CLD 780 - Transitioning into Graduate School

When I first transitioned from undergraduate to graduate school I was nervous because it was uncharted territory. I had heard rumors of the demanding expectations and was afraid that I would not be able to meet them. Going into my fifth week of graduate school I can say that those fears are gone. However, I have been extremely overwhelmed by graduate school and my assistantship. Two things that I had never experienced before I decided to jump in head first.

There are several things that I love about graduate school compared to undergrad and the packet that we were provided with highlights those points. First, I honestly never noticed how much graduate students were respected and put on a higher level than undergrads. I have gotten to know my professors in a way that I never expected to and it has made me want to work and learn. I think it’s awesome how the student/teacher relationship changes once you’ve crossed over.

Another key point was time management which ties in with organization. I have a billion things to do and I’m the kind of person that wants them done all at once. I have a list of things that need to be completed daily, weekly, and a few projects on a longer time frame. This has helped me not go crazy! I also have a color coded filing system that I go by for the different projects that I am involved in. Without successful organization skills I honestly don’t know how anyone ever gets anything done.

           
The last article in our packet discussed effective reading tips. This has been the biggest change for me. Being a newlywed and my husband being on 3^rd shift the only thing I want to do when I get home (if he’s there) is relax and spend time with him because our time together definitely limited! Learning how to scan articles and get the key information has saved my life! At first I tried reading every article and text book word for word, but then when it came time for discussion none of the information was being retained which was definitely a waste of my time. So, now I look for key words and information that I think will be important. I think that this is one of the most important skills a graduate student can learn.

           
Overall, graduate school has been an amazing experience thus far. I have gotten really close with all of my colleagues in the office and have gotten to know my professors on a more personal basis. When I came in I was counting down until the two years were over so I could get back into the classroom, but now I’m actually enjoying my time way more than undergrad and more than I had ever expected!