Heads or Tails

A friend of mine is a learning assistant (LA) for a calculus workshop at CU. The workshop is a 1 credit hour class designed to help freshman and sophmore students develop their understanding of calculus. During the hour, students apply their learning on worksheet prepared by the TA, while LAs roam the room helping the students troubleshoot the various exercises. Since the beginning of the semester, Erin gave me an overview of her experiences as an LA and how much she enjoys the opportunity. Then she told me about the check she gets every month ... you can imagine that it's not much at all ... but I was immediately sold on the idea. It's obviously not about the money by any means ... but to get paid for helping students with calc problems .. come on ... count me in!

I got home a few minutes ago from the LA meeting for Spring 07. Without a doubt, I'm going to apply. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with younger female students ... JK! Seriously, it is a great opportunity ... an opportunity that may change my career into education ... doubtful, but I'm willing to give it a shot.

On another note, I ran into a few familiar faces at the meeting, most of which were my professors for applied math and physics classes; two of my favorite subjects. After the meeting, I had a quick chat with my calc 3 professor, Adam. After I mentioned that I would be graduating in May, naturally he asked what I would be doing after graduation. I told him as I tell most, I'm not sure! And I'm not sure ... tomorrow the VP and AVP of my department is coming out to the mall for a "visit." Right ... I already went through the interview in my head a few times this afternoon as soon as I received the email. Anyway, back to Adam ... after my response, he influenced me to strongly consider grad school, specifically in applied mathematics. If I were to pursue, I would eventually receive a master's from CU's school of engineering AND I'd be "doing" math. Not a bad idea at all. Considering graduate school, I would continue the work/school schedule for another 1.5 years ... and so far it's been a rough ride. What to do?

I'm not going to make any decisions yet. Like I said before, I've got Phoenix in a few weeks and the "visit" tomorrow. Just so you know, although I got the email today, I got a heads up a week ago ... have your people call my people! Anyway, I'm sure I'll be flipping the coin when the time comes. HA! Tails never fails ... $100 super bowl 07!