What I learned
My experience as a graduate student in the College of Agriculture Sciences in the department of AEE was both exasperating and commemorative. I didn't realize how unprepared I was for a Master's Program. From time management to developing a plan to graduate was completely different than my undergraduate experience.
The Atmosphere
the department provide me with a good adviser ( Dr. Adams) and co-adviser (Dr. Baggett), although both very different in teaching/advising style, they both wanted nothing but the best for me, including the completion of my Masters degree and a love for life-learning. It was made really clear from the department head at the time, Dr. Blannie Bowen, that you will have to work hard to be successful in this program, and that there were no short cuts and no games to play, but all the help you need was at your finger tips. I didn't understand what he meant the first semester or two, but by summer, many of the faculty in the department I took classes from or just met through random conversations; all gave me advice and helpful hints on how to weave my way through the system. All I needed was at my finger tips.
I began as a teaching assistance for Prof Harry Carey, and he let me teach a course I had no clue about nor did I want to teach (330w), all by myself. At the same time he worked with me to improve my writing ability as he saw one of my weaknesses would be writing a thesis of quality and merit. By my second year, I had just figured out how things worked, and began searching for a project and getting a handle on balancing work and play. Teaching became easier and my time management improved. The next three semesters proved my worth as I completely the steps in the handbook, made a plan with Dr. Adams, and in three years completed my Master's Degree in AEE. It took me a little longer, but I am thankful, because the experience and the lessons I learn from everyone, has given me some success as Research Associate in the College of Earth and Mineral Science (EMS), and the means to continue my education at the doctoral level this fall 2005.
