Before I dive into my reflections on the MLIS program as whole, I think it is only appropriate that I describe the experiences which influenced my decision to enter into the MLIS program.
I confess, I had always dreamed of becoming a doctor as a child. I held onto this dream all throughout my elementary, middle, and high school years. However, once I entered into college as an undergrad, I began to realize that this occupation was not the right fit for me. So I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and was left feeling lost and confused about what to do with my life. I soon found a job as an assistant engineer, and I worked in that field for three years. While it was a job I could do well enough, it was truthfully not something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life. In my second year as an assistant engineer, I began to seriously think about going back to school. But for what? It was in that moment that I remembered the fond memories I had of the many school and public libraries I visited throughout my K-12 school years. In hindsight it was a bit foolish of me to completely jump into a new field without much prior experience. I had done some volunteering at a public library in the past but that was all. Despite this I had no reservations in my decision--I enrolled in the MLIS program at SJSU and the rest is history.
It ended up taking me seven school terms (close to three years) to fully complete the program. Being a graduate student in the MLIS program was at times a grueling experience. But the more I learned about the LIS field, the more I began to love it. I also started volunteering again at a public library during this time, and I found that it was something I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. Finally, I had found an occupation that I was truly passionate about. Furthermore, it fulfilled a need that I had: the need to help others. As a child, I held doctors in such high esteem because they helped the sick. While I never got the chance to actually become a doctor, I am glad that I will still be able to help many people as a librarian—just in a somewhat different way.
I believe that my varied education, work experience, and learned skills will be immensely useful to me as a librarian. My background in the (biological) science field has given me the skills needed to interpret and conduct research studies. This supplies me with a better understanding of the LIS research that has already been done, and it will also allow me to devise methodologically sound research studies. It is only through properly conducted research studies that we as librarians can determine what the “best practices” in our field are. The years I have spent working as an assistant engineer has also given me much experience in using and learning to use many different types of technology. This is a necessary skill in an environment where there is a constant stream of new technological inventions.
After graduating from SJSU, I plan to search for a public librarian position. However, even after I am able to get this job, I still plan to further hone the knowledge and skills that I have gained from the MLIS program. I plan on participating in more ALA webinars and conferences. I will also likely participate in a few LIS-focused workshops to learn more about topics such as cataloging or collection development. It is only by constantly developing my skillsets that I will be able to remain relevant in the LIS field.
To end this section, I will say this: I do not exactly know where the future will take me now that I am at the end of my time in the MLIS program. But I am not afraid. I have discovered that there are many opportunities for me, if I am just willing to look for it.