Writing the concluding paragraph of the ethics exam’s essay question, I couldn’t help but smile as I felt the giddiness rise in my stomach. This was the last exam I would ever have to take.

You don’t realize how many tests you’ve taken until you’re where I am now – the end of my education. Beginning with the kindergarten quizzes about shapes, colors and Jesus, I’ve had 17 years of exams. And not another more. Thank goodness editors frown about journalists wasting time in grad school instead of gaining experience.

However, I could see myself going down the same road as many of my journalism professors: go back to grad school after years in the field, even after retirement. I can’t help it – I love to learn, and I need to stay busy. Hopefully I could become a professor like the ones that inspired me to do this.

Every year, it’s been the same routine: taught, tested, repeat. Now it’s time to begin a new routine – putting all those years into practice.

By the way, I’ve updated “My cover letter for as many eyes as possible” with a few minor changes Prof. Foley suggested for concision purposes. Now it’s all in the hands of Vero Beach 32963.