lizzybennet: (hobbes)
lizzybennet ([personal profile] lizzybennet) wrote2005-07-01 06:51 am

(no subject)

I've already received an email from one of my professors for the fall semester. This is for an English class I'm taking on Culture and Literature of Early America. I thought it would complement my history studies and the professor seems to agree. He asked us to tell him about our professional and long term goals, so I told him about my plans to go to graduate school. This was his reply:

If you are planning to apply to graduate school, I would suggest we start looking for publication / presentation opportunities for you -- I know even beginning graduate students are scared by such a suggestion - but I have been able to help undergraduates get research credentials and these have helped them in getting accepted and getting scholarship support when applying for graduate programs ( For example my youngest son got into the top graduate program in his field and this may in part have been because he presented a paper at a professional conference).

Uh, yes...the thought of presenting a paper at a professional conference does freak me out a little. I still have all these silly fears about my writing and thoughts, that they aren't smart enough or grown up enough. However, I would love to do it. I can overcome these fears! I really do hope to get into a good program somewhere. Also, I find it refreshing that this professor (who I never met before yesterday) is taking such an active interest in me. My own adviser, who I spoke with at length about my desire to attend grad school, never even mentioned the importance of publishing/presenting papers.

[identity profile] -bella-luna.livejournal.com 2005-07-01 03:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Holy...I had no idea! Why don't advisors say anything about stuff like this?

Mike is thinking about getting his Masters - ugh. I'm in full support of it but just now it brings up a lot of questions and emotions. He's going to be even grumpier than he is now!

I've thought about it but I just stink at school. I would love to go back and get some art and photography classes but I just stink at school.

I'm so glad someone has said something to you. This is awesome. Stick by this guy. He sounds awesome!