Push for Diversity in Graduate School Programs

My Visit to Virginia Tech

By Lynne Barras

   On October 14^th and 15th, I had the pleasure of being one of three English majors representing TSU at Virginia Tech’s third annual HBCU/MSI Research Summit. I was joined by India Hunter, English major and De’ Ja Gooch, English/ History double major. The summit caters to students of HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutes (MSI) in an effort to attract more diverse and qualified students to their graduate programs. In addition to introducing us to the students and teachers of their various programs, Virginia Tech provided us with housing and meals free of charge. Overall, I found the program informative, particularly the session devoted to helping us learn about the school’s application process. I also felt that the staff and faculty were excited to have us there and even more eager to see us apply.

   However, I am sad to say that we were some of the only students representing any liberal arts majors. As a result, we felt as though we saw less of what the university had to offer us as English majors, and the affair felt less organized on our end. On the upside, I did get the opportunity to connect with Dr. Gena Chandler-Smith, who serves as director of the Masters of English department and offered to put me in touch with the head of the MFA program. Regardless of the little bumps, the experience was wonderful. I encourage students and teachers to be on the lookout for more chances to do the same at other schools.

Major Revelations: Finding Your Best Self in Your Humanities Major

One of the hardest decisions a college student will have to make is on their major. Regardless of classification, the pursuit of the perfect major can seem maddening. So when the school had its major fair on September 19^th, I went to hear how the faculty and staff had come to their own decisions. One of the voices I found was that of Ms. Trena Barksdale, who works the director of undergraduate studies in TSU’s College of business. Ms. Barksdale reminisced on previous concerns she had when choosing her major, “The hardest part was making the decision.” From the advice I collected from Ms. Barksdale and others managing booths at the fair, I complied five key questions you should ask yourself when you pick a major.

1.      What do you love?

“If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” My mother used to say this every single time I asked what should I be when I get a job. Everyone I spoke with echoed these same sentiments, but none said them as beautifully as Dr. Kimberly Triplett of the Urban Studies Department, “I would say to the students that they’re passionate about, something that keeps you fueling that keeps you going.”

2.      What might you like?

Most people know what they like, but you should always be open to trying something new. Barksdale says, “When you go to college, you want to experience everything. Anything you can get ahold of, because you find out ‘Hey I really do enjoy this.’” She encourages students to take different electives because you never know what you may find.

3.      What are you good at?

You can love to do something and be total garbage at it. I love reading comic and drawing, but I have no talent for consistency needed to enter that the art department of any comic book company. What I am good at is writing. That’s why I choose English as my major. If you’re really good at writing code, then you may want to consider computer science. If you want to succeed, then you should start with what you can hone. Don’t use your major to complete reinvent yourself. Work with your strengths and those grades will work with you.

4.      What do you want to do with your life?

While in many cases people may end up in a career that seems to have nothing to do with their major, that’s usually a surface issue. For instance, one might think that in order to become a marketing expert they only need to choose a business major. However, on closer inspection, an English major may serve them just as well. Dr. Erik Schmeller defended majors in the Humanities by pointing out, “Most liberal arts majors, history included- English, communications – it’s more about skills as opposed to you can recite who was at the signing of the Declaration.”  Thinking that way, what’s the English major if not constantly making an agreement and attempting to persuade another to think as they do. So, be sure to always think critically about what aspects of a major or majors can best push you towards an end goal.

5.      Are you up for grad school?

The reality of trying to find work in your field also depends a great deal on how far you are willing to take your education. No one is going to become a doctor without going to Medical School. Few English majors will be able to advance in their careers without even higher education. On the other hand, you may be able to pass by as a computer science major with a certification. Take the need for a masters or doctorate to work in that field into consideration as well.

Written by Lynne Barras