I Did Something Potentially Stupid…But Potentially Life-Changing

The title pretty much sums up what’s happening. I don’t know how often I mention it here; if I mention it here at all, but I took a two year break from my education during the pandemic. It’s never bothered me much (read: it bothers me a lot) and a university degree is just a degree, right? So, naturally, I threw myself into my career. Let’s be honest: payday is everyone’s favorite day of the month, right?

I never really focused much on my education after I got into the work force. I mean, I do continuously take courses on LinkedIn and Coursera. In fact, my boss has even paid for a few professional courses in the past (honestly, I’m surprised he hasn’t sent me another one yet—we spent three months last year on those).

But that’s not the point. The point is, a university degree: not important. Especially because well, the industry I wanted to break into kind of went into a coma during the pandemic and never really recovered…but I’ve been thinking about my life a lot recently. I guess I’ve got it made: remote job, flexible hours, great for someone like me who’s a bit of a night owl.

But I really wanted to be an aerospace engineer. And I never got to do that. Maybe some day, I’ll be comfortable enough to talk about it all in detail, but for now, I’ve been thinking and I’ve done something potentially stupid, but potentially life-changing.

So, What’d I Do?

Well, I’m doing summer school. At my alma mater. Well, technically not my alma mater since I never graduated from there, but they gave me my old ID for summer school so I guess that counts? I don’t know. I don’t include my old university on my resume or anything. But I’m doing summer school. One course; from the aerospace department. 

Yes, classes started on July 14. No, I haven’t attended any classes yet (still sorting out my work schedule), and no, no one at work knows. Classes are in the mornings on Mondays and Wednesdays and I work EST hours so there’s no overlap at all.

But yeah. I did that. I might’ve just spent a lot of money on something I shouldn’t have done, but I’m thinking about graduate school. Thinking about internships too because guess who does not have any engineering internships under her belt?

Me.

I’ve updated my about page on the site as well. Not sure if anyone’s been reading my book reviews but this blog is actually really good at making me more accountable.

Like, I was late for the June reading list. But you won’t believe how annoying not writing was for me. Like, genuinely, it’s been annoying. I was busy, and I’ve got blogs written in advance, but I always write book reviews at the end of the month—and honestly, not getting it done was driving me up the wall.

German Language Update

For long time readers, y’all must be wondering what is wrong with her? And I understand. Completely. For those who missed it, my New Year’s Resolution was to pass the German proficiency exam—and I did! Back in April, actually. I genuinely don’t know why I didn’t do a blog on that earlier.

So, yes, readers: you’re looking at someone who can speak German on a B1 level. I might even be on the B2 level but I’m not in the mood to give an exam right now (says the girl who signed up for summer school). I’ll do it in the fall. Maybe October since Octobers are good.

Not going to lie, it got super hot here in Turkey in April, and I’ve just been avoiding leaving my apartment. I genuinely cannot stand the heat. But I guess that’s global warming.

What Do These Life Changes Mean for the Blog?

Well, for starters, I’m three blogs ahead right now, and I started a mailing list. Seriously, I’d love it if you signed up. Here’s the form: 

So, the only concern I have is that I might not have the best ideas for a weekly newsletter, but I should be able to share random bits of info with you guys there. 

Of course, my book is still a HUGE priority for me. I’m still working on the final edits. Chances of landing a literary agent this year are slim, but I guess that’s fine. Not every New Year’s resolution can be achieved. I’ve already done a lot, so I’m okay.

I will be writing random blogs on studying or my experience with studying with a full-time job, this blog, and a manuscript that needs final revisions (for the agent; not for a publisher. I don’t want to think about how that will look).

Summer school’s going to end in September so we’ll have plenty of time to relax-ish. 

The Way Ahead

My best friend, Zee, and I are planning to move for better job opportunities in the near future. I’m not going to name the country yet, because I don’t want to jinx it or anything. So, I might have a blog on that at some point towards the end of the year.

The focus of this blog, as always, will stay on writing, talking about books—I really want to start in-depth reviews; I might do this in the newsletter—and blogging, SEO and AI. I have opinions on recent developments.

But, we’re still on track. I’m just trying to do something I’d like. It’s really hard staying motivated in the current global situation.

So, if you ever feel like you’re alone—you’re not. And, at the risk of sounding like an influencer, I hope we can build a little community here where no one feels left out. I got a few emails through my contact page, and yeah, I get it.

My general opinion is that as a species, we’re at the cusp of something really good or really bad, so the most any of us can do is just try to be as positive and happy as possible. And it’s hard. I know. But I try to be humorous when I can just so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

It’s actually why I started writing more about books and stuff. Because they’ve always been an escape for me.

So, I know I have new subscribers and people on here now. If you guys think this blog is so random, I try to add life updates here for important stuff. Summer school seemed important enough, so I did this.

The next miscellaneous life update will probably be around Christmas, or as tradition (which I forget about), on New Year’s Day.

The next blog’s going to be our regular stuff. So don’t panic. Stay safe.

— Sura x