Life in The 5 Year Masters Program
by Deb White
During my first year at Chatham I enrolled in an abundance of Education classes. I knew that teaching was the career path I wanted to take. My first semester, I had my first field observation. Being in the actual classroom was a true eye-opener! Prior to my field observation, I gained experience with children through tutoring at the YMCA, so I had an idea of what to expect. I think that by being exposed to the classroom environment at the beginning, allowed me to enhance my skills in educating children, and learning how to manage the classroom.
Now, I have reached the peak of my academic career at Chatham, and have decided pursue a graduate degree in Elementary Education. Now, I am taking both undergraduate and graduate classes. Many people ask...how do you do it, is the work load harder? I wouldn't say the work load is harder, but the requirements for remaining in the Masters program are more demanding. Right now, in my graduate classes, any grade below a B-, is not considered a passing grade. WOW...the added pressure, huh? Well, for me, I think of it as something that I love to do.
When you choose to go to graduate school, you are narrowing down your options, into something that you want to specialize in--and why shouldn't that be something that you love. Since, the concept of teaching comes natural to me, and I am so enthusiastic about the idea, it makes the process of meeting class requirements a lot easier for me, because it is something that I truly enjoy doing. I think by having a positive outlook about education eliminates the grief over the stumbling blocks that make us want to pull our hair out. All the while, keeping in mind that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and a greater reward for the hard work put forth!
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