One Year Down!

Upon entering the history graduate program at the College of Charleston, two more years of school seemed like a lifetime!  But here I am, the first year flew by, and I’m no worse for the wear.

I improved scholastically and met some incredible people!

The GSO Grad Assistants, Bree, Amber, Bonnie, Gwen and Tiffany

I moved from a small mountain hamlet to Charleston, South Carolina.  Before the school year began, I was hired as a graduate assistant.  Through this quirky office setting, I found a surrogate family.  The ladies keep me laughing and the impressive career of a gentleman in the office, reminds me what I have the potential to accomplish.  The position keeps me in contact with prospective students, current students, and faculty from our 28 different programs.  I am exposed daily to the exciting projects and research happening throughout the College.  The most important thing I learned in this office is that the faculty is dedicated to student success.

Joi, Chris, Amber, Gwen and Eric

Initially afraid that dedicated, academic pursuit might limit opportunities to make friends, I soon experienced quite the opposite.  The first-years in my program bonded during class discussions, over research, and even an occasional beer.  We ran the gauntlet of a staggering workload and survived!  (”Survive” may seem like a strong word for me to use, but there were definitely times we wondered whether or not we’d make it)  Once we realized that we could survive, my fellow first-years and I relaxed.  We became friends.  We continue to hone our academic skills.  On a professional level, we learned one another’s research interests and career goals.  My colleagues and I share ideas, pass along readings, and support each other.  And when our brains need a rest, we get to play in Charleston!

Joi, Kristin, and Amber

I am so fortunate to have these friends and colleagues in my life.  When I left my small home town for the first time, I was convinced that making friends in graduate school would be impossible.  But I found them and am better for it.

Related Posts:
Keeping it all together, by Regan Fantry
In her words, by Kellee McGahey
The rantings of a thesis writer, by Bree Tomlinson
Wherever you go, go with all your heart, by Kolo Rathburn
Why she chose South Carolina over Michigan, by Bree Tomlinson

MES candidate, Bree Tomlinson, is still chipping away on her thesis.  If you’re curious what it’s like to write a thesis for a master’s degree, here’s a look into her mind:

June is well under way, and my mind is consumed by my thesis project (I am slowly making my way through the final/written stage).  Every day I wake up and ask myself, “What am I doing for my thesis today?”  I know, I know.  It’s not quite as poignant as JFK’s  “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country?”  but at this point in “the game” they feel equally as important!

I have constant reminders of tasks that have not been completed, and “to-do” lists left without checks.  But if that wasn’t enough, I see “my” birds – the birds I am studying – EVERYWHERE!  I am convinced they are following me around the Lowcountry.  I see them while I am driving to the grocery store. I see them flying over my house usually while I am in the backyard (reading smutty magazines). And I see them while walking to the bus stop.  Not sure if these fly-bys are coincidental (after all it is their breeding season and they are constantly searching for food…oh my mind never stops), but all I know is that I am excited for the day when I see my Storks and think “OOH LOOK, my bird friends from the thesis I just completed!!!”

Thankfully, I am nearing the end of my project and can almost see the light at the end of my graduate tunnel!

Other posts you might find interesting:
Why she chose South Carolina over Michigan
Wherever you go, go with all your heart