Nathan, MLIS student at the Department of Library and Information Studies, Valdosta State University (Valdosta, Georgia)
What inspired you to study in an LIS program?
I honestly thought it was something I would pursue later in life, but there’s not really a good reason to wait. The Air Force is paying the lion’s share with tuition assistance and I can use my GI Bill if I really need to. I’m an aircraft electrician now, but it’s not a career field I enjoy. My very first job was an extra help page at the local county library. Libraries are a heavily under-utilized, free resource; they are something worth supporting and saving.
Frankly, I’m not a big fan of our education system. Learning, on the other hand, doesn’t always take place at a school. Library users seem to know this well and understand education as a personal responsibility. Ray Bradbury liked to say he “graduated from the library” and he was an incredible individual.
What part(s) of your program are you enjoying/have you enjoyed?
I have only finished one course so far and it’s a pure online program. So far, it’s been great meeting other students and learning more about everyone’s experiences. The course readings have been rather engaging as well.
What are you most proud of?
Military service would be an easy answer here. I had enlisted at the ripe age of 29 and served 5 years active duty and the past 2-3 have been Reserve. I’m looking to hang it up after 10 years. But I think what I like more is all the traveling I’ve done in my life so far, thus learning. I still have a ways to go, I hope.
What are you most looking forward to in your future career?
I started a federal job about six months ago, so I’m hoping I can stay a Fed and switch careers. I think it would be ideal for me to snag a DoD library position, preferably without moving to D.C. But I suppose any federal position where I could practice as an information professional after graduating would be nice.
What’s something you’ve read recently that you’ve enjoyed?
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem was a nice listen on a long drive several months ago.
Do you have a website and/or social media account(s) that you’d like to share?
I’m @WhatWouldRyuDo on Twi— er, uh… X.
Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
Playing games used to be my greatest passion in life, something I would never grow tired of. I’ve dialed it back quite a bit to focus on real life. To be honest, it’s sort of my midlife crisis. I guess it’s a good one to have, even if millennials have been dealing with crises all our adult lives.