Extra! Extra!
I am underemployed. This is not news to most of you. I teach public school music, which has fallen on hard times in this economic downturn. Four years ago I was laid off. I had no income but unemployment for a year. For the next year, I worked 0.1 time--yes, that's four hours a week--teaching band. For the last two years, I've been a 0.5 time band and choir director. Things are looking better for my profession now, and the day may come soon that finds me working at or near full time. Meanwhile I've got private students and performance income to fill the gap. Thirty-four years ago, I decided to attend Willamette University, launching myself on this trajectory. This week, two headlines got me thinking about the other side of that decision. I had narrowed my search to two colleges: Willamette and the University of Oregon. Willamette was a comfortable choice, a good solid Methodist choice. I'd been on campus for a variety of Methodist events over the years, as well a...