Category: Cram Session
Hello, I'm looking into grad school. I'd like to hear from blind graduate students. Especially with regard to your coursework and financial aid issues. What has your experience in grad school been like for you. For those who have graduated with post-bacheloreate degrees, was your grad school experience worth it, and what are you doing now. Info would be greatly apreciated, as I'm kind of trying to get a feel for what grad school will be like.
Well, I went to grad school, but it was years ago. Rehab paid for my undergrad, but I had scholarship money, and worked various part-time and fulltime jobs. I really hated grad school, to be honest. I'm glad I did it though, because its a degree they can't take from you, and it really helped earn respect among my colleagues. The hardest part for me was psychological, in that, I had to "play the game of giving professors what they wanted." This free thinking stuff and respect for independent thought, in my experience, just didn't exist. Not that I was radical, but we just weren't given the freedom to disagree with their points of view.
Lou
Hi, thanks for that info. I'm sort of freaking out as to how I'm going to pay for grad school if I end up going. The program I'm looking into, discourages its students from working full-time, as students are required to participate in fieldwork throughout the program. I'm a bit on the conservative side, and I'm wondering how professors/students will react to that. I get along with everyone, and respect everyone despite our differences of oppinion, but I don't want my grades to be docked because I have a differing oppinion on an issue.
Well, painting a very simplistic picture, after you've figured out what they are looking for, you have a choice of expressing your opinion as diplomatically and professionally as you can, or telling them what they want to hear. I understand about not working full time. I think if I had it to do over again, I wuldn't have worked, either. Depending on where you want to go and your field of study, you might find work on campus. I tutored music classes, and worked in the office for students with disabilities, and worked a couple hours a week in a group home before I got a full time job. I made the mistake of getting married while I was in grad school. I really burned the candle at about thirty ends at once, and I don't recommend that to anyone. If you want to discuss this further, feel free to qn me, and we can go into this off zone if you wish.
Lou
Hello,
I'd like to know if having a Master's degree made your job prospects improve? WAs it easier as a blind person to find employment? I'd rather not go through all the rigamarole of applying if I'm still gonna have a bunch of obstacles. I was talking with one of my co-workers, who has his MSW. He didn't foresee any problems. I just want to be as prepared as possible. I have a year left at my current job, and want to give myself plenty of time to get everything organized. I have a feeling this gonna be a daunting task.
Well, it will be a bit overwhelming, but if you are more organizede than I am/was, and don't try burning the candle at a thousand ends, it sounds like you'll be OK. I think that coupled with your work experience, your job prospects will improve.
Lou
Thanks, that's encouraging to hear. yes, it will be pretty overwhelming at first. I'll have to move to My state capital, and if accepted, I'll need to establish things like housing and transportation. I plan to give myself plenty of time to do these things. Plus, if accepted, my friend and I plan to attend the same school. She's planning on getting her law degree. Having another person will make the whole process a bit easier, and hopefuly more fun.
Without a doubt. Any other questions, post them here, or pm me.
Lou