As a 75 year old who attended college for only one semester in 1966 and the husband of a woman who holds a master's degree, I read your post with a combination of sadness and nostalgia. I had always desired to return to school because I loved the idea of academic engagement. Nevertheless I found my "education" down non-formal pathways. Books became my professors and I loved my glued and bound instructors. Today, as a missionary teacher/encourager, I delight in carrying out my calling to encourage front-line pastors and workers in the nations in the spirit and power of Isaiah 50:4. Thank you for your writing!
Oh, I just love this story. Thank you for sharing it. I love marriages that break the mold like yours (and mine). 💛 And I love that books served as your professors, Eric!
Thank you for “pulling back the curtain”on higher education. As a professor in a graduate school for over 20 years, your insights ring sadly true to my experience.
Thirty plus years ago I was a college student, and I recall being part of a "discussion" with an adminstrator regarding the latest tuition hike. We were not getting luxuries there at our little camp-like Christian setting in the pines. (The English faculty offices were housed in former WW2 barracks.) But we were told that tuition had to increase so "aid" could increase. Wait! What about students who aren't receiving "aid"? What do they benefit from this arrangement? Why not lower everyone's tuition and then there will be a lower demand for "aid." The adminstrator basically laughed at the argument and tried to tell us how naive we were not to understand "the way the system works." The system doesn't work for anyone but university administrators, and here we are.
I was probably 20 years old and a very new believer who hadn't yet seen the dark side of some soi-disant "Christian" endeavors. In a way I'm glad I was not raised in the "Christian" milieu, because it wasn't a hindrance to me when I actually met the Jesus of the Bible.
There is so much to say on this subject and how deeply it resonates with me.
Simone Weil said “the intelligent man who is proud of his intelligence is like the condemned man who is proud of his large cell.” That quote permeates me deeply, as I was that “intelligent” person in the not too distant past. It’s interesting, for a myriad of reasons, that I would be reading this particular article at this particular time.
I am about 2/3 through reading “The Evangelical Imagine,” which unexpectedly launched me on a spiritual journey like no other (but that’s mostly for a different conversation). (And as a short aside- it inspired me to procure the Norton Annotated version of “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” the first Norton Critical Edition I’ve purchased in 15 years). It was by slowly reading and meditating on your book that I came to an alarming conclusion. I am quoting myself here, straight from a message to a close friend:
“Where I am now mirrors a different journey of maturity in my non-spiritual life. For a long time, I fashioned myself as smart. It was the one thing I had going for me, and was a point of pride. It’s something I held onto so tightly. All my aspirations revolved around this. My main goal was to eventually be a paid part of academia, the mark I had set in which to say this is how I know I have arrived. Now there were also times when I felt so utterly stupid, but even during those times, way in the back of my mind, I didn’t truly believe it.
But life has a way of humbling us. It became clear I could fashion myself as smart all I wanted, to cleave to this idea, to buy into it’s total all-consuming vanity. Yet at the end of the day, I realized it did not matter how smart I thought I was, how much education I received. It was doing me zero good in life. It got me absolutely nowhere except even more into extreme debt. Which at the end of the day wasn’t smart at all. That’s when it finally started occurring to me perhaps this was idolatry and I was seeking some form of validation I would never achieve. At the same time, I am very eclectic in that I have a wide variety of interests. And the more I started following them, the more I realized that I don’t know everything. In fact, I don’t know much at all. I had been so deceived to revel in all my “knowledge” when it was just a mirage. And this wasn’t another self-deprecating revelation that really deep down I didn’t totally believe. It was a self-actualization moment where I began to realize I had a highly inflated ego and was full of unearned pride.”
From there, I went on to discuss trading that “knowledge” for wisdom, which is where I am finding myself now. To add context, I have been something of a perpetual student, which is amazing in itself, as I am not a good “traditional” student. (The current way of teaching and testing in the American education system is not compatible with how my brain works).
I started out at a private Christian college where I first majored in Psychology followed by a switch to pastoral studies. After getting kicked out several weeks into my second Freshman semester, I ended up at my hometown university that touts itself as a public Ivy. First as a psychology major once again, but later, after much soul searching and long talks with many professors and others in my life, I switched my major to English Literature and that is the undergraduate degree I hold.
