Lan Yang
President
B.A. in Psychology,
University of Kentucky
M.A. Candidate in
Higher Education Leadership,
Second Year
Transitioning from undergrad to grad was really challenging. My parents only completed middle school and speak little English so I really couldn't look to them for that kind of support. Thankfully, I had a team of wonderful mentors around me who supported my decisions and believed in me. They pushed me to follow my passion and allowed me to be in the moment. I was really distressed by my sudden decision to switch programs and got lost in the "what if this isn't really what I want to do." However, I learned to trust my heart and be okay with "this is the right decision for me right now." The application process was strenuous, especially on top of my senior year of undergrad, but again, with the help of mentors and some self-discipline, I'm really happy to say that I'm exactly where I need to be right now.
The hardest thing about grad school has been less about the academics and more about my personal life. I've come to realize that my emotions are a huge part of who I am, and when I am distressed, that feeling follows me into other aspects of my life. Therefore, I'd say that managing emotions is really the hardest part of anything. The most rewarding thing about grad school is definitely about personal growth. Especially in my program, I have been able to see myself grow in just one semester of coursework, and that has simply been amazing. The process of learning more about yourself and growing into yourself is so fulfilling and allows you to engage with the world more fully and authentically. I wouldn't give that up for anything.
I'm passionate about College to Grad because I want to support those who want to go to grad school go to grad school. It's often hard to be a first-generation college student, let alone one who's trying to pursue a degree beyond their Bachelor's. It's important to me that students know that they absolutely can get their MA or Ph.D., and they ABSOLUTELY belong in those programs. A huge piece that I'm super excited about for C2G is our willingness and intention to connect marginalized identities with the experiences of applying to and attending grad school.
Tonya
Lazdowski
Director of Public Relations
B.A. in English and
Women's Studies,
University of Richmond
M.A. in Cultural Studies,
McMaster University
M.A. Candidate in
Higher Education Leadership,
Second Year
The path to my current graduate program was an unexpected one. As a undergraduate, I struggled to figure out what I could do for a career. I had always been passionate about school, and my love for the humanities had me thinking I might turn my academic passions into a career as a professor. I received my master's in Cultural Studies and Critical Theory, an interdisciplinary field focused on social justice, but I realized that a life in academia wasn't for me. I wanted to get out of the classroom and explore social justice inthe real world. I knew I still wanted to work with students and social justice, and as a student in higher education, I'm able to pursue my interest of working in gender and diversity progamming for college students.
The hardest thing for me right now is adjusting to a totally different kind of graduate program. My last program was extremely theoretical and intellectual, and was mostly focused on a lot of intense reading and writing. In the higher education program, we do a lot more work on our emotions, cultural backgrounds, and practice as student affairs professionals. It's a very different but refreshing kind of learning. The most rewarding thing is being able to see the students I work with in the Changemaker Hub learn and grow as they explore social justice. I'm constantly amazed by the myriad different perspectives and ideas they bring to the group as they plan events and initiatives, hold discussions on sensitive and important topics, and work to form a more inclusive community at USD.
I'm so excited to be working with the College to Grad program because having transitioned into graduate programs twice, I know how many challenges students can face as they approach graduate school, from trying to figure out the answers to initial questions like "What IS grad school?" to struggling to find community. I don't have all the answers, but I am hopeful that by sharing my experiences, I can help the overwhelming concept of graduate school become a reality for undergraduates.
Marcus
Carrigan
Vice President
B.A. in Journalism,
University of Minnesota
M.A. Candidate in
Higher Education Leadership,
Second Year
Even though I was studying journalism, at some point in my undergraduate career I realized what my true passion was: education. I worked for my school's Undergraduate Leadership Minor and decided that I wanted to be a part of an institution that provided the same sort of inclusion, care, and relationships as a core part of the learning. Because of this I decided to study higher education. Going through the graduate school application process was really challenging for me, and I'm not sure I would be here had I not had several mentors help me navigate the process.
