Am I crazy if I tell you that one of my very favorite things about being alive is reading books? It doesn’t top growing to know my savior, Jesus Christ, more every day, or loving my husband, or watching my son grow, or spending time with family members. Or making the new friends I’ve been making lately… But reading is definitely up there with the best things in life.
Of all the books I love to read and all the stories that have touched me, changed me and entertained me, children’s books are always my favorite. I sometimes joke that there is something fundamentally wrong with me, since the library section labeled “Children’s Literature” is my very favorite. I can’t seem to get past Roald Dahl’s imaginative antics in his autobiography “Boy,” or C.S. Lewis’ touchingly simple but achingly deep descriptions in the “Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe” series, or E.B. White’s Charlotte in “Charlotte’s Web,” or even Harry Potter’s coming of age in J.K. Rowling’s smash hits.
I’ve been slowly making my way through a huge stack of children’s literature for the past two months and, oh!, what a joy it’s been. Don’t get me wrong, I love many, many novels that don’t fall under the heading of “children’s literature” (War and Remberance by Herman Wouk, and The Shell Seekers by Rosamund Pilcher are only two examples). They just don’t live with me the way those children’s titles do.
All this loving and reading has brought me to an interesting place. A conundrum. A decision.
Should I take it to the next level and get my Masters of Arts degree in English/Children’s Literature?
Yes, I know what you’re thinking, and such a degree does exist. But there’s only one school this side of the Rockies where it exists, and that’s at San Diego State University (SDSU). While recently looking into the University of California, Riverside, I was referred to SDSU when the advisor discovered my interest in children’s literature. There’s only one place you can study that, she said, and turned my eyes to San Diego.
But…I don’t know if I’m ready to go back to school. I have a 2 year old (!) and we’d like to have more children. Do I seriously want to add the madness of SCHOOL to our schedules? Honestly, no, not really. But I’m considering it any way because “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” (Who said that, anyway?).
One thing is for sure. If God allows me to live long enough (I don’t see any reason why not:)) I will someday pursue a higher degree. The real question is when, where and what? The “what” from my perspective is Children’s Literature. The “where”? Well, that seems pretty obvious since SDSU has a corner on the west coast market. But when? That is the real question.
It just struck me that some of you might be wondering “WHY?” anyone might go for an MA in Children’s Literature. I can’t speak for anyone else, but my reason is simple. I want to teach at the college level (which will eventually mean a Ph.D.), the first step is an MA, and I have to declare an emphasis in something so why not my very favorite subject?
I’m not jumping into anything just yet. But I am considering, and planning, and remembering all the work that goes into applying for higher education. Blech. The sticky part is that I’m really happy right now. I’m happy with our schedule, happy with our lives, happy with my place as a mommy. I don’t really want any of that to change. But I also sense something moving in me, a desire for…learning. Sound crazy? Probably. But remember what I said at the beginning: I’m already crazy for being so in love with Children’s Literature. Why not go a step farther and be even crazier?
Would you please pray for me? For us? Pray that we make the right decisions and follow the path God has for us. Even if I’m not supposed to pursue this now, at least I know where my interests lie.
And, if anyone reading this is a mom in graduate school, or has ever been a mom in graduate school, I would appreciate your comments. Are you glad you did it? What were the challenges? Do you have any advice for a mom considering that path?
Caila’s Favorite Children’s Authors:
Hi Caila,
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As a homeschooling mom I’ve found out that I really love lots of (good) children’s literature too. We started out with a workbook/textbook-based curriculum and it just didn’t work for us. Then we found a literature-based curriculum, and we’ve been logging thousands of hours on the couch reading since then. My kids LOVE to learn that way, and I’ve learned a ton too. I’ve turned several “readers” into “read-alouds” just because I wanted to read them too!
All that to say that you’re not the only one, but also that if the Lord doesn’t open the door for you to formally study children’s literature, you have the option of enjoying great novels with Hudson (and future children
JoAnne is the true inspiration, though, being a full-time (awesome) mom AND going to school. Hope she chimes in here
Lots of love,
Keren
Thanks, Keren! I love that you guys use a literature-based curriculum. I can see why it works. It’s so much more interesting to learn through stories. And I love that your kids are growing into readers! (I’m not surprised…)
Whether or not I go on to pursue a graduate degree I will definitely be reading with my children. I’m sure my love of reading stems from all those hours my mom spent reading with me. And I look forward to the day Hudson can read aloud to me, like your girls do for you.
And nothing is as important to me as being a wife and a mommy; I will not sacrifice those for anything. Like Dr. Laura says, if a mom wants to go back to school, the mom sacrifices for it, not her children. They should never suffer for our dreams. Hudson is my first job.
Caila,
What a gift you have for writing. I believe much of that comes from reading. That is going to be passed on to Hudson through every book you enthusiastically read to him and as he sees your love for reading it will overflow to him. The most important role you have right now is being a mommy to Hudson. Training him and using your gifts for him. I am praying the Lord leads you in each step you take. We’d love to have you at our study on the second and fourth Friday of every month. We miss seeing you!
Hugs,
Charise
PS Amen, to your response to the first comment.
[...] and everything becomes instantly clear? That just happened to me tonight when I wrote my last post, Children’s Literature. In it I shared with you about my desire to continue my education, and the possible opportunity to [...]
Well you’ve already heard all my advice. It was INSANE. But it was worth it. I’ll simply pray you’ll know exactly what/when/why…If there’s a way to do it slowly I’d recommend that. Love you friend. Praying…