After that, I went off to grad school. I did an Individualized Master of Arts program. I set out to study alternative healing modalities but quickly switched to ghosts, as in the the spooky kind, which was really an in-depth academic look at ghost stories. After a key self-revelation I made during that time, I changed again and did my actual work in trauma studies and my thesis on Sex Trafficking in the Social Consciousness.
Upon graduating with my MA, I thought the world would be my oyster. That is, after all, what I had been sold. Turns out it was all lies. I began to flounder vocationally. The longest job tenor of employment I have had so far was 4 years at a LifeWay bookstore before they closed. I had this weird spiritual existential dread that God had somehow forgotten to create me specifically for a purpose. After all, it had been hammered into me my whole life that my walk with God was intertwined with my vocation, even if it be secular, and the way to accomplish this was through higher education. Perhaps that is one of the reasons starting in 8th grade if anyone were to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, English Professor would have come flying out of my mouth faster than a car at the Grand Prix. But that was just a pipe dream.
I decided then maybe I just needed to become educated in another field. This led me to starting but never completing degrees in teaching, computer engineering (two different programs at two different schools) and a PhD program in public policy. My friends and family seem to think I have lost my mind at this point, and I don’t think they are far off. The problem is every enrollment led to more crippling and compounding debt. I come from a family of little means and my lot has not much improved. Sorry to say, my student loan debt with far outlive me.
After LifeWay shut down brick and mortar, I failed to really land anywhere vocationally. Nothing seemed to take for me. Finally, after a succession of disastrous jobs, I was unemployed for 10 months (while making finding a new one my full time job during that period, but continuing to come up lacking). Finally, I was able to land a job that is the exact right fit for me, as a social worker. More pointedly, an adoption recruiter for kids in foster care statistically least likely to be adopted. I was hired on my credentials that I had a MA in trauma studies and worked for a time in a group home not long after my graduation. Yet there was still a question that remained.
In all of this, had my English degree served me in any way other than helping me meet the academic requirements for grad school? While those on the outside would quickly offer a robust no, they would be wrong. For all the reasons you list in this article (and more), English is the perfect major for life.
So much of who I am is because of my time spent studying Literature. I gained insight into myself and others. I made friends and family in my time there. It would eventually lead me to finding out who you are, which has in turn sent me on this amazing spirit quest. My life has not turned out as planned by any means. But it has turned out to ultimately exceed expectations positively overall in my perspective thus far (and I can say that after a life rife with pain, heartache, and suffering, but also the overcoming of such).
Timothy Keller once tweeted, “Many times people think if God called you to something, he’s promising you success. He might be calling you to fail to prepare you for something else through the failure.” Reading that was akin to a rhema word for me. I think he should have actually ended the quote with “Selah.” That’s certainly what it caused me to do. And it rings true. Had all my failures not occurred, I would have never ended up where I feel God truly has led me to be. It’s as if He knows me, and the trajectory of my life, even better than I do… This is why I have finally decided it’s time for me to just “trust and obey.” This is just to say, in the ever ringing words of Vestal Goodman, “I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now.”
Sarah, thank you so much for sharing this. What a journey! I suspect many have gone through similar complicated paths (though perhaps without your astonishing honesty to yourself and self-reflection. It is so valuable (and honoring) for you to share this and to share it here. Thank you. I hope many others are enlightened by your story in reading it here. I know I am.
Thank you. I’ve lived a life that has fostered much secrecy, and all being quiet ever produced was more shame than one person should ever have to carry. I finally came to the conclusion that God did give me a voice, no matter how trembly and shaky it be at times. While ultimate credit goes to God, I would never have made it to the place I am in life if others would not have shared their stories with me. Perhaps it’s age, but I finally arrived to the conclusion that no one is forced to listen to my story, nor is anyone obliged to read it here. Despite what some social media warriors think, it is possible to scroll on past something someone doesn’t care to read. Yet if someone who happens upon it can glean anything from it, be it a lesson or the sense they are not alone, then my experiences haven’t been for naught.
