A few weeks ago, I found out that I got accepted into graduate school. I was beyond excited, obviously, and I couldn't stop freaking out about it. I told everyone that would listen, including people I had just met. But after about a week, the idea of going to graduate school and being a teaching assistant started to freak me out in different ways. I started questioning so many things, including my entire life up to this point. To this day, I am still freaking out about it. I'm hoping that the process of writing this article will not only reassure you, but help me reassure myself as well. Here are a few of the questions I've been asking myself recently, and maybe you have been asking yourself the same ones.
1. Am I even ready for grad school?
Yes, of course you are. You've gone through an entire Bachelor's program to get your degree in your field, and that is what professors are prepping you for. They are prepping you for your next step in life, whether that is graduate school or a career in your field. If you applied to graduate school, it means you are ready to take that next step and strengthen your knowledge in your field. Taking the step into grad school might be challenging, but even if the course work is hard for you... that's the point. You'll get better. That is what school is for.
2. I accepted a position as a teaching assistant. What if I'm not cut out to be a teacher?
Honestly, it doesn't matter. Usually, teaching assistantships are a way to pay for you schooling. If you're not meant to be a teacher, then you're not. You can decide that after you've taught for a while. Nothing is going to force you to be a teacher after graduate school, even if it feels like people are pushing you in that direction. Push through the teaching, and I am sure everything will turn out alright. And if things seem to be taking a turn for the worst, you can always find a way to make the experience work for your benefit.
3. What if I get there and everyone is smarter than me?
First of all, intelligence is not a completely measurable quality - it's very possible they just have different knowledge than you, which doesn't equate to them being smarter. Secondly, everyone comes into a school with a different set of abilities, and the whole point is to better yourself - not to live up to other's standards of intelligence. Maybe you're not great in one area of knowledge, but not everyone can be good at every single thing. Learn what you can in a way that works for you, and better yourself while you are in school. There is always room to learn and grow, and just because someone seems like they know more than you doesn't mean you aren't smart as well.
4. How will I pay the rent, teach, and do school work all at the same time?
That's a good question, but you got this far - you can do it. There are plenty of ways to manage time and money. Don't spend on frivolous things if it is going to cut into your rent money. Don't spend three days watching Netflix if you have assignments to do and work to grade. Get a weekend job, but don't overbook yourself during the week to make sure you have adequate time to get everything done. Not everyone is going to be able to balance money and time well, but once you get into the swing of it you won't find it that hard. And always make sure you leave some time for yourself to relax, because if you don't you might just go crazy.
These are the biggest questions I've been asking myself, and I know a lot of people have struggled with the same questions. I hope that as I work through these questions, you find some comfort as well.
