school

as anyone who knows me knows, i've been thinking about returning to school for quite some time. in the past four years, i've considered the following masters or professional programs:

• information science
• museum science
• library science
• urban planning
• public policy
• public health
• law
• business administration
• education
• social welfare
• acupuncture
• medicine

and in the past 2 months, i've been researching public policy programs and business programs with strong non-profit and public sector-focus. i thought i'd put thoughts of law school behind me...

...but they're coming back.

lately (meaning the past 5 days), i've been wondering about whether a career in environmental law would be a good fit for me. these thoughts are informed by the following:

• on earth day, my company brought in a presenter from a baykeeper advocacy group. they litigate to keep the bay clean. i felt really inspired by the organization.
• my recreational and personal interests continually intersect with conservation and environmental protection (whether its growing vegetables on my fire escape or camping / hiking). that kind of lifestyle is important to me.
• i think a lot about my "working style" and what kind of "leader" i am. i'm good in small groups, but work best alone. not so great at "managing" large tasks, "motivating" people to reach an outcome, or implementing plans. i wonder if that means legal work (rather than management -- whether it's nonprofit or for-profit) would be a better fit personality and work-style wise for me.
• i communicate best on paper and worst in person.
• i don't like direct conflict in day to day interactions. but i like having something to fight against or to fight about.

i don't know if those are compelling enough reasons to retake the LSAT and apply to law school. but, i feel kind of good about them.

anyway, those are my most recent career and school thoughts. thought i'd document them for posterity and share them with you!