As Flannery O’Connor said, “There is something in us, as storytellers and as listeners to stories, that demands the redemptive act, that demands that what falls at least be offered the chance to be restored.”
Also, I wanted to thank you. The influence you have had on my life over these past few years, without you even knowing, is astounding. First finding your tweets at the beginning of this pruning and pressing season your denomination set off in your life, your courage to keep the course and speak the truth, no matter how unpopular, deeply affected me. It was the first time I even realized that others held the same convictions I do, and bolstered my resolve, knowing I was not alone. From there, we became Facebook friends. While that has been more of a voyeuristic relationship, again, your ideas and even just refreshing pics of your dogs and landscape, have made me feel better about life in the digital age. Now I am finally reading one of your books. (I actually purchased “On Reading Well” back in my LifeWay days, but have yet to have the chance to read it). As mentioned, the Holy Spirit used your words and research in “The Evangelical Imagination” to send me on a spirit quest I could have never anticipated, but has led to a so much better, deeper, and genuine relationship with Christ than I ever thought possible for me. Also, I fashion myself more of a Romantic, but I have also been reminded of my love for the Victorians as well.
All that to say, (and I hope that came off more encouraging than creepy, as the former was my intent), thank you for sharing your knowledge, wit, and wisdom with us. While to this point, I myself have never been an author, I know many who have struggled with the idea of if the profession is even worth it. Long hours, isolation, sacrifice not required of most professions, and sometimes you may never know the impact, if any, the fruits of your labor have had. Just wanted you to know, your birthing pangs have not been in vain. I am certain I speak for many beyond myself that only eternity knows the impact of your work. So thank you for sharing yourself through your writing, be it social media, articles, or your books. And of course, this Substack. I cannot wait to dive in the lessons you have posted for us so far and am eagerly anticipating those to come. I unfortunately am not in a place in life in which to be surrounded by those who would willingly discuss Literature with me. I will leave you with one of my favorite quips:
“Inside of you are two wolves. One is Virginia Woolf. The other is Beowulf. You are an Introduction to English Literature syllabus.”
The "early college" trend is so sad to me, as are cuts in the humanities. I love your illustration of the liberal arts hallway of doors! Having only an Associates degree in Marketing, I came into truly embracing and furthering my own education late, which began as I homeschooled my children. While I haven't added any formal degrees, I have become a lifelong learner and pursuer of truth, beauty, and goodness. Teachers like you are a treasure!
Aug 29, 2023·edited Aug 29, 2023Liked by Karen Swallow Prior
I feel like the only reason college campuses are so contentious and controversial these days is because people are viewing the telos of a college education as character/worldview formation, and naturally we have differences in opinions on what form these should take. We also have many other avenues of personal formation that are much less expensive--church, the military, volunteering, mentorship, apprenticeship, internships. If the telos of a college education is job training though, I would assume a lot of expenses could be cut and a degree could return to being a stepping stone to a great job once again.
And I say this as very much a school person. I loved all forms of school, but I didn't major in my strongest subjects (reading/writing) because all the scholarships were in STEM. So I majored in an area I had little interest in and ended up running a doggie daycare from my house after I graduated because it turns out I was really good at that lol. The system is pretty broken.
But I like to imagine what a renovated system could look like. We need character formation in the critical young adult stage but we also need to help these kids figure out what jobs would be a natural fit for them. For instance, you know those personality tests that tell you what jobs you may be good at? That would be a helpful starting point for HS graduates. Like, who is telling young people that if they like to argue they'll be good lawyers? It's more like...are you competitive? Are you creative? Are you a natural champion for others? Then you might be a good lawyer. When you tie someone's fundamental characteristics into possible vocations, I bet they'd choose better career paths and show more resilience. I know so many people who paid for degrees they don't even use. :(
These are really good insights. Everyone needs character and worldview formation. Some will thrive with a liberal arts education. Some will thrive in the professions and others in vocational trades. Right now the system is rigged so colleges get all that loan money regardless of what’s best for the student.
It’s been hard, Collin. Seeing so many of my academic peers’ back-to-school photos was harder than I expected it to be, too. But I think you’re right. We will be ok.
