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March 17, 2009 Ask B. Scott: Stay In School?
Hey, love muffins! Below is my response to this week’s Ask B Scott – I apologize for not posting this yesterday!
Question:
B Scott,
What would you say to someone who feels like school is really overrated? I am so close to the finish line, but I feel like it’s getting in the way of me pursing my dreams. Things are really taking off with my poetry career, I have this book coming out, I’m performing everywhere, and what hurts me the most is that when I want to write, I have to study or write a paper. It’s really bothering me, and I’m trying not to have my grades suffer because I’ve worked very hard to get my GPA where it is.
I’m trying to hold on and get my degree because my mom, as a single parent, put in a lot of hours working to support me and made sacrifices for me to stay in school. I’m struggling with that feeling that comes with knowing where your destiny is, when you find your true passion in life, and that urge to pursue your true calling. I’m sure that’s something you can attest to now as you’re living your dreams out each day. I get down when I think about how much time I still have time left in school while wanting to be immersed in the poetry scene. It’s frustrating. I need some advice.
Tanesha
B. Scott’s Answer after the jump.
Answer:
Dear Tanesha,
Even though it may be difficult balancing your education and your dreams, I think it’s really important, especially in this day and age, that you finish school. In this society, there are many disadvantages to not having a formal education, and unfortunately, many opportunities will not be available to you without one. Why not reap the benefits of having a college education, as opposed to facing the disadvantages of not having one? Life should be taken advantage of – many do not have the opportunity to attend and finish school. In the grand scheme of things, college is only four years of your life, but its benefits last a lifetime. Since you’re so close to completion, I think it would be in your best interest to finish.
I, at times during my college experience, struggled and questioned its worth, but focused and perservered, graduating a semester early. I’m now doing what I love to do which is testament to the fact that you can balance completing your education and obtaining your dreams.
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JaiMitch
March 17, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Ok, so I just need to jump on the B. Scott bandwagon with this one. I think everyone who has gone to college feels like this at some point or another. Whether it is because classes are really hard or we are just ready for school and studying to be over, it is so well worth it to finish. Also, since you are going to be pursuing poetry or writing, I just wanted to encourage you, because a lot of writers are also college professors. Dr. Maya Angelou teaches at Wake Forest, so while she is in between books she is teaching and getting new inspiration from her students, then when she is ready to write another book or finish another collection of poems she goes on sabatical. So the school is paying her to take the time off to finish her book and she gets an advance from her publisher to finish her book. So I’m just saying, don’t be a starving artist if you don’t have to be. Finish your education, it may feel like a burden right now but you don’t want the burden of life in this economy and in this job market without one.
none of ya
March 17, 2009 at 3:51 pm
ALSO, MIGHT I ADD: I understand that you’re interested in performing and writing poetry now, but what if you want to expand? Education can help you have a better understanding on managing your career and money. As an artist, you’ll need to be able to manage your own taxes and insurance, also have a good understanding of contracts. I’m not saying you can’t do those things without an education, but why not hit the ground running considering you’re so close to the finish line? Also, you may want to open your own venue, and you may need a business loan. Let me tell you, education plays a part in getting a business loan because they want to make sure you have an understanding of business! Right now, college will most likely NOT stand in your way of pursuing such a creative career, however, not having a degree may play a part in the future, as far as limiting your career. Sucks, don’t it? Yeah, but necessary.
Brett Scott
March 17, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Is Scott your maiden name. I am also known as B. Scott……………..very cool
woah
March 17, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Nikki Giovanni is at Virginia Tech
Lucille Clifton was at St. Mary’s College of Maryland…just a few more examples to corroborate with JaiMitch…stick it out Tanesha!
Ms.NeeCee
March 18, 2009 at 2:33 am
Nesha BOO! Hon, just like you are working it with school and poetry now, you can continue. Yes, your mom worked hard to put you through school and she wants the best for you, but sweetie this is for you and no one else. If poetry is your passion, and I have read it you are super talented then it will not go anywhere. As for school the way everything is going in the world?????? If you don’t have an advanced education then you don’t have a damn thing. Think about it in both lights. You should always have something to fall back on. Just like basketball players, and actors. If they tear a ligament or don’t always get that promising roll,with an education they know that they will still be secure because of their education.Without it where will you go and what will you do? That’s why dessert is after dinner. You have to get all of your vitamins and iron first. THEN you get to the good stuff!!!!!!! I hope I helped. Don’t throw away all that hard work.
dAiNGEROUS
March 18, 2009 at 2:35 am
there are people in this country & the world who dream of the opportunity u have.
stay in school, kid!!!
ladytb
March 18, 2009 at 11:23 am
To Tanesha, I concur with most who have written before me, but have one thing to add. You dream of pursuing a career where education will matter. How can you be a great poet without continuing to master language, and how can you do this without a deep desire to learn? Poetry is rooted in learning about people, places, culture, history, and so forth. I love to write, but love to read even more. I currently tutor part time and work in higher education full time. I encounter countless students who abhor school and hate to read thus their use of language is limited. If you are not a learner of life then maybe this is an interest you should work on acquiring as you complete the remainder of your degree. While you may be gifted (god given talent) to be a writer, cultivation of your talent will make you a GREAT writer. Please consider this in your decision to continue or leave school. I love helping students find their way, maybe its not school that you dislike, maybe its just your current major or the subjects you are taking. Possibly re-evaluate the degree you are working to obtain. Seek out the advice of a school counselor or a mentor. Find someone that will continue to motivate you on the tough days, so that you can fully enjoy the positive ones. If you do not have this person, you can email me- tanyah.barnes@gmail.com. I hope this helps!
media_man
March 18, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Stay in school, lol. Yall gettin deep! I love it!