My journey to the MSBA program is
like that of a coastal mountain road, twists and turns, ups and downs. When I
was young I wanted to be a speechwriter. I was influenced by The West Wing TV
show, as were many of my generation. That is one of the reasons why I choose to attend college in
Washington, DC at The Catholic University of America. Quickly I decided that a
Politics major was not for me, so instead chose History as my path. Still
believing I wanted to be a speechwriter I interned on Capitol Hill. While I
enjoyed my experience on the Hill I learned that at that point in my life it
was not yet my destination.
I then thought about higher education
administration as a future endeavor. So I began filling out applications to
graduate schools for degree programs. I never finished the applications. Instead
after graduation I did a year of service with Capuchin friars in New York State
leading retreats for young people. It was there that I though I found my
calling to study political science. I could study political science and then do
what I wanted. So I went to Boston College to study political science for two
years.
I am not a political scientist. Instead I
came back to Washington, DC and CUA and am now in the Masters of Science in
Business Analysis program. This journey has thus far taught me many things,
probably most importantly so far not to look to far ahead and let life take you
where it wants.
I completely get what you're saying about a TV show influencing what you think you want to do. I got really into the show Friday Night Lights for a while in college, and I started thinking to myself, "Hey, Coach Taylor is pretty cool. I think I might want to coach." Same thing has happened to me with a lot of other great narratives. If a captivating TV Show, Movie, or book hasn't shaped what you wanted to be at one point, I don't think you're being completely honest with yourself.
ReplyDeleteMatt, have we talked yet about how much I love the West Wing? That show and its characters were part of the reason I wanted to go into a government job for so long!
ReplyDeleteI definitely see all your pivots and I think all of these experiences will give you nothing but a leg-up in business - you've already contributed immensely to class discussions with them. Just curious - I can see where your MA in Political Science can provide a wealth of resources for you in this business program and classes. What kind of resources does your year of service provide? I'm still so interested in the thought of long-term service and making service a lifestyle, and possibly a career choice, so I'd love to hear your insight.
I understand when you mentioned getting to the MSBA had twists and turns, I felt the same way about it, I wasn't sure whether it was the right thing to do, thus I agree with you about let the life take you where it wants, so now am back in DC as well.
ReplyDelete