This is such a difficult question, so I’ll limit myself only to memories from my time as a graduate student. That in mind, it’s still a long list to pare down. In my 2 years as an MA student, I ran my first 5k, defended our student rights, and taught a class of undergraduate students independently for the first time. These memories are the highlight of my graduate experience and will stay with me for the rest of my life. They are instructive of my growing confidence, independence, and strength as a young adult in the 21st century, and I hope they signal many future achievements to come.
While just about anyone who knows me will tell you that Dr. Kirk Melnikoff, current English Department Chair, has played an instrumental role in both my undergraduate and graduate experiences, Dr. Meghan Barnes also played a key role during my MA. When I took on the role of President of the English Graduate Student Association (EGSA), I was incredibly nervous and uncertain with it being the most substantial student leadership position I’ve ever taken on. I was nervous that I would fail that test of my leadership skills with my lack of experience. Dr. Barnes’ support and assistance was a great help to me as I gained my confidence. Without her help our semester would not have gone as well as it did. I’m not even sure if our 22nd annual EGSA Student Symposium would have happened at all, so I owe a great debt to her for her steadfast support over the past year.
While I was a graduate assistant in the Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement (now Leadership & Community Engagement) for the entirety of my graduate career at Charlotte, my first semester in the program I also had the great privilege of taking a for-credit Internship in College Teaching course. That semester I acquired valuable experience building a syllabus and lesson plans, course planning, grading, and assignment generation. As someone who aspires to a future professorship, this experience was incredibly valuable to me in addition to being enjoyable. I loved (and still love) my students from that semester, some of whom I still speak with. While I was pretty certain at that time that a future in college teaching was the right path for me, this internship opportunity solidified that for me.
My biggest piece of advice would be to come to campus! Just like undergraduate students, we benefit from the community we gain by attending school events, initiating connections, or even just studying in Thoughtful Cup. While I get that not everyone can make it to campus easily, it’s so important to develop a sense of connection and community with classmates within and beyond your speciality. The degree is also so much easier when you have friends to commiserate with.
Explore the stories of our Graduate Niners and Faculty who are making a meaningful impact at Charlotte.
