About 6 months ago I decided I want to go back to school.  Around that same time I got a promotion of sorts at my job. I moved into a position that I love, love, so I decided to get a degree online instead of attending a traditional MBA program. That allowed me to stay at work, keep living in Austin, and pursue my master’s degree, all at the same time.

So far things have been going great. I love my classes (even the math) and my current course is more challenging and rewarding than most classes in my undergrad. The only bummer is when people find out I’m getting my MBA and they ask, “What are you going to do with that?”

I understand folks’ natural curiosity, but it gets a little tiresome explaining that getting a graduate degree is a lifelong dream of mine. Also, I’d rather not be anyone’s secretary for the rest of my life, thankyouverymuch.  (Just to clarify: very little of my current job is clerical in nature, but it’s really easy to get bogged down in that role if you’re not careful. Or if you’re lazy. Or if you don’t have a graduate degree.)

I really wish people would say, “That’s really exciting,” or, “Do you plan to stay in arts admnistration after you finish?” or even, “What are you learning in your classes?” Then I would have the chance to tell them about all the wonderful things I want to do with my degree.  Like create a music education program to find the next Barbara Bonney:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeIVYPEt420&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1]

We need more people like her in the world. Another thing I’d like to do: advocate for music education in the public schools so that more children have an experience like this one.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKPC-T3jjRg&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1]

We need more people like them in the world.  I know this is a pretty long post for Music Monday, so thanks for getting all the way through it.  I really believe in this stuff.   More than I believe in having a social life and making a lot of money.  I also believe that next time someone gives me a blank stare and asks, “What are you gonna do with an MBA?” I’m going to tell them to come read my blog.