never finished my college education—I had set out to conquer the world as an English major. Has that ever happened, I wonder? Somehow I doubt that an English major has ever conquered the world, but when you're young, you tend to dream big.

Instead of going back to school, I have been thinking about volunteering at the local food bank. They are looking for help, and it seems like a worthy use of my time. We also have a homeless shelter, and we have a group that teaches English to immigrants. All of those things appeal to me. So, while 2008 may be the Year of Education for most of my family, I think I'll make it the Year of Volunteering for me.

How about you? Do you work as a volunteer where you live?

Comments

dive said…
You already work as a volunteer, Robyn. You cook, clean and look after your three students. I think they should each take a year out of college to cook, clean and look after you.
10:52 AM
Karen Jensen said…
There is nothing wrong with thinking the world will be conquered by an English major. Heck, I think an English major might just do a better job than some of these people who are now in charge!
12:52 PM
Anonymous said…
after 3 hours on the phone with tech support arabs (oops, that wasn't very pc...) i have successfully installed mathcad on my computer.

!!!!

victory
2:54 PM
Scout said…
Dive, wow, I can't imagine that.

Professor J, point taken. Maybe I should aim highter.

D#1, it's a good thing you're studying Arabic.
2:59 PM
Mrs. G. said…
I think you should become a stripper...just kidding. You know I have go come over here and goose you now and again. I think you should think of the thing that scares you the most to try and DO IT.
4:42 PM
Cheltenhamdailyphoto said…
I do some research on a voluntary basis for a very worthy cause as often as i can. Most days. If i didn't have to work i've often thought i'd like to teach children to read who are finding it difficult. I'd also like to teach adults who cannot read. Reading opens a whole new world.
5:06 PM
Scout said…
Mrs. G, you mean like petting a spider or something?

Lynn, the idea of teaching someone to read is very appealing. I'll see what I can find.
9:52 PM
Cheltenhamdailyphoto said…
Do you know, Robyn, i thought you would be so suited to that too but i dare not say in case you hadn't liked the idea!
7:38 AM
Anonymous said…
I don't volunteer at the moment Robyn but I have been thinking about it too. Perhaps teaching English to new immigrants.
6:29 AM
Neponset River Bridge Dig said…
Robyn, Since you're an English major, teaching immigrants English may be a good choice. I don't do any volunteer work now but I did teach English to Chinese Immigrants in 04,05 and 06 and I met a lot of nice people and learned to speak Manderin a bit. It was very rewarding.
10:44 AM
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