We all hear the same cliched words of encouragement: Never give up! Shoot for the stars! Dream big! Well, I have my own advice: Listen to your own heart; only you can decide what your path should be. I know that too sounds cliched, but it's the truth. When I decided to apply to GSU's Higher Education Administration graduate program I was taking control of my own fate and finally doing what my heart desired.
The road to a GSU master's degree is not an easy one. Some people told me that taking classes online would be easier than sitting in a classroom. They couldn't have been more wrong. If you do decide to pursue the M.Ed. you need to realize a few things:
1. Pace yourself and set goals: It is tempting to wait until the last minute to complete an assignment to turn in online, but that is a big mistake. Every assignment that I completed for this degree took more thought and effort than any assignment in my undergrad. Work on your assignments every day to save yourself a lot of stress and anxiety.
2. Don't underestimate an online degree: These professor will challenge you in ways you've never been challenged before. Every professor will push you beyond your comfort zone and force you to produce the best work that you possibly can.
3. Appreciate every lesson: Each course taught me something new and valuable that I was able to build upon. My class in Politics of Higher Education helped me to understand the structure of our education system, which then allowed me to better understand how policies were developed in my Higher Education Policy class. These classes opened my eyes to a side of education that I had never seen before, a side that I had previously took for granted.
4. Focus: When I began my studies I knew that I wanted to learn more about multicultural education, the policies behind it and how to create an accepting classroom. Every course has allowed me to find my concentration and focus in on it--the professors are there to help further your studies and make you a better educator. Use it to your advantage!
This program is tough--it will challenge and inspire you. Its flexibility and range will allow you to mold the program in to exact what you will need to further your career as an educator. It is because of this program that I am proud to tell everyone that I am a True Blue Educator!
Best of luck,
Jessica Marie Summers
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