Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Grad School and Teaching
This is for people on the outside, but some of you insiders might find this interesting too I suppose. The first thing I think I didn't realize is how much a lifestyle grad school is. You read and write ALL THE TIME. I've had a heavy homework load and it's only the first week. I wouldn't be pursuing this line of work if I didn't really enjoy it and for the most part I do, but it doesn't leave you with much free time or balance in your life. The thing I have found most irritating or disappointing is the fact that my fiction writing is kind of what's suffering. That of course is the main reason I'm actually here at K-State and when I have to read 50 pages of Edgar Allen Poe's poetry then that is time I can't spend writing. In fact, since orientation has started I've done next to no writing and I don't see that changing over this semester either.
That is one of the only negatives though. Being in grad school is also like being in a small community. The people here at K-State are almost uniformly great. They're smart and funny people who I've enjoyed talking to over the last week or so. Sure, there are one or two people I've already decided I'd prefer to stay away from, but those really are in the minority. The start of school is nice, because it also gives me something to do instead of complaining about the boring nature of Manhattan. I won't have much time while I'm in class so I will certainly try my best to cherish it when I get it. That probably also means I will be updating this less than I would like and for that I apologize.
Teaching has been quite an experience thus far. The first day was a little rough. I underestimated how long and hot of a walk it would be to get to the classroom. I came in late and was totally sweaty. Not a good first impression. I also forgot to make sure everyone that was there was supposed to be there (kind of a big deal) and let them out late. It could have been much, much worse, but it was excellent motivation to do better which I mostly have done in the two days since.
One thing that is strange and in a way cool about teaching is how much authority and responsibility you have. I'm teaching first year students and they're all pretty respectful and call me Mr. Lanter which I find amusing. Since I prepare for class completely out of their view, they have no idea that I'm basically winging it and am taking it one day at a time. It's funny, because if they knew that after every class, I basically say to myself, "Well let's see what we'll be doing next," they probably would be a little shocked and maybe upset.
Most importantly, I really like teaching a lot. It feels a lot more natural and engaging to me than working in a law office ever did. I would really like to do this as a career. It's great to find some gainful employment I actually enjoy and now the only thing I need to focus on is getting better at it. It will be sorta hard to do so until I get an entire semester under my belt (and have more time to think and plan out how I want to teach), but it is something I will be looking forward to greatly.
Also, I now have an office which I find kind of entertaining. I'm in the process of decorating it and I hope to get a picture up on Facebook once that's finished. That's pretty much all I've got for now. Next time I can steal a few minutes, I'll talk about beating No More Heroes and (hopefully) Crysis, but until then, I hope everyone is doing well and that I will talk to you again soon :)
That is one of the only negatives though. Being in grad school is also like being in a small community. The people here at K-State are almost uniformly great. They're smart and funny people who I've enjoyed talking to over the last week or so. Sure, there are one or two people I've already decided I'd prefer to stay away from, but those really are in the minority. The start of school is nice, because it also gives me something to do instead of complaining about the boring nature of Manhattan. I won't have much time while I'm in class so I will certainly try my best to cherish it when I get it. That probably also means I will be updating this less than I would like and for that I apologize.
Teaching has been quite an experience thus far. The first day was a little rough. I underestimated how long and hot of a walk it would be to get to the classroom. I came in late and was totally sweaty. Not a good first impression. I also forgot to make sure everyone that was there was supposed to be there (kind of a big deal) and let them out late. It could have been much, much worse, but it was excellent motivation to do better which I mostly have done in the two days since.
One thing that is strange and in a way cool about teaching is how much authority and responsibility you have. I'm teaching first year students and they're all pretty respectful and call me Mr. Lanter which I find amusing. Since I prepare for class completely out of their view, they have no idea that I'm basically winging it and am taking it one day at a time. It's funny, because if they knew that after every class, I basically say to myself, "Well let's see what we'll be doing next," they probably would be a little shocked and maybe upset.
Most importantly, I really like teaching a lot. It feels a lot more natural and engaging to me than working in a law office ever did. I would really like to do this as a career. It's great to find some gainful employment I actually enjoy and now the only thing I need to focus on is getting better at it. It will be sorta hard to do so until I get an entire semester under my belt (and have more time to think and plan out how I want to teach), but it is something I will be looking forward to greatly.
Also, I now have an office which I find kind of entertaining. I'm in the process of decorating it and I hope to get a picture up on Facebook once that's finished. That's pretty much all I've got for now. Next time I can steal a few minutes, I'll talk about beating No More Heroes and (hopefully) Crysis, but until then, I hope everyone is doing well and that I will talk to you again soon :)