Getting a Degree

So I decided that this year, I will be getting a Doctorate degree in Language Arts with a minor in Home Economics: Sewing. Now, before you freak out, let me explain.

This year in Relief Society, we are doing a program called Celestial University, where sisters can work toward a "degree" by completing goals in several categories and by learning from other sisters. There are several colleges to choose from, each with a dean who is ready to help you. I was leaning heavily toward pyschology, applied arts, and social science but finally decided on language arts and sewing.

The program is pretty simple. An associates degree requires 6 goals toward your major and 3 theology goals. A bachelors takes 8 goals toward your major, 5 theology goals, and 3 goals in your minor or other colleges (kind of like taking generals, I guess). A masters degree takes 10 goals toward your major, 7 theology goals, and 5 generals, and for a doctorate you need 12 goals toward your major, 9 theology goals, and 7 generals.

I love setting and reaching small goals. Its like an addiction for me. So I've decided to go for the Doctorate in Language Arts. Some of my chosen goals Language Arts goals include:

• Find, define, and write down a new vocabulary word each day for one month.
• Attend a play.
• Write in your journal at least once a week for three months.
• Write a narrative, lyric or humorous song or poem.
• Read one classic American novel or a Newberry Award Winner

A few theology goals are:

• Read five articles from Ensign magazines. Pick two new or important ideas you've gained from these articles and discuss them with someone.
• Read the lessons from the manual for Relief Society ahead of time.
• Read a book about the gospel.
• Hold family prayer twice a day for one month.

And some fun generals are:

• Paint a room.
• Find three ways to save money and do it for a month.
• Buy one classical or light classical CD and play it.
• Decorate a cake.
• Sew an item for a child.
• Play racquetball twice in one month.
• Read an article a week for four weeks from a current news magazine; e.g. Time, US News, etc.
• Read a self improvement book; e.g. Woman's Divine Destiny of Self Eseem and LDS Woman
• Complete your weekly grocery shopping in one trip. Do not cheat and go to the store for extras you forgot or ran out of during that week.

If you can't tell, I'm really excited about this program. You can expect to see some blogs about goals I'm working on or have completed. Feel free to bug me about how I'm doing. I may need the help to stay motivated!