What's Next

This semester has been a whirlwind. It has flown by so fast. I have taken quite a few communication courses previously, so much of this was repeat for me. Being exposed to the material multiple times is always useful though. With each communication course I grow a little more each time. I learn more about myself and the people I interact with on a daily basis. I always learn more effective ways of communicating with others. I am usually really blunt and straightforward which can be too much for people sometimes. I come off too strong and rude, so I have learned to phrase my comments more appropriately. I have also applied listening skills I have learned. When friends ask me for advice I make sure I ask plenty of questions about the situation before giving my advice. I have one year left and then I graduate spring of 2013. After that I plan to move back to San Diego. I will probably start looking for jobs in the event coordinating field and look into grad school. I haven't decided on graduate school 100% yet, so I think I will take some time figure out what exactly I want to do.

Graduate School or Not?

I am a junior and have 1 more year left before I graduate next spring (hopefully, if all goes as planned). I have always been 50/50 on grad school and wasn't sure if I wanted to do it. I think I would definitely like to take some time off before I do if I decide to go that route. Deanna actually brought grad school up with me and told me I could come sit in on one of her grad classes, so I took her up on that offer. I went to her grad class on interviewing where they learn to conduct interviews for their research. It was really great to go and observe a grad class since I didn't know much about any grad program.Watching them interact compared to an undergrad class was very intriguing. They all participated and they participated more than most undergrad classes would. They could easily talk about a topic for the entirety of the class if they didn't have to move on to other things. I love that kind of interaction so that gave me a little inspiration right there. The students were all very welcoming, gladly answered any of my questions, and wished me luck with my classes on my way out. If at all possible at any time during your studies as an undergrad and you're possibly thinking about grad school, even remotely, I recommend sitting in on a class if you have a teacher that allows you to. It was a great experience that definitely got me thinking and inspired me a little bit. I immediately came home and