Student experiences sharp rise in anxiety as semester approaches
Yesterday Sarah Shannon felt excited just thinking about the new semester about to begin at the University of Minnesota next Tuesday. Today, however, the tide has turned.
"I saw the faculty on campus for their fall retreat. I was happy to see several of them. But the wave of nausea I felt when I realized that I would once again be subject to coursework and deadlines was overpowering," said Ms. Shannon.
She is not alone. All over the country, thousands of graduate students will be resuming their posts on the lower rungs of academic hierarchies during the next several weeks. Some have already been back in the books for a week.
"The worst part is the fear," states Ms. Shannon. "When you think about what might actually happen if the veil is ever lifted and the people around you (professors, students) realize that you're really not that smart, it's paralyzing."
A memo, recently released from the files of a former graduate student, further highlights the challenges faced by many graduate students across the nation.
As for Ms. Shannon: "I'm going to try to take it all in stride. Never mind that I'm a mother, a spouse, and citizen of the world. Taking five classes for thirteen credits isn't that bad. As my high school teachers were wont to remind us kids, it's better than flippin' burgers!"
Or is it?????
Comments
I speak for myself only here - I feel that as an adult student, I put more into my education, and I seem to take away more as well. Even with all the stresses of wearing many hats, I am enjoying my education more than I did right out of high school. Although admittantly, I still procrastinate my textbook reading...there are just so many other more important things to do. Like rearranging my spices - HA! :)
Posted by: Angie K | August 29, 2006 02:45 PM
That's awesome, Angie! I know what you mean...there are times when cleaning out the refrigerator door seal with a toothpick seems like a really fun idea!
Posted by: self | August 29, 2006 02:50 PM
Sarah, that's just not right. Cleaning the refrigerator seal w/ a toothpick??? :)
Posted by: Sarah (the other one) | August 31, 2006 09:55 PM
Sarah, it can be incredibly therapeutic!
Posted by: self | September 1, 2006 08:52 AM
And if anyone is a candidate for therapy, I'm sure it's me... :) Maybe I'll try it one day if I hit a particularly bad rut.
Posted by: Sarah (the other one) | September 1, 2006 04:05 PM
Therapy works and for support in between sessions there is always medication...
Posted by: Frustrated... | September 2, 2006 07:45 PM
**poke** I found your blog. I have a link on my blog for you now.
Posted by: Matt | September 2, 2006 07:49 PM
Hi Frustrated. I've discovered a new intervention. It's called "bar therapy." The Smirnof Method, in particular, really works for me. Longitudinal studies show poor outcomes if utilized too frequently, but for a brief treatment, it works pretty well.
Hi Matt - I am honored! Say "hi" to my Dad for me!
Posted by: self | September 2, 2006 09:15 PM
Wasn't it Mr. Slattery (?) who said if we didn't learn algrebra we'd end up working at Mac Don & Al's?? I still wonder what happened to x... *sigh*
Posted by: pip | September 6, 2006 12:12 PM
I seem to remember Mr. Oakman having quite a bit to say on the topic...
Posted by: self | September 7, 2006 08:17 PM