A Year In Review: Reflecting On My Master's Degree

I finished one year of my master's degree program this year! My program is a master's in education with an emphasis in disability studies at a local state school. I want to take some time to talk about the pros and cons of my program to finish out my first year in graduate school.

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Pros:

1: I really enjoy the seminar style of my classes.

I can participate and share my thoughts and experiences on the material we learn about, and I get to learn directly from my other classmates. There are around 12 people in my largest classes, so I really enjoy how I can get to know my cohort through the sharing we do in class. I also enjoy that the seminar style of classes means I am not listening to a lecture for three hours.

2: I have been able to further my professional skills.

This year, I have spoken at a professional development day, learned how to film a podcast, improved my research skills, and furthered my writing. My final assignments have ranged from presentations to art, papers, and presentations, so I was able to enhance other aspects of my professional skill set. I enjoyed the creativity I have been able to express this year, and I hope that continues.

3: I have made good connections

I have gotten to know my professors and made some friends in my program, which is really exciting. I entered my program only knowing one professor, so I was nervous about how I would do socially. While I am not 100% confident in my social navigation, I am happy that I have been able to make a community for myself in this program.

4: I learned about the tools my university offers

It might have been a pride thing, but before this semester, I didn't use any of the tools my university offers to help students succeed. I finally got familiar with the writing center, which can help edit papers and provide feedback. While I think I am a good writer, it is nice to have someone who specializes in educational research give me suggestions on things to edit and improve so I can grow as a writer.

5: I have gotten a nice blend of classes between in-person, Zoom, and independent

I originally thought I wanted all independent classes, but it has been nice to have time to see people face to face, be online, and work independently on a project. The blend allows me to have time for medical appointments while also not feeling isolated or confused about what I am supposed to do with my work. I hope this blend continues next year.

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Cons:

1: Not enough disability studies classes

So far this year, I have only had one class that specifically discussed disabilities. Because of my emphasis, I wish disability studies discussions were a larger focus in my program. It has been harder to find resources to focus on disability for my final projects because resources are limited in my courses. As I shared a few weeks ago, I have felt a lot of pressure to talk about disability myself if I want it to come up at all. I think this is a program-wide problem, as there are two disability focused classes, and the other classes have no requirements to include disability.

2: Navigating accommodations is time-consuming

The disability offices have not quite figured out how to make the accommodation process easy to navigate. I have sent so many emails this year asking for things that I wish I didn't need to ask for. Navigating class locations, excused absences, and late work, and the procedures for different accommodations and modifications are time-consuming. I wish it were easier to get what I need without having to schedule meetings and over-explain my limitations. For example, the program has had one year to learn that I am in the program, and yet I have to ask for a first-floor classroom as a surprise every single semester. The department has also had errors posting classes on time, posting the correct courses, or delaying registration for me in some way, which delays my access to accommodation in the school system. I wish things were uploaded correctly, the department honored my priority registration, and the forms to fill out and meetings required were less intensive.

3: Parking on campus is a challenge

I never got my parking addressed, and parking on campus is challenging. I feel like I am far away from most of my classes, and there are not enough disability parking spaces for disabled students to park near classes. I didn't encounter this problem until I commuted to school, and now I find it challenging to navigate on days when my legs feel weak. I had tried to address this in past semesters, but I feel like I have reached a dead end.

4: Classroom dynamics can be confusing and uncomfortable

I have felt targeted in certain comments or challenged in ideas related to my disability. In these situations, I wasn't sure how to respond, so I wouldn't address it. Instead, I would leave feeling unsure of myself and then try to turn it into a topic I could write about productively. I wish there was more knowledge on autism in the classroom because that seems to be where I run into classroom dynamic issues. I felt unsupported at times with comments directed at me, and I wish I had gotten the support I directly asked for. I am not intending to be malicious, and I don't think others are either, but I want an understanding of accommodations and phrasing for autistic peers and students.

5: Class pacing

While I had an exception to this in two classes, I wish I had more control over when I could complete and turn in work. I work quickly, but I am still learning. I wish all my classes had all the online content available in the online school system, so that I could complete them on my schedule instead of an arbitrary release date that creates a sense of urgency. I am trying new supplements and medications for my IBD, and I want to be able to pace myself so I don't have to do work on days I have migraines or nausea.

Overall, I enjoy my program, but I would like to change some things. Thank you for reading about my reflection of a year in my master's program as a disabled student. If you have any questions or comments, please comment on the blog, reach out at @Anniekrollblog on Instagram or Facebook, or email me at Anniekrollblog@gmail.com. I hope to see you next week!