Goals

Since summer is almost over and the completion of my master's degree finally seems attainable (I'll be done in May 2011), I have decided that it's time to set some goals for myself. I want to make the most of library school, and so by posting them here I hope that I will be more likely to really stick to them! I *usually* stick to my guns pretty well, but it's nice to have an extra incentive, like the thought of people reading this blog later if I update on progress, and, well, if I haven't made any progress I would feel judged by the internet at large. lol. So, without further ado, here we go!

GOAL 1: get in shape/eat healthy very strictly until the end of 2010

This goal is already going pretty well. Part of this has to do with the fact that I need to fit into the clothes I already own, since a) one of them is the bridesmaid's dress for my brother's wedding in September and b) I can't afford to buy new clothes! I would also like to be a more active person, get outside and all that, and eating vegan really helps with eating healthy (although knowing that Oreos are technically vegan has SO not helped...lol). As for eating vegan, I've been doing pretty well, but haven't been extremely strict with myself over the past few weeks. I'd say I'm eating about 75-80% completely vegan, and the other % are just random things, like cupcakes for my friend's birthday, or butter that was already on some pre-prepared frozen garlic bread. But, the goal of getting in shape/eating healthy will be a joint one, as I am moving in with a friend and have been staying with her the past few weeks, and we are planning our meals and working out together!

GOAL 2: gain technological skills useful to future employment/continue professional development

Now, my mom thinks I'm pretty tech-savvy already. I love her very much, but she is not the greatest relative judge of my technological skills, lol! Since I have planned out my library school path anticipating that I will be able to get a job in a rare books-related position, particularly focusing on preservation and conservation, I haven't taken many classes focused solely on technological skills. I hope to broaden my knowledge of technology through my own study, including learning basic HTML, photoshop, and web-design skills. I don't know if this is a realistic goal or not, having not had much experience with technology, but I know that in many library positions I will soon be applying for that familiarity with many kinds of technology is a must and will (hopefully!) give me an edge over other applicants. In addition, I hope to keep volunteering at the preservation/conservation lab, and hopefully to research and apply for internships for the spring semester before I graduate.

GOAL 3: begin researching PhD/second master's programs

I have already started doing this, but what I really need to "research" is the amount of student loans I currently have VS how expensive it would be to get a second master's or even a PhD. A lot of rare books jobs call for a PhD or a second master's degree on top of your master's in library sciences, and so I think it would be wise to at least consider this option in planning for future employment. I think I'd like to get some "real-world" experience first, but if I can't find a job in my field maybe going back to school WOULD be the best option. I just have SO. MANY. student loans, and so the thought of trying to pay for school literally blows my mind. So that's something I need to explore, especially because taking careful inventory of my existing loans will help me when I have to start paying them back, which is pretty soon (right after I graduate).

That's all I can think of for now! :)