The hardest thing about graduate school has been choosing where my heartbeats go. It has been difficult deciding how to spend my time. Sometimes my heart pulls me to invest in relationships, sometimes it pulls me into academic rigor. It is a constant push and pull and I think I'm realizing that it is okay if balance isn't always attainable. The most rewarding thing about grad school is almost everything. I really felt as though I CHOSE to go to graduate school. I made a decision that this was a subject I was ridiculously passionate about, so the journey is uniquely mine. I think the best part is that I get to study and explore San Diego with people who are just as passionate about higher education as I am.
I can't imagine being in graduate school without my mentors. They gave me the tools necessary to be successful in my graduate school applications. My mentors provided me with a space to reflect on my passions to see how they fit into the larger world of academia. Through College 2 Grad I hope we can have conversations that allow us to create space for personal reflection, graduate school preparation, and community.
Carrington
Lemon
Council Member
B.A. in Political Science and
Sociology,
University of Chicago at Illinois
M.A. Candidate in
Higher Education Leadership,
Second Year
Going from undergrad to grad school was a stressful and time consuming process, yet a very rewarding process. I decided to apply to grad programs about four months prior to application deadlines, which contributes to the stress I experienced. In that time, I was able to reflect on whether or not I was making the right decision. The transition from undergrad to grad school was tough, but rewarding! Going in, I feared the workload would be overwhelming and rigorous; I was wrong. Although the courses are still challenging in a way I'd never expect, my colleagues and my passion combined has made this transition that much easier. The potential I see for myself through the work I do is more than enough reason to want to share my knowledge and help others become successful.
The hardest thing I've experienced in graduate school is learning and accepting others who are different from me. Growing up in Chicago and living with like minded individuals really hindered my ability to create strong relationships in my new atmosphere, at first. The most rewarding thing about grad school has been the time I've had for self-reflection and self-care. I never thought the work I did in the academic setting would affect my personal life. I can say grad school has truly shifted my perspective about how I think and interact with others.
I am passionate about College to Grad because I want to use my experiences to help benefit others! My support system has truly helped me get to where I am today and I would love to be able to share my knowledge with those who seek it.
Zulairam
Ruiz-Agosto
Director of Communications
B.A. in Spanish,
University of Vermont
M.A. Candidate in
Higher Education Leadership,
Second Year
I always knew that I wanted to go back to school for my masters degree. I didn't go right away because I thought it would benefit me to work for a couple of years to gain experience as a working professional. I held different jobs in the span of 5 years. I loved my last job and the work that I was doing with middle school students, but I decided that I needed to take that next step for my career and go back to school.
The hardest thing for me right now is learning how to be a college student again. I was working for so long that it became a big part of who I am. I had to give up the safety and comfort of having a job that paid well so that I can support myself, to now being back in school, not knowing what to expect, and not have the money that I need to pay my bills and student loans. The most rewarding experience for me has been to finally be able to learn the ins and outs of the field that I am passionate about. Knowledge is something that is very important to me and taking classes that I am passionate about and are giving me the tools to succeed in my career is amazing. The support I receive from my peers and the connections I have been able to make with all of them has made this transition worth it.
The system seems to think that students who graduate from their undergraduate institutions have it all figured out, and that is not always the case. Students wishing to pursue post graduate opportunities are still developing and finding out who they are, what they are passionate about and how to get to where they want. What I love more about this organization is that we are graduate students using our experiences and knowledge about the system to make that transition a little bit easier for those students who are not able to maneuver the system or have access to the resources to do so.
Jordan
DeSousa
Treasurer
B.A. in Marine Biology,
University of New England
M.A. Candidate in
Higher Education Leadership,
First Year
My path to graduate school kind of appeared out of the blue. I was getting my undergraduate degree in what I thought I wanted the rest of my life to look like- but then I realized that I was not as passionate about that field as I was about the Student Affairs world. I sat down with my boss, who quickly became a huge mentor for me, and said, "How do I do what you do?" I have never been as sure as anything as I am that graduate school was the absolute right path for me to accidentally stumble upon.
I think the hardest part and most rewarding part about graduate school, for me, stems from the same thing- being far from home. I grew up in New England and moved to San Diego because I wanted to be really far outside of my comfort zone. I did not know anyone, and adjusting to that has been huge in itself and very hard at times. I think the most rewarding part comes from the flip side of the coin for that- the community that continues to open its arms to me here has been amazing, and definitely has helped me feel more at ease being so far from home.
