Going to UHCL was a natural extension of my local college experience. I had to support myself with full-time work while attending school, so I spent a few (too many) years at a community college. Two Associate's degrees later, I realized that I had to decide whether or not to continue my education somewhere else. I was tied down to a pretty successful band during this time, so I had to stay in the greater Houston area.

Fortunately, UHCL was close and affordable, with an emphasis on transfer students. I didn't know much about it other than that, so I was pleasantly surprised to find such a high-quality academic experience there.

I chose the Literature route because I loved school so much that I couldn't just narrow myself into a specific field like business manangement or law, etc.

The program seemed to hold the broadest range of study for an indecisive person like me. Luckily, I have no regrets about that (non)decision, having had the opportunity to take so many interesting courses with great professors.

I couldn't imagine having anyone else teach me Shakespeare other than Dr. Day. He made it interesting, guiding our class towards finding the many layers of meaning for ourselves, clarifying difficult areas and keeping it fun and informative.

Dr. White was definitely my favorite, as he helped me through all of my hang-ups about assignments and deadlines. His American Lit courses showed me that there's more to literature than English poetry and verbose Victorian novels, while his Creative Writing course helped me to develop my own writing. He has continued to support me well past graduation day.

Dr. McNamara was instrumental in helping me to develop my critical thinking. Not that I was a lost cause, just that I had only one lens with which to examine and analyze what I read. He also taught me that the opposite of ideology is reality.

Since graduation, I have lived and worked in Kunming (capital of Yunnan Province), China and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I spent 6 months in Kunming, traveling around the province, learning about others and myself and just having a good time. This was the first place my UHCL Lit degree came in handy, as there's a real need for English teachers in China (as well as the rest of Asia). I taught every level from beginner to advanced, privately and for universities. Though the pay wasn't high, it was enough to keep me there, pay for travel and fun.

I then headed south for Vietnam, my mom's homeland.

Having taught in China, I felt confident that I'd be able to find work.

My confidence didn't go unheeded, as just about any language school I walked into accepted my credentials (up to this point simply my native speaker status, BA from UHCL and my ESL experience in China). The only problem was to choose the right place to teach (for the right pay, of course).

I taught at SaigonTech Institute of Technology, happily, for four terms, including one summer session.

I was treated with utmost respect by staff, faculty, other instructors, the students and especially the parents of the students. I recommend this institution for anyone considering teaching ESL in Vietnam.

During this time in Ho Chi Minh City, I also edited brochures and newsletters for the Franco-Viet Hospital's marketing department. Though the work wasn't steady, it paid very well.

This may seem like a very busy schedule, but my workweek stayed at around 20 hours, which was plenty to live the "big city lifestyle" comfortably, still able to actually have savings.

I also took part in the growing HCMC art community, performing with my band, killywell, at various venues throughout the city. My solo musical endeavors also found a place, allowing me to perform in group exhibitions and at gallery art openings.

Now, I am in Olympia, Washington preparing to obtain a Master of Library Science degree, something I would have never considered before all of these experiences.

Apparently, this type of work is just up my alley, requiring a person who has many broad experiences in both the academic and the practical; someone who is interested in information and learning for learning's sake.

I have found something specific to do, which I was afraid I'd never find. And it all began with a confused student with too many interests to find a field of study.

- Will Frith