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Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 2816
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Posted on: 1/11/05 9:04 AM ET
Hi and good morning. I am finally deciding that I really want and need to go back to school for a masters degree in clothing and textiles. Deep breath. I cna't shake this desire, since getting back into the sewing world. Does anyone have any recommendations for me? I need to stay teaching in my current job, so I am looking at SFState and Possibly SJ State. Thanks for any suggestions!! I have been wanting to do this for the last 17 years. The reason why I am nervous is that my grades during college were not so hot. I would like to try to get into UC Davis, but I do not think that is very realistic for me.
  
Member since 10/5/02
Posts: 2292
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Posted on: 1/11/05 9:19 AM ET
It sounds so tempting Jennifer! Would you then want to teach in the field, or were you intending to use your new skills in a different way? What area beckons you the most?
I have no idea what courses such a program would cover, but I'm willing to bet that your love of the subject and your determination would make it easier to do well in your classes.
Clothing and textile is a field that is changing rapidly as communications, technology, and globalization have an ever increasing impact. Take a deep breath, this will be an adventure!
  
Member since 4/9/03
Posts: 586
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Posted on: 1/11/05 9:29 AM ET
Go for it.

Seriuously.

You don't want to get the point where you regret not doing it. And it sounds like something you would be good at, so it wouldn't really be too much 'work', would it? :tounge:

I have a Masters in Public Administration from Univeristy of Michigan. I am SO glad I stuck with it and got it done. Now that I am a Military Spouse and a Mom, the travel and time constraints would makle it nearly impossible to do it now.
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~-=*( Gina )*=-~

Mommy to Felix.
Surprise due on October 18, 2006


See my updated site !!
SewEclectic.com
  
Member since 9/7/04
Posts: 884
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Posted on: 1/11/05 9:42 AM ET
I'm actually preparing to go get a Ph.D in Experimental Pathology- Did I mention that I'm a total geek! (I actually do this kind of stuff for a living already) My bachelor's is in Architecture so at this point I'm starting the undergrad courses I need to fill in. I figure it may take me 10 years but hell! I'm going to be 50 whether I get my degree or not. I did the same thing with my bachelors- finished Yale at 35. It is completely different when you are finally grown up, that combined with doing what you want and not just core classes I am sure you'll breeze through. GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!
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Member since 8/2/02
Posts: 2006
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Posted on: 1/11/05 9:54 AM ET
In reply to Jennifer shaw
Jennifer - I went back to school at the age of 43, and now I’m 47. You can do it! Don't worry about your undergraduate grades - my GPA was only 2.93. These days there is so much grade inflation in higher education my 1980 2.93 is more like a 3.5 now! Colleges and universities love older students - they work hard and don’t mess around. And I was pleasantly surprised at how much the kids accepted me.

Definitely don't hesitate too much longer - my guess is that you might be about 39, and you want to be able to have enough working years left to really get a career and income bounce from all the money spent and hard work.

One thing that happened to me is that I initially wanted to go to law school and then realized I couldn’t because I was just too old to be able to get the degree (3 or 4 years), pass the bar (1 year), and then pay off about $100,000 in educational loans with only 20 years left of working life and two kids who were heading towards college within 10 years. So I ended up in a paralegal program because my employer is paying for it 100%.

My experience is extreme because it happened to be in an idiotically expensive field of study - but still, as you look at different schools consider how much it will cost you weighed against what you want to get out of the program.

Phyllis

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Sewing = Fashion
http://coudremode.com/

Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.
  
Member since 6/6/04
Posts: 1042
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Posted on: 1/11/05 1:28 PM ET
Go for it. It is a huge step and in order to start it you are already showing a lot of comitment, energy and passion.

If you are pasionate about any field it is always worthwhile learning.
Try to get the best you can. If you want to get into the best college at least try. Otherwise you will end up asking yourself "What if?" Don't worry about your grades in the past they are not a reflection of who and what you are now.
My grades in University were average, decent but certainly not nobel prize type. I still managed to get my M.Sc. and a career i absolutely love. I have been offered help to get a PhD twice in the last 10 years. Also been asked to guest lecture at a university here. For neither I was asked for my grades. The attitude, love of the field and wilingness was much more important.
Maybe I will do a PhD some day but as it stands I am happy with what I have and do.

Good luck

Gilraen
  
Member since 4/27/02
Posts: 469
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Posted on: 1/11/05 5:10 PM ET
Do it!!! If you don't you will always wonder. It is worth applying to Davis - you are a non-traditional student, and some schools are very interested in that! Good luck!!
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7614
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Posted on: 1/11/05 5:32 PM ET
Since it's your area of interest, you will probably surprise yourself with how much easier it is to get the MA. I'm a middle school teacher and starting Thursday, I'll be taking my first class for a Certificate Program in Dressmaking from the local JC. The class is called Beginning clothing construction. Even though I've been sewing for 30 years, I'm sure I'll be able to get something out of. Good luck to you.
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Visit my blog at http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com

If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
  
Member since 6/5/03
Posts: 52
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Posted on: 1/11/05 6:53 PM ET
I went back for a PhD that I don't use in my daily work, but am dearly glad I did. Even if you choose not to work in your new field, you'll develop a number of new skills and competencies that will make it easier to move into a new career - should you want to!
  
Member since 9/22/04
Posts: 1249
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Posted on: 1/11/05 7:09 PM ET
Jennifer,

Go out and get what you want while you still can.. Don't worry about your previous grades, like others have said it's easier to do well when it's something you love. After 17 years away from school, you are probably more mature than you were then, and will value and take up any study oppotunities, extra help, etc. if you need it.

I know it is a very scary thing, but here is a hug to help you stay the course! Good luck and keep us posted as to how it goes.
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Brother CE-500PRW, Singer 347,Singer 413, Singer 66, Singer 404, Singer 4622, Electrogrand,
Kenmore 158.17570, Kenmore 158.10400,
Viking Huskylock 901.... and several others

A seam a day
Keeps the blues away
  
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