What I Wished I Would Have Known Then...

By: Hally Turner
Hometown: Leadville, CO
Program: Public Health Administration and Policy

A professor warned me that the first semester of graduate school is by far the most difficult. Two weeks into my second semester in the Public Health Administration and Policy program, I can second that sentiment. To compliment this valuable piece of advice, I thought I would share my top lessons learned during my first semester.

1. 1. Connect with alumni. The alumni pool is an incredible resource as a graduate student. Alumni can be utilized as participants for school projects, preceptors for field experiences, and mentors. Be sure to see Career Services for potential alumni connects. Also, sign up as a participant in the mentor program. As a prospective student, alumni and current students are available to assist you with the decision making process. Contact the Student Services Center to meet with a current student or to get a tour sph-ssc@umn.edu.
2. 2. Get started on your vaccinations early. Vaccination schedules can take months to complete. Start early.
3. 3. Accept and solicit help. Have you heard of "Minnesota nice"? People in this state are eager to answer questions and help out. Professors will make time to discuss a project. Career services will assist you will your resume, funding applications, and brainstorming for field experiences. Fellow classmates are eager to talk out a difficult class concept. Branch out. Meet with people. Life will be easier.
4. 4. Say yes. This is related to the previous topic. Accept the opportunities that come your way. These experiences will greatly enhance your graduate experience.
5. 5. Don't sweat the small stuff. Graduate school, particularly compared to undergraduate programs, focuses on learning a process rather than filling your brain with correct answers. I spent far too much time my first semester attempting to discover the perfect paper topics and ideal field experience opportunity. This focus wasted greater opportunity for learning processes that will prove useful later in my academic and professional careers.
6. 6. Make time for family and friends. The study breaks are necessary and well deserved.
7. 7. Attend program and campus events. There are endless opportunities available at the University of Minnesota. Attend a conference. Visit the Student Writing Center. Go to a football game. Volunteer for Student Senate or the Film Fest Committee. Take time to connect with other students and the SPH.
8. 8. Prioritize. Decide what is important to you and make time for it.