Also, this article regarding my undergrad Alma Matter came across my Facebook feed today. While English is not one of the majors getting the axe, I feel this list is telling and am concerned about the future.
--Apply widely to PhD programs, hoping to get into one that is a good match for your academic interests and personal needs.
--Aim to get a research assistantship or fellowship so you don't have to pay tuition.
--If you don't get one, do NOT go into significant debt!
--To be competitive enough to go this route, you do need to network, publish papers, attend conferences, etc., as much as possible.
While some do teach at the college level with a Master's degree, that generally won't get you a long-term, full-time position.
I would do as much as possible to be sure that you are called both to teach and to pursue academia. Neither are easy unless you love these things and are willing to make all the sacrifices necessary to do the work and stay the course.
Also be aware that higher ed (as I wrote about) is going through a tremendous shift and will get much worse and much less stable before it gets better. I don't know how long that will take.
Thanks so much! Yes, your answer is very helpful. I have been really busy in a year-long fellowship. A requirement is at least 3 presentations for university students. My first is in a few weeks, so hopefully, I’ll have an accurate glimpse of the professor experience.
As a 75 year old who attended college for only one semester in 1966 and the husband of a woman who holds a master's degree, I read your post with a combination of sadness and nostalgia. I had always desired to return to school because I loved the idea of academic engagement. Nevertheless I found my "education" down non-formal pathways. Books became my professors and I loved my glued and bound instructors. Today, as a missionary teacher/encourager, I delight in carrying out my calling to encourage front-line pastors and workers in the nations in the spirit and power of Isaiah 50:4. Thank you for your writing!
Oh, I just love this story. Thank you for sharing it. I love marriages that break the mold like yours (and mine). 💛 And I love that books served as your professors, Eric!
Thank you for “pulling back the curtain”on higher education. As a professor in a graduate school for over 20 years, your insights ring sadly true to my experience.
There is so much more. I hope this is enough to help people ask more good questions as they make decisions.
Affirmation. Not that I wanted it. Ugh.
https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/views/2023/08/29/behind-declining-standards-higher-ed-opinion
Thirty plus years ago I was a college student, and I recall being part of a "discussion" with an adminstrator regarding the latest tuition hike. We were not getting luxuries there at our little camp-like Christian setting in the pines. (The English faculty offices were housed in former WW2 barracks.) But we were told that tuition had to increase so "aid" could increase. Wait! What about students who aren't receiving "aid"? What do they benefit from this arrangement? Why not lower everyone's tuition and then there will be a lower demand for "aid." The adminstrator basically laughed at the argument and tried to tell us how naive we were not to understand "the way the system works." The system doesn't work for anyone but university administrators, and here we are.
Wow. This is the first “first hand account” like this I’ve heard. It really is something. It really is broken.
I was probably 20 years old and a very new believer who hadn't yet seen the dark side of some soi-disant "Christian" endeavors. In a way I'm glad I was not raised in the "Christian" milieu, because it wasn't a hindrance to me when I actually met the Jesus of the Bible.
God’s mercies take so many forms.
There is so much to say on this subject and how deeply it resonates with me.
Simone Weil said “the intelligent man who is proud of his intelligence is like the condemned man who is proud of his large cell.” That quote permeates me deeply, as I was that “intelligent” person in the not too distant past. It’s interesting, for a myriad of reasons, that I would be reading this particular article at this particular time.
I am about 2/3 through reading “The Evangelical Imagine,” which unexpectedly launched me on a spiritual journey like no other (but that’s mostly for a different conversation). (And as a short aside- it inspired me to procure the Norton Annotated version of “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” the first Norton Critical Edition I’ve purchased in 15 years). It was by slowly reading and meditating on your book that I came to an alarming conclusion. I am quoting myself here, straight from a message to a close friend:
“Where I am now mirrors a different journey of maturity in my non-spiritual life. For a long time, I fashioned myself as smart. It was the one thing I had going for me, and was a point of pride. It’s something I held onto so tightly. All my aspirations revolved around this. My main goal was to eventually be a paid part of academia, the mark I had set in which to say this is how I know I have arrived. Now there were also times when I felt so utterly stupid, but even during those times, way in the back of my mind, I didn’t truly believe it.
