Diary of a mad grad. student
August 10th, 2008 at 10:22 pm by 
Ashlea
Dear Diary,
(sigh) where to begin…
For those of you who are about to start Graduate School, this is a post for you.
I never thought that I would do my masters, and as my undergraduate degree came to an end earlier than expected, I decided that the best option would be to work as a graduate assistant and continue my education. I am so very happy I did, and I highly recommend that even if you are doubting which path you should take, continue with school – an education is something no one can take away from you. It is well worth the effort, time, and investment. Not only will it benefit you personally in terms of growth and development, but it will also give you a phenomenal advantage when getting your first job.
If I look back on my masters degree thus far, I am astounded by how much I have learned. I found that the Master of Science in Communication at Lynn has taught me not only to think in a very critical manner, but to develop and support my own arguments. Mostly, I have learned to believe in myself and the validity and credibility of my own ideas. Much of this comes from the classroom environment that Lynn offers. My graduate class ranges in size from 6 students to 10 students. All of my professors and teachers have encouraged class discussions, and I find I truly learn from others’ viewpoints, and I now have a better idea of how to support my own arguments.
So, the time has come in which I have to put the skills and knowledge I have gained into practice. Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is Thesis time!
I have successfully changed my mind four times on what my thesis is going to be about. It started with YouTube and Africa, and is now somewhere between the idea of media and the world. I like to leave my topics broad as to ensure I have a lot to write on!
On a more serious note, I have been putting a huge amount of research into my thesis ideas. In the evenings I have been going to Barnes and Nobles and just browsing the rows of books, hoping to stimulate some thought, develop ideas, or possibly experience an epiphany. I am not yet completely inspired, yet on the right track. I am simultaneously reading several books, on a broad range of topics, all encompassing human rights and international affairs. My idea is to incorporate a passion, with a media influence or effect.
Someone recently said to me that one’s thesis is going to require an extreme amount of time, effort, and endeavor, thus ensure that it is something that you are passionate about; as well as something that you can use in your future career goal. This is what got me thinking about the seriousness of choosing a thesis topic! This thesis topic decision is a huge commitment! And I am not exactly the most decisive of individuals. I want to make an informed decision, thus the late nights at Barnes and Nobles until closing, and the mass of books lying scattered across my bed with scribbled notes on odd pieces of paper (You never know when you’re having an epiphany until after it has occurred – I’m not taking any chances; I’m writing everything down!).
Well, it is back to the books for me.
Posted in Class | 
5 Comments »
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Hi Ashlea,
My name is Tarryn and I am currently a Journalism & Media Studies student at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa. I just want to say how much I enjoyed reading your blog and thank you for the advice that you give in this post in particular. I am just about to write my first year final exams and have been doubting whether I should be studying at all. Stumbling across your blog inspired me again as it always helps to hear of people who have achieved and found a way to the end of the studying tunnel. It is also reassuring to know that there are those that think it is worth the effort, time and investment.
Our journalism class is currently doing a new media course in which we are blogging in groups to learn about narrative and genre.
Our group is called http://www.talesfromarhodent.blogspot.com/ if you would like to take a look. I also have my own blog that I just started called http://www.drawinglifewithlight.blogspot.com/
All the best with your thesis!
Kind regards
Tarryn
October 24th, 2008 at 10:26 am
This blog is extremely insightful. I was given a look into the mind of someone who is doing her Master of Science in Communication. This, I feel, illustrates perfectly the point I was attempting to make in my opinion piece disagreeing with the notion that Journalism and Media Studies is the easiest course at Rhodes University. It is evident by what you blog about that Journalism is a challenging career path with many avenues. You, for instance, are still undecided. Journalism is a field incorporating international affairs, human rights and several other issues. Your post is also a testament to this fact. I like how you integrate the importance of education in your post. All in all, a very inspiring post for me, an undergraduate with a LONG way to go…
My blog address is http://www.truthaboutlies101.blogspot.com
October 24th, 2008 at 10:28 am
PS: the URL for my opinion piece is http://truthaboutlies101.blogspot.com/2008/10/its-journalists-job-first-of-all-to.html
October 24th, 2008 at 10:48 am
This blog is extremely insightful. I was given a look into the mind of someone who is doing her Master of Science in Communication. This, I feel, illustrates perfectly the point I was attempting to make in my opinion piece disagreeing with the notion that Journalism and Media Studies is the easiest course at Rhodes University. It is evident by what you blog about that Journalism is a challenging career path with many avenues. You, for instance, are still undecided. Journalism is a field incorporating international affairs, human rights and several other issues. Your post is also a testament to this fact. I like how you integrate the importance of education in your post. All in all, a very inspiring post for me, an undergraduate with a LONG way to go… My opinion piece URL is http://truthaboutlies101.blogspot.com/2008/10/its-journalists-job-first-of-all-to.html
October 24th, 2008 at 10:51 am
It was thrilling to find a fellow South African following her dreams of becoming a journalist in the United States of America.
As I have mentioned in my opinion piece, about procrastination, the youth of today have not found a way to balance their social and academic life.
By looking at this young woman’s life as a journalist, studying towards her Masters Degree, we can see the benefits of working towards one’s goals.
Ashley is an inspiring student and I wish to be as successful as her in the future for I too would like to study and work in the United States. My URL to my piece is http://newstreet6140.blogspot.com/2008/10/procrastination-is-bitch.html