The Disillusioned Student

[nirinia]

I haven't been posting much lately. Last week was a whirlwind of friends, drinks, coffees and conversations. This week I have been breathing, thinking, walking the dog, jogging occasionally, and coming to terms with my decision.

I am not happy studying literature. It is not challenging enough, it is not interesting enough, and it will not change the world. A few years ago a teacher caught me after a debate (immigration, I was hung over and observed from a choice corner) and demanded I use my intelligence for something. If I did not open my mouth, do something, say something, I would never change the world, she said. I was taken aback, she apologised the next day for being completely out of line, and I thought no more of it. Another fun story about the peculiar relationships a teacher's pet has with her teachers. But she had a point. I want to matter, to leave a mark. That will not happen if I go into hiding in a literature department somewhere.

Did I post about considering medicine and law? I've decided on law. It will be a challenge, and I am looking forward to it. Doing something demanding seems like a dream. School has never been very difficult, and while I did have good teachers, being offered more assignments of the same kind does not cure boredom (I will not get into the failings of the Norwegian schools). This final year of English literature I plan to take on as little credit as possible, teach myself rudimentary Russian, work, read, exercise and travel.

Comments

[booksforfood.livejournal.com]

I too was disillusioned with literature (I studied English lit) and briefly considered law. And then I worked in a law office for 3 months. It was wretched and I didn't feel like the lawyers were making a difference so much as grossly overcharging for everything they did. I had to log how much time they spent on an email and a tiny 3 line e-mail would cost the client 12 pounds. So, before you do it, I recommend you work in a law office or do some part-time volunteering as well.

I ended up deciding on library science because I can help students or help the public in a public library. I can also go into information management and help organize corporations records and whatnot, so it's quite a versatile degree. I also liked that for library school it doesn't matter what you do your undergrad in whatsoever, you can study what you like without worrying about it.

You're like me--so many things you COULD do, just figuring out what to do!

[amphitritie.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you've at least got a plan and CARE about the world both of which are very important and admirable. I'm not out of high schook, but chose medicine over the easier lit studies route. Maybe there are other career possibilities out there other than the two you listed. If you really want to do something in the world maybe a foundation or other Non Goverment Organizations that might even offer field work.

I might be pushing it a bit much, because that's the path my parents chose, but all I'm saying is from what I know of law (little) it sounds likeit is like the person above me said. Try looking elsewhere first.

Good luck! I'll get off my high horse now.