Why Non Profit: Part II

We now return to our regularly scheduled programming...

The last time I posted, I wrote about my involvement in volunteering. I then promised that the next post would explain my academic plans, and how I ended up figuring out what I want to do for the rest of my life. So, here we go!

Upon entering my first year of college, I thought that I wanted to become a high school teacher. I knew I wanted to make some positive impact on the world, and thought teaching would be the best way to do it (and I still maintain that it is an excellent career field by the way). In my first semester of college, I took a European Civilization sequence to fulfill my arts and humanities requirement for the honors college at my university. This particular section of EuroCiv emphasized Russia; I had an interest in Russia growing up and I heard the professors were very good, so I was very excited to take the course. Partway through first semester, I had a conversation with my professors; they thought that with my personality and passion, perhaps I was better suited to teach as a college professor, rather than as a high school teacher. After giving it some thought, I agreed. I dropped the emphasis in secondary education, added a Russian Studies major to go along with my English major, and figured I really knew what I wanted to do with my life.

Fast forward four years later. A college senior, I was rather worried about graduate school, for a number of reasons. Chief among them: PhD programs were competitive; I didn't speak Russian well enough; I don't particularly want to focus on research, publishing, academic conferences; I wanted to go out into the world and make a difference in fewer than 5 or 6 years; and most importantly, while I love Russian literature and such, I wasn't sure I was passionate enough to devote my life to Eastern European and Slavic Studies for the rest of my life. On a whim, I began to look up information on careers in the non-profit sector, and to see what opportunities were available. I was pleased to find that in my city alone, there were quite a few job opportunities, far more than if I were to pursue a career as a college professor. As I researched more, I grew more and more excited, and became convinced that this was what I had been looking for. For the first time in ages, I felt incredibly enthusiastic about this path. Every past semester, I had misgivings about obtaining a PhD in Eastern European and Slavic Studies, but my professor always managed reassured me that I would be fine. I couldn't fool myself any longer; I knew what I truly wanted to do. I contacted the head of the MPA department at my university, and after I had heard everything, I knew this was it!

So, now I am in the process of applying to the Masters in Public Administration program, with an emphasis in non-profit management and leadership. Most people I know are incredibly supportive of this decision, and think that it better suits me. A few question whether I will find a job, or say I won't make enough money. Honestly, I've never chosen to do anything for the amount of money I can make. Wealth doesn't bring happiness and fulfillment for me; serving others does.

So, that's the end of this story- but not the end of this blog! You never know when or what I'll post next, so stay on the lookout for updates!