Paul Jones:
CLASS OF 1980
Dobyns-Bennett High SchoolClass of 1980
Kingsport, TN
Hixson High SchoolClass of 1998
Hixson, TN
University of Tennessee - Arts & SciencesClass of 1985
Knoxville, TN
Paul's Story
Life
I have made a career of teaching school: in Chattanooga for ten years, and overseas for another five. It has been memorable and satisfying, but I have been daydreaming lately of Paradise--in the form of Time Off Without Pay, that is, a LONG t.o.w.p. I have been strategizing about how to become a professional student, a prospect that seems much more appealing now than it did at age 20. Irresponsible? You bet. I just figure, why put everything off until age 65?
College
I was on what was commonly referred to as the "Five-Year Plan," only at the end of which did I decide on a career, namely, as a teacher. This involved an additional couple years in the College of Education at said UTK. True to the reputation of teacher-training programs, the courses ranged from the excruciatingly annoying to the mind-numbingly sublime. All in all, however, I would have to admit that the experience was useful for my career.
Although I had academic interests, I did not honestly turn in a very stellar performance as a student. I would love to be able to blame that on a dizzying social/party life, but, sadly, 'twas not the case. The truth is, I was A.D.D. when A.D.D. wasn't cool.
When I walked away from college, I swore I would never return. Ever heard of famous last words? In fact, I returned several years later for summer courses, and enjoyed the experience much more than I did when it really counted. (Isn't that just life for you!?)
I now find myself saving like mad, intending to return to school as a middle-aged undergraduate for a (minimum) 3-5 year period. Wha...Expand for more
t do I hope to gain from doing this? Oh, a bit of knowledge and just some enjoyment of the experience. I don't think that there has to be a careerist motive for everything.
I now think that those who take a year or two off from school between high school and college probably have the right idea.
Workplace
My dream job would involve some kind of teaching, but would also provide for at least six months of vacation a year.
Realizing that that is a pipe dream, I've settled into teaching at an international school, where the time off is fairly generous (about like an average U.S. teacher's) and one can change jobs without arousing curiosity and suspicion from potential employers.
Having said all that, I couldn't be happier about my current city of residence, Budapest. It is a beautiful city located right in central Europe and only about 1-2 hours' flying time from just about any European destination.
It has also been fascinating to watch how this country, Hungary, has pulled itself up from the ashes of Communism and has struggled to join ranks with its richer, European-Union neighbors.
I work with middle-school kids, around ages 11 - 14. It's an entirely different world, this place called school, but I've found that I can walk fairly comfortably in it. We have many nationalities among our students. Many can speak 3 - 5 languages fluently, and can switch among them at will.
I plan to remain here 1 - 2 years more, after which I will probably return to being a student, most likely in Madrid.
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