Janet Jacobsen from the beautiful Hibiscus Coast north of Auckland
I am very proud to say that I have just graduated with Excellence for a Diploma in Editing and Proofreading. This has totally blown me away, because it has been a huge challenge for me over the last 18 months while I’ve also been going through massive personal stuff, and it has taken longer than I had anticipated, but I have done it!
From when I was a child, there was never a time when I wasn’t reading a book and I love the written word, writing and anything associated with words. My daughter calls me a smart cookie and was not surprised when I chose to study for this Diploma!
I was Dux of my High School but I didn’t get the chance to go straight to University as my priority was to get a job to help support my Mum (my Dad died when I was 12). I was sad about this, as I had always dreamed of further study and qualifying to add ‘letters’ after my name!
Back in the day, I chose an administration job for a government department and worked there until I had my first daughter in 1978. Fast forward to the late 90’s when my daughter was at Auckland University, and I enrolled at Massey University as a ‘mature student’ and completed several Psychology papers. I loved it! The whole deal of being on campus, lectures, tutorials, studying (but not the exams)! gave me a huge sense of satisfaction. I’m proud of the fact that I got A’s for everything. It wasn’t financially viable for me to finish a degree, so I worked part-time as a receptionist and administrator, at various times for an Optometrist, a Counsellor and a GP. I am currently still working for my GP.
Whether it is a gift or not, I am one of those people who will edit your words as you speak! No, seriously, mistakes in spelling and grammar are glaringly obvious to me, and I am even known to refuse to send a message or repost anything on Facebook if there is a mistake in it!
When I started on this course of study, I discovered that my idea of proofreading and editing was pretty basic and there was a lot to learn! The course content was great though and contained plenty of information and detail. I am excited now to hopefully do some freelance work from home.
If anyone is thinking about doing some study, even if you are in your 60’s, totally go for it! It’s worth it and it’s never too late to chase that dream! Be proud!
Janet Jacobsen, DipEdit (I’ve got the letters!)
