Education Opened World Of Possibilities For Language Instructor
A desire to make a career change led LeAnn Lewis to pursue a master's degree in comparative literature and cultural studies from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Lewis teaches English and French at Young Women's Leadership Academy at Arnold Middle School in Grand Prairie.
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"I had decided to switch careers from recruiting into teaching. I was not sure if it was the right fit, so I took a detour and taught English abroad for three years. During that experience, I realized that I wanted to teach and also how much I missed school myself."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"I would tell them to be clear about what they want from it, and to not just do it for career advancement. I would tell them that it definitely opens doors, but maybe not the ones that you think. We need to get back to the idea that learning and striving academically is its own reward. Education is about broadening your thoughts."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"My thesis. I was stymied. I was teaching in France and I had no colleagues that were doing anything close to what I was working on. My head hurt from so much French. I took some time off, came back with a clearer mind and turned my thesis in."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"I feel like I am a better writer, clearer thinker, more humble, and yet more confident. Additionally, I can talk to my students about what will be expected from them in graduate school, and I think it was just such a wonderful portal to so many things. I became acquainted with authors that I would have never been exposed to. If I were to win the lottery, I would get a Ph.D."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com