A couple of years ago I was thinking about going back to grad school and in the process found a terrific new program in social work at Cal State Dominguez Hills (Carson, CA). Because the program was emerging, things were fresh and exciting. The centerpiece of the program at CSUDH is something known as critical race theory, a way of understanding and dealing with endemic and pervasive racism (and other -isms too!) in society. Well, I took the plunge, and will graduate today with my MSW. It's been an amazing experience, and I'm ever-so grateful to all who helped make it possible.
It's interesting, though, because among the choices of schools in the area with social work programs, the University of Southern California offers what might be called the "flagship" program. It's established and well-known. It's also expensive (about $60,000 MORE than my total out-of-pocket at CSUDH).
Two weeks ago I was walking in our neighborhood in Hollywood and noticed that someone had dumped some things by the curb, among them a hooded USC sweatshirt. I didn't think much of it then, but after walking by a few days in a row, it became apparent that those things had simply been abandoned...by then the sweatshirt was kicking around in the dirt and looking kind of shabby. So I picked it up, took it home and ran it through the laundry--I'm now the proud "sporter" of an appropriately worn USC sweatshirt (easily $50 or more).
An MSW and a sweatshirt...and a savings of $60,050!
