So sorry you're still looking for work. Glad to hear they're working with you. In the meantime, why don't you take what you've learned and see if you can't get some stuff published. Either through the magazines in
The Best of the Magazine Markets for Writers and/or contests. I listed some lists of contests in my article
Use Contests as a Stepping Stone http://dennisesleeper.blogspot.com/2012/05/use-contests-as-stepping-stone.htmlI'm sure if you re-read and follow your instructors recommendations for your previous assignments you should have at least a couple ready or about ready for submission. Then take what you learned and write similar articles. You have all the material at your fingertips and there's not a lot of expense involved. Just your time.
When you are on a leave of absence are you able to continue on Post A Note? If so, don't forget the "readers wanted" section of the forum if you need help with your stories or articles.
You can still work toward being a published author, who knows, as I've told you before, perhaps writing will become your job. Devote your time with what you obviously want to do--Write!