I joined College to Grad because serving as a resource to undergraduate students is not only what I hope to do someday, but what I am passionate about right now. I think that everybody should have the opportunity to become the best versions of themselves by following their passions, and helping people discover their "why" in things is one of my own personal "why's".
Paula Hoang
Outreach Coordinator
B.A. in International Studies and
Psychology & Social Behavior,
University of California, Irvine
M.A. Candidate in
Higher Education Leadership,
Second Year
Transitions are always meant to be hard. My transition from undergrad to grad school was definitely difficult. From finding a program that fit my passion to moving away from a home of five years, it was quite the journey. However, I believe it is the support of my loved ones, mentors, and the big guy up there that I am here today, in a place I am completely in love with.
On top of balancing my academics and extracurricular activities, the hardest part of graduate school for me is trusting myself as a new professional. No matter how much you learn, you're still bound to make mistakes as a new professional. I've learned that it's all right to make these mistakes, but to learn from them and continue to do my best as a new professional. The most rewarding part of grad school is the knowledge, both inside and outside the classroom. It's been such a rewarding journey of self awareness, self development, and self growth.
College to Grad's mission resonates very deeply with me because of my journey to grad school. It was a tough and confusing time. I believe students should have ample resources for their next steps after graduation, especially individuals who can help students understand their different options.
Manny Molin
Council Member
B.A. in Psychology
University of Massachusetts, Boston
M.A. Candidate in
Higher Education Leadership,
Second Year
My undergraduate career was far from traditional as I experienced the life of a first generation transfer student. When it all began, I wasn't too sure of who I was or wanted to be. I wasn't sure of my major so I changed my major from Video and Radio Production to Psychology. I transferred to a community college in Boston and from there I transferred into UMass Boston. During my undergraduate career, I got involved and found mentors that helped me create opportunities for myself. Through these opportunities I was able to network with peers and professionals that opened my mind up to my post-undergraduate life and how I was able to prepare myself for something I never saw myself doing: applying and attending graduate school.
Honestly, the most challenging thing about grad school in my experience has been the fact that I have learned so much about myself about truths I wasn't prepared to learn. Learning to accept, appreciate, and implement abstract concepts about my existence and my contributions to society, whether it's family, friends, or strangers has been a struggle. The most rewarding thing about grad school has been the connections I have made with my cohort. My cohort is the group or class that I started my program with and will finish my program with. They make this experience rewarding because we realize that we are facing challenges together, whether it is the same or different for us but the fact that we are supportive to each other really makes me feel like I won't be left behind or alone. I feel like when you have a structure like that, regardless of the experience, I'm bound to come out successful because of the passion and motivation of my peers.
I am passionate about College to Grad because it gives me an opportunity to help students out in ways that I was helped out. Figuring out life after college can be frustrating, overwhelming, and stressful. However, it is a rewarding process that creates change and opportunity. I like to consider myself as an agent that promotes influence and positivity about purpose and making meaning of life experiences. Each of you have a story and I feed off getting to know people through their stories. It is my passion to help others and provide any resources that will help you progress to the next level!
Geralyn
Williams
Council Member
B.A. in History
Rutgers University
M.A. Candidate in
Higher Education Leadership,
Second Year
My journey was a nerve racking one. Grad school is a big decision. I spoke with friends who had gone through similar processes and mentors in the field. I made spread sheets to organize and rank schools. Between applications, letters of recommendation, and financial aid, there was a lot of information to handle. When it came down to making my decision it was mostly a gut feeling. I went where I felt the most connection to the space, intellectual goals, and the people. It's been a tough and crazy transition across the country, but I couldn't be happier.
The hardest thing about grad school has been he transition from undergrad to graduate school. Not necessarily in the coursework, but in the move, the responsibilities, and the completely new experiences. Change is hard. The most rewarding thing is the people I've met from my roommates, and coworkers to my cohort, professors, and classmates.
Transitions are tough no matter what, but if I can offer a space for community, information, and experiences that can help guide the way I would be ecstatic.