Post to the Host

Host Garrison Keillor answers your questions about life, love, writing, authors, and of course, A Prairie Home Companion.

Send GK Your Question »

Trying to turn a passion into a profession

March 5, 2012 | 6 Comments

Since graduating college with a teaching degree for grades 7-12, I've been working part-time at an elementary school, not sure I want to teach full-time at a public school. It would feel more like a job than something fulfilling in the long-term. I would like to teach at the college level, but I'm not sure if another diploma is worth the time and the money. I am caught between two choices, and any advice would be much appreciated.

Emily
Dallastown, PA

--

The time and money are secondary: the important thing is the heart ---- what does it tell you to do? It can be hard when you're young to put aside the natural arrogance of youth and make a determination of serious intent, mission, vocation, that one is prepared to stick with despite discouragement. I know people ---- so do you ---- who took what seemed to be a practical route and then regretted the choice. A friend of mine loved science in high school but majored in business, thinking it more practical, and then suffered for twenty years through stultifying corporate life, and now is back in school to become a nurse. He's enormously happy about the choice. A friend went into law who decided years later that his true calling was teaching history in high school. It's hard for us mortals to force enthusiasm, and without enthusiasm, life gets awfully tedious. You're at the age when your spirit is high, Emily, and you should try not to damage it by embarking on a career where you will need to fake dedication. You should talk this over with some people who know you well ---- some of your college teachers, for example ---- to see if they think college teaching is a good goal for you.