the insanity of the past 72 hours
So, my time at UMBC is almost up. And love it as I might, it's more than time for me to move on with my life. However, there seemed to be a big problem with that at first. I'll try to break this down for you with the least amount of confusion possible.
Okay, so I'm a psychology (B.A.) major. I decided early on that I would follow the Developmental Concentration, which is a certificate you can receive. In my last spring semester, I realized that I also had fulfilled enough requirements to do the Human Services Concentration as well. So, entering this semester, I was planning on graduating with both concentrations. Got that so far? Good.
Here's the problem - next semester to graduate, I will need to complete 13 upper level credits. Not a problem. However, to earn the concentrations, I will also have to complete 6 credits of research-related work - 3 of research experience in an advisor's lab, and 3 of independent research.
So, quick breakdown:
Psych major requirements: 13 more upper level credits
Concentration requirements: 13 more upper level credits, including 6 research credits
Now, for most people this would be possible. However, given the situation of my health, I have to be very cautious about the work load that I accept. Now, working in the lab is time-consuming and a bit of work in itself. Adding the independent research on top of that, ALONG WITH three other courses would be quite the burden. This is why students usually spread this out over at least two semesters. Unfortunately, due to circumstances somewhat beyond my control, I did not have this option.
So that left me in quite the pickle...until today. I talked to one of my professors to get a second opinion. He basically agreed with what my mother said when I had this conversation with her. The concentrations are a piece of paper. They're nice to have, but in the long run they won't make or break me when it comes to finding a career or getting into graduate school. The important thing is what I've learned and the degree I have to show for it. The thing was, I really wanted to research experience. Then he came up with a brilliant idea.
With the research experience "class", you can take it for 1, 2, or 3 credits. I've already registered for 12 credits. If I do the research experience for 1 or 2 credits, the work load is even less, AND I get all the credits I need while taking on a very manageable work load (and having Wednesdays and Fridays off, depending on lab time).
Upon hearing this idea, and a little thought, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. For the first time in about 72 hours I feel like I can actually do this. And in addition, next semester will really be it - the end of undergrad. After that, it's on to...
Well, that's for another entry.
Okay, so I'm a psychology (B.A.) major. I decided early on that I would follow the Developmental Concentration, which is a certificate you can receive. In my last spring semester, I realized that I also had fulfilled enough requirements to do the Human Services Concentration as well. So, entering this semester, I was planning on graduating with both concentrations. Got that so far? Good.
Here's the problem - next semester to graduate, I will need to complete 13 upper level credits. Not a problem. However, to earn the concentrations, I will also have to complete 6 credits of research-related work - 3 of research experience in an advisor's lab, and 3 of independent research.
So, quick breakdown:
Psych major requirements: 13 more upper level credits
Concentration requirements: 13 more upper level credits, including 6 research credits
Now, for most people this would be possible. However, given the situation of my health, I have to be very cautious about the work load that I accept. Now, working in the lab is time-consuming and a bit of work in itself. Adding the independent research on top of that, ALONG WITH three other courses would be quite the burden. This is why students usually spread this out over at least two semesters. Unfortunately, due to circumstances somewhat beyond my control, I did not have this option.
So that left me in quite the pickle...until today. I talked to one of my professors to get a second opinion. He basically agreed with what my mother said when I had this conversation with her. The concentrations are a piece of paper. They're nice to have, but in the long run they won't make or break me when it comes to finding a career or getting into graduate school. The important thing is what I've learned and the degree I have to show for it. The thing was, I really wanted to research experience. Then he came up with a brilliant idea.
With the research experience "class", you can take it for 1, 2, or 3 credits. I've already registered for 12 credits. If I do the research experience for 1 or 2 credits, the work load is even less, AND I get all the credits I need while taking on a very manageable work load (and having Wednesdays and Fridays off, depending on lab time).
Upon hearing this idea, and a little thought, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. For the first time in about 72 hours I feel like I can actually do this. And in addition, next semester will really be it - the end of undergrad. After that, it's on to...
Well, that's for another entry.