But life has a way of humbling us. It became clear I could fashion myself as smart all I wanted, to cleave to this idea, to buy into it’s total all-consuming vanity. Yet at the end of the day, I realized it did not matter how smart I thought I was, how much education I received. It was doing me zero good in life. It got me absolutely nowhere except even more into extreme debt. Which at the end of the day wasn’t smart at all. That’s when it finally started occurring to me perhaps this was idolatry and I was seeking some form of validation I would never achieve. At the same time, I am very eclectic in that I have a wide variety of interests. And the more I started following them, the more I realized that I don’t know everything. In fact, I don’t know much at all. I had been so deceived to revel in all my “knowledge” when it was just a mirage. And this wasn’t another self-deprecating revelation that really deep down I didn’t totally believe. It was a self-actualization moment where I began to realize I had a highly inflated ego and was full of unearned pride.”
From there, I went on to discuss trading that “knowledge” for wisdom, which is where I am finding myself now. To add context, I have been something of a perpetual student, which is amazing in itself, as I am not a good “traditional” student. (The current way of teaching and testing in the American education system is not compatible with how my brain works).
I started out at a private Christian college where I first majored in Psychology followed by a switch to pastoral studies. After getting kicked out several weeks into my second Freshman semester, I ended up at my hometown university that touts itself as a public Ivy. First as a psychology major once again, but later, after much soul searching and long talks with many professors and others in my life, I switched my major to English Literature and that is the undergraduate degree I hold.
After that, I went off to grad school. I did an Individualized Master of Arts program. I set out to study alternative healing modalities but quickly switched to ghosts, as in the the spooky kind, which was really an in-depth academic look at ghost stories. After a key self-revelation I made during that time, I changed again and did my actual work in trauma studies and my thesis on Sex Trafficking in the Social Consciousness.
Upon graduating with my MA, I thought the world would be my oyster. That is, after all, what I had been sold. Turns out it was all lies. I began to flounder vocationally. The longest job tenor of employment I have had so far was 4 years at a LifeWay bookstore before they closed. I had this weird spiritual existential dread that God had somehow forgotten to create me specifically for a purpose. After all, it had been hammered into me my whole life that my walk with God was intertwined with my vocation, even if it be secular, and the way to accomplish this was through higher education. Perhaps that is one of the reasons starting in 8th grade if anyone were to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, English Professor would have come flying out of my mouth faster than a car at the Grand Prix. But that was just a pipe dream.
I decided then maybe I just needed to become educated in another field. This led me to starting but never completing degrees in teaching, computer engineering (two different programs at two different schools) and a PhD program in public policy. My friends and family seem to think I have lost my mind at this point, and I don’t think they are far off. The problem is every enrollment led to more crippling and compounding debt. I come from a family of little means and my lot has not much improved. Sorry to say, my student loan debt with far outlive me.
After LifeWay shut down brick and mortar, I failed to really land anywhere vocationally. Nothing seemed to take for me. Finally, after a succession of disastrous jobs, I was unemployed for 10 months (while making finding a new one my full time job during that period, but continuing to come up lacking). Finally, I was able to land a job that is the exact right fit for me, as a social worker. More pointedly, an adoption recruiter for kids in foster care statistically least likely to be adopted. I was hired on my credentials that I had a MA in trauma studies and worked for a time in a group home not long after my graduation. Yet there was still a question that remained.
In all of this, had my English degree served me in any way other than helping me meet the academic requirements for grad school? While those on the outside would quickly offer a robust no, they would be wrong. For all the reasons you list in this article (and more), English is the perfect major for life.
So much of who I am is because of my time spent studying Literature. I gained insight into myself and others. I made friends and family in my time there. It would eventually lead me to finding out who you are, which has in turn sent me on this amazing spirit quest. My life has not turned out as planned by any means. But it has turned out to ultimately exceed expectations positively overall in my perspective thus far (and I can say that after a life rife with pain, heartache, and suffering, but also the overcoming of such).
Timothy Keller once tweeted, “Many times people think if God called you to something, he’s promising you success. He might be calling you to fail to prepare you for something else through the failure.” Reading that was akin to a rhema word for me. I think he should have actually ended the quote with “Selah.” That’s certainly what it caused me to do. And it rings true. Had all my failures not occurred, I would have never ended up where I feel God truly has led me to be. It’s as if He knows me, and the trajectory of my life, even better than I do… This is why I have finally decided it’s time for me to just “trust and obey.” This is just to say, in the ever ringing words of Vestal Goodman, “I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now.”
Okay, as a penitence for this incredible long, overly personal rant clogging up your comments section, I offer you this article which I couldn’t help but think of while reading yours: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/03/06/the-end-of-the-english-major
Sarah, thank you so much for sharing this. What a journey! I suspect many have gone through similar complicated paths (though perhaps without your astonishing honesty to yourself and self-reflection. It is so valuable (and honoring) for you to share this and to share it here. Thank you. I hope many others are enlightened by your story in reading it here. I know I am.
Thank you. I’ve lived a life that has fostered much secrecy, and all being quiet ever produced was more shame than one person should ever have to carry. I finally came to the conclusion that God did give me a voice, no matter how trembly and shaky it be at times. While ultimate credit goes to God, I would never have made it to the place I am in life if others would not have shared their stories with me. Perhaps it’s age, but I finally arrived to the conclusion that no one is forced to listen to my story, nor is anyone obliged to read it here. Despite what some social media warriors think, it is possible to scroll on past something someone doesn’t care to read. Yet if someone who happens upon it can glean anything from it, be it a lesson or the sense they are not alone, then my experiences haven’t been for naught.
As Flannery O’Connor said, “There is something in us, as storytellers and as listeners to stories, that demands the redemptive act, that demands that what falls at least be offered the chance to be restored.”
Also, I wanted to thank you. The influence you have had on my life over these past few years, without you even knowing, is astounding. First finding your tweets at the beginning of this pruning and pressing season your denomination set off in your life, your courage to keep the course and speak the truth, no matter how unpopular, deeply affected me. It was the first time I even realized that others held the same convictions I do, and bolstered my resolve, knowing I was not alone. From there, we became Facebook friends. While that has been more of a voyeuristic relationship, again, your ideas and even just refreshing pics of your dogs and landscape, have made me feel better about life in the digital age. Now I am finally reading one of your books. (I actually purchased “On Reading Well” back in my LifeWay days, but have yet to have the chance to read it). As mentioned, the Holy Spirit used your words and research in “The Evangelical Imagination” to send me on a spirit quest I could have never anticipated, but has led to a so much better, deeper, and genuine relationship with Christ than I ever thought possible for me. Also, I fashion myself more of a Romantic, but I have also been reminded of my love for the Victorians as well.
All that to say, (and I hope that came off more encouraging than creepy, as the former was my intent), thank you for sharing your knowledge, wit, and wisdom with us. While to this point, I myself have never been an author, I know many who have struggled with the idea of if the profession is even worth it. Long hours, isolation, sacrifice not required of most professions, and sometimes you may never know the impact, if any, the fruits of your labor have had. Just wanted you to know, your birthing pangs have not been in vain. I am certain I speak for many beyond myself that only eternity knows the impact of your work. So thank you for sharing yourself through your writing, be it social media, articles, or your books. And of course, this Substack. I cannot wait to dive in the lessons you have posted for us so far and am eagerly anticipating those to come. I unfortunately am not in a place in life in which to be surrounded by those who would willingly discuss Literature with me. I will leave you with one of my favorite quips:
“Inside of you are two wolves. One is Virginia Woolf. The other is Beowulf. You are an Introduction to English Literature syllabus.”
The "early college" trend is so sad to me, as are cuts in the humanities. I love your illustration of the liberal arts hallway of doors! Having only an Associates degree in Marketing, I came into truly embracing and furthering my own education late, which began as I homeschooled my children. While I haven't added any formal degrees, I have become a lifelong learner and pursuer of truth, beauty, and goodness. Teachers like you are a treasure!
I’m so glad you are here! Here’s to lifelong learning! May we bless one another here in this little sojourn together. 💛
I feel like the only reason college campuses are so contentious and controversial these days is because people are viewing the telos of a college education as character/worldview formation, and naturally we have differences in opinions on what form these should take. We also have many other avenues of personal formation that are much less expensive--church, the military, volunteering, mentorship, apprenticeship, internships. If the telos of a college education is job training though, I would assume a lot of expenses could be cut and a degree could return to being a stepping stone to a great job once again.
And I say this as very much a school person. I loved all forms of school, but I didn't major in my strongest subjects (reading/writing) because all the scholarships were in STEM. So I majored in an area I had little interest in and ended up running a doggie daycare from my house after I graduated because it turns out I was really good at that lol. The system is pretty broken.
But I like to imagine what a renovated system could look like. We need character formation in the critical young adult stage but we also need to help these kids figure out what jobs would be a natural fit for them. For instance, you know those personality tests that tell you what jobs you may be good at? That would be a helpful starting point for HS graduates. Like, who is telling young people that if they like to argue they'll be good lawyers? It's more like...are you competitive? Are you creative? Are you a natural champion for others? Then you might be a good lawyer. When you tie someone's fundamental characteristics into possible vocations, I bet they'd choose better career paths and show more resilience. I know so many people who paid for degrees they don't even use. :(
These are really good insights. Everyone needs character and worldview formation. Some will thrive with a liberal arts education. Some will thrive in the professions and others in vocational trades. Right now the system is rigged so colleges get all that loan money regardless of what’s best for the student.
This is my first year outside academia too. I think we're going to be okay!
It’s been hard, Collin. Seeing so many of my academic peers’ back-to-school photos was harder than I expected it to be, too. But I think you’re right. We will be ok.
So glad to see you here. 😊
Also, this article regarding my undergrad Alma Matter came across my Facebook feed today. While English is not one of the majors getting the axe, I feel this list is telling and am concerned about the future.
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/education/2023/10/08/miami-university-to-reinvent-18-majors-with-low-enrollment/70984039007/?fbclid=IwAR0Y2XBd6kjoX1ZD8K4tMfiE__ErqynIbyOmgw-PxH-Lc7BlpXwm3yn2WHc_aem_AaWMiWhZUSCdJJ7msNHFYL6cncYpmoZnvyu_6rYskaUyzrmdT8-Qp5pP2cmkY3PlTOg&mibextid=Zxz2cZ#lniwm3ooupa4cmqoh0b
Ugh. These news stories just keep coming. Colleges—and the humanities—will rebuild. But I don’t know how much it will take for that to happen.
That’s my concern. At what point does this process end and the rebuilding start? And will it be too little too late?
It won’t happen in my professional lifetime. All I can do is hope to leave something of use to those who rebuild.
And that I am completely assured will happen.
I'm wondering Dr. Prior, what advice you have for someone who is aspiring to be an English professor?
The best advice I can give is:
--Apply widely to PhD programs, hoping to get into one that is a good match for your academic interests and personal needs.
--Aim to get a research assistantship or fellowship so you don't have to pay tuition.
--If you don't get one, do NOT go into significant debt!
--To be competitive enough to go this route, you do need to network, publish papers, attend conferences, etc., as much as possible.
While some do teach at the college level with a Master's degree, that generally won't get you a long-term, full-time position.
I would do as much as possible to be sure that you are called both to teach and to pursue academia. Neither are easy unless you love these things and are willing to make all the sacrifices necessary to do the work and stay the course.
Also be aware that higher ed (as I wrote about) is going through a tremendous shift and will get much worse and much less stable before it gets better. I don't know how long that will take.
I hope this helps!
Thanks so much! Yes, your answer is very helpful. I have been really busy in a year-long fellowship. A requirement is at least 3 presentations for university students. My first is in a few weeks, so hopefully, I’ll have an accurate glimpse of the professor experience.
This is excellent! You are being well-trained and well-taught!
It’s so valuable to consider and discuss the telos of education at all levels! Thanks for this!
Thank you for reading and affirming this!