The Difference A Good Advisor Can Make
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Difference A Good Advisor Can Make

It really took me until 2019 to recognize a problem from 2015.

44
The Difference A Good Advisor Can Make
Abrielle Tucker

Before I became an actual student at Rowan, I had to come here to audition to be a part of the music program. It was super nerve-wracking, and it made me feel like I was really stretching to try to even come here in the first place.

When I did finally get here in 2014, I was a special admit because I was also an Exploratory Studies student and an athlete. Being an athlete in the music department was such a struggle, and people looked at me differently, even if their intentions were to do the complete opposite. I was specially admitted into the music program here so that I'd be able to finish on time.

Here we are.

My first year here, I was given an advisor under Exploratory Studies, and I was never really told what to do within my major. I didn't think anything of it because I was this random little special admit athlete running on zero sleep. I remember only taking electives for the most part, and only some of my major music classes because of the eight-semester requirements in order to graduate.

All that time, I honestly had no idea I had a different advisor. My sophomore year was when I found out, and by that time, it felt too late. I was an outcast, and I still am.

In the music program, you need to take a sequence of classes to ensure that you're successful. Music fundamentals, sight singing, and ear training. Once you've taken those, you can move on to Theory One and two written, and aural.

When I finally met with the music advisor my sophomore year, I didn't know that I'd be dealing with what seemed like a "high school ex-friend" living in my advisor's body. I'm talking side-eye in the hallway, scoffs, and just outright foul behavior for an advisor, in my opinion.

Just so you get an idea, I took fundamentals Fall of 2015, and Theory One written and aural Fall 2016. I took Theory Two written and aural so many times and withdrew because I felt like I didn't have the correct foundation. It's 2019 and I'm taking Theory Two written and aural again and finally sight singing and ear training, after that class.

It took me until this very semester to recognize how much I've been wronged during my years here at Rowan. To think that because I was a special admit, and an athlete, I was treated differently. It really sucked. This was the final nail in the coffin of my life and ultimately left me with awful anxiety and depression.

Dealing with this specific sequence of classes has caused so much stress on my body, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I hope that with the new music advisor, no one has to go through what I went through.

Related Articles Around the Web
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40010
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

24574
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950432
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

130594
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments