Choosing to
pursue postgraduate study was a big decision for me. With a recent marriage
separation lingering in the background, I decided that it was time to make
choices for myself and my future. I
loved working in education, but could see that more doors would open with an additional
qualification. With substantial years of
cross cultural experience, more than just a passing interest in language
acquisition, and with a desire to be mentored by industry experts, I started
looking for a course.
It was
actually a teaching colleague who suggested that I consider the Distance
Learning programme offered by Sheffield. I was initially reluctant, with fears
that ranged from deciding exactly what I should study to financial concerns. Thankfully, when I read over a course pamphlet,
I recognised one of the professor's names.
I had heard him speak a few years before at a conference - the distinct
memory I had of him was that what he had said was important. It was researched based, information dense,
and clearly had implications for the teaching profession.
This small
connection led me to look more seriously at Sheffield’s MA programmes. For the first time, I found something that
ticked all the boxes. It not only suited my interests, but would also fit around
my lifestyle. I could continue teaching full time and still study for a
postgraduate degree that was flexible and challenging. Probably, like most
students, I wanted to expand my knowledge base, learn to ask better questions,
to seek researched based answers, and to obtain world recognized accreditation.
But then the
financial concerns kicked in again. A colleague encouraged me to look in to scholarships.
“What?!” I thought. I'm over 50 and
an immigrant to Malta (now citizen). Would they even consider me?
With extremely low expectations, I filled out the necessary paperwork,
handed in documents, and wrote essays about my personal experience and reasons
for postgrad study. When I was called
for an interview, I became more hopeful and in a burst of confidence, told the
panel, that I was a good investment. It must have worked, as I was awarded one
of a few hundred available. It was the just the confirmation I needed that I
was moving in the right direction. Another fear was overcome.
Now, six
months into the course, I can say that I feel overwhelmed at times with how
much I truly need to learn. It has been
an entirely different experience from undergrad. There’s been lots of background
reading, attempting to find the right balance and study techniques, writing,
writing, writing, and crazy discussions with anyone who will listen to me about
my "new" ideas. Encouragement
comes from my four children (who think this is pretty cool given two of them
are at university), my wonderful course mentors, and new friends who have
embarked on the same journey. I still look forward to the next reading, the
next paper to write, and the next discussion that will come out of everything.
Not a bad path to be on in your 50's!
Johnna Grech, MA Language, Education and Research
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