And on to the next . . .
by Erin Hoffrance
When you read thisI will have already participated in the iSchool’s Convocation ceremony. I will have walked across that stage with a huge smile on my face and hopefully I will not have fallen in the process. I now have my MLIS! And I want to tell everyone on the street that I’m a Librarian! Don’t believe me? Want to see my degree?! Here it is! And I’ll pull out a wallet size photo of my degree, like a parent showing off their new baby. But what does it mean? I don’t feel the need to go on some existential search to find who I am and what to do. I think I’ve already figured that out (at least the what I want to do part). What is next for me to conquer? Don’t get me wrong, I’m so happy to be done with school, but it was a long couple of years that consumed a lot of my time. I am excited to be done, but I still have fears. I am scared about what I am “supposed” to know now – and I wonder if this will ever pass. I have a great professional position which I am loving. A lot of it is new, so I am still learning, and I hope that I will continue to learn. That might have been what has drawn me to this profession, the opportunity to constantly learn and share knowledge.
And one of the first things I did when I had completed all of my school work: I went to the library to pick out a book to read…FOR FUN! A book…to read…because…I WANT to read it. What a concept!
I’m curious to know of the readers out there: What did you feel after graduating from library school? What does it mean to you to be a librarian? Anything you would do differently?
Here’s what I will and will NOT miss from library school:
I will miss:
- The student rate for professional organizations
- Not having to make payments on my student loans
- Exposure to new technology tools
- Student discounts
I will not miss:
- HOMEWORK!
- Group assignments
- Writing papers
- Making time for it all
- Not ever having a real weekend
Themocracy
Congratulations Erin! Completing the MLIS (especially while also working) is no easy feat. I most enjoyed becoming reacquainted with family and friends after library school 😉
If you’re looking for a light summer read, I loved The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner. It cracked me up and helped me dream of new places to travel!
Thanks Kate, I am slowly realizing what free time is and will definitely look into that book recommendation, Thanks!
Congrats, Erin! As Kate said, working FT (or PT) and going to school is tough! I was so glad when it was over! In the months and years since, I’ve enjoyed recognizing the moments (few and far between as they are) when I’m actually using something I learned in library school. 🙂 I miss having a schedule that, at least in retrospect, seems more flexible. Standing in line at a coffee shop at 10am is a totally foreign concept to me now! As is wearing jeans.