What you need to know about graduate school

Black Collegian, Oct 2000 by Rovaris, Dereck J Sr

Turner: I unashamedly admit that if it were not for my relationship with Jesus Christ, I would have never made it through graduate school. It is not enough to be the most intelligent person in the class because there is always someone smarter. It is also not enough to impress people by speaking in the most intellectual jargon you know. There is always someone who knows a longer and more impressive sounding word. But what matters the most is that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are greatness and that you come from greatness because of Christ.

III. What would you have done differently?

Thompson: I would have taken advantage of the vast resources that the university has. There are several programs on a university's campus that could be beneficial to students. Taking advantage of these can be very helpful to students. Such programs may include writing centers, computer centers, math centers, etc.

Simien: I would have read more, and taken full advantage of the writing lab at my undergraduate institution

Turner: I would have definitely acquired more effective study skills prior to entering graduate school. It is amazing the amount of data and knowledge that is digested in one day of graduate school. I would have attended several workshops on time management skills and study skills. I would have also maintained a "true" savings account in graduate school.

Money needs to be maintained in savings for miscellaneous educational expenses such as making copies (especially for each student in your study group), purchasing ink cartridges for the printer, extra expenses to attend conferences, and professional association membership fees.

IV What did you like least about graduate school?

Thompson: The thing I liked least about graduate school was the lack of diversity. Growing up in New York City and being a graduate of a Historically Black College allowed me to live in environments that encompassed a wide range of diverse cultures and interests. My graduate experience taught me that, as opposed to these experiences being readily available and a part of the university's make-up, I had to seek them out or create them, and fight for their existence and sustainability. I would hope that graduate programs would continue to diversify their faculty and student body so that the environment ultimately changes to fit the needs of the student and not that the student has to change his/her needs to fit the environment.

Simien: The cutthroat environment. Graduate students are competitive, and some faculty members have their favorites.

Turner: Of course I abhorred the politics and the competition of graduate school. Above all, I hated the gnawing feeling that I had to "prove myself." It was not only a feeling but also an expectation. I was not alone. Most of the people of color shared the same feeling.

V What did you like most about graduate school?

Thompson: I thoroughly enjoyed my program and the knowledge that I gained throughout my graduate career. I was fortunate enough to have had an advisor and mentor who took her role to heart. She not only advised me on my direction in the program, but she cultivated and prepared me for the workplace.