Hi Larc,
I have a BA in Art history and painting, was working towards my Masters in Art History but never finished.
(DANA!!! I went to USF at Tampa! What a wonderful school!
But I was 31 when I was baptised. Your question prompted me to post because if I had continued as a witness, it would have definitely affected my attitude towards my two sons' educations. I remember feeling defensive and almost shameful -arrgh- when explaining (while crammed into a car with Sister Pioneer's "home-schooled" (yeah right..... "We get it all over with in just two hours!!!") Bethel-bound kids who radiated "learned helplessness" and suppressed rage) that my kids' father, who has a PhD in physics, expected them to excell in school and work towards admittance to a university....
My 12 yr old is in an advanced math and science program at a magnet school and was selected to participate in a separate county-sponsored gifted and talented thing for math wizards. My 14 year old just this fall auditioned for and was allowed to attend out of his "district" to attend a high school that emphasizes art and theatre. He wants to be an actor! He has a ponytail!!!!! I love it. On parent's night this fall, the evening commenced with a few numbers from the symphony orchestra. I started crying, embarrassing the crap out of my son, because it was breathtaking, the magical sounds coming from these very young kids.
Am I proud and happy for them or what? When I think of how I used to try and "protect" them from such "worldly" influences and time-consuming endeavors, my heart sinks.......
They complain all the time about their "stupid homework", but they are so happy and thriving.
Thanks for the nice first thing to do after making coffee and realizing wow I have a whole day off today, larc.
lauralisa