Vivaciously Vexed Vixen

Need a moment to rant

I love my job! I do. Truthfully and honestly! All I would ask for is more money just because I have major events coming up that I need money for. Other than that, it’d be perfect. But I need a moment to talk about students…

None of you are my students, so this doesn’t directly apply to you but I hope that if you are someone who does what I’m about to describe, you will take a look at yourself and make some changes (lol, but seriously):

As a COLLEGE student YOU are responsible for every aspect of YOUR education. That includes your student financial account, your registration, your assignments, your textbooks, EVERYTHING! Even when you are a part of a program that caters to you and offers you more personalized services, YOU must make sure everything is correct with your education. If you leave it up to someone else there will be errors and surprises. So don’t go off talking sh*t in some public forum if something goes wrong because you weren’t paying attention! A University isn’t a supernatural entity. It does not function without living, breathing, human beings within it turning the wheels. With that being said… Human beings make mistakes! And although we have some of the best people working in different departments on making things better and improving your student experience—things/mistakes happen. Technology isn’t without it’s flaws either. Live with that and accept it. And I’m able to say this because I was a student for the university I work for for 6 years! I never left it up to the University to tell me when a hold has been removed, to charge me the correct amount for my classes, to process my financial aid application, nothing. I bothered every single department in the university until they got it right, every time.

Now, let me take a minute to get pissed off at the people who made the mistake. You’re ridiculous! And you made me and my program look bad. Thanks a lot! I promise you, now that I know what’s going on it’ll never happen again. And yes, I did take it personally when one of my students bad-mouthed the program because I was the bearer of bad news and ultimately seen as the person who committed the mistake.

Also, if you’re in graduate school—-It’s hard. It’s demanding. And NOBODY should be holding your hand at this point. You have no idea how difficult it was for me to navigate the entire college experience on my own. I worked full time, took 12 credits a semester, did internships, and during the last semester completed a qualifying paper.  It’s possible and you can do it if you REALLY wanted to. Otherwise, grad school isn’t for you. Sorry. Live with that and accept it. Not everything in life is going to come easy. As one of my mentors once said “It builds character”, while referring to taking on difficult tasks.

Finally, as a prospective student to ANY program at ANY university here are a few rules to follow:

• when you make an appt to learn more about a program, show up and be on time.
• Don’t talk to the program staff like you know more than them.
• Do your research before contacting someone from the program. With the internet available there is so much information right at your fingertips. It looks lazy when you haven’t even looked at a program’s website before contacting them.
• During program inquiries, be specific about the information you are looking for and ask specific questions.
• DO NOT send recommendation letters from friends, co-workers, neighbors, family, etc. Send recommendation letters from PROFESSORS! It looks TERRIBLE that you can’t get even ONE professor to write you a letter. Supervisors are good too, but if it’s from your supervisor for when you worked at walgreens 5 years ago it’s a joke. Get a volunteer job in the field you are looking to major in and they’ll help with rec letters. 
• And please make sure your resume looks good and professional.
• Oh and XxsweetyxX87@aol.com or OoImyourqtXX@yahoo.com are not professional emails!! GET NEW ONES! PUT YOUR NAME IN IT. EMAIL ACCOUNTS ARE FREEEEEEEEE!!!!

ok. I’m done now. I feel better. LEt’s hope I don’t get fired for venting. lol I really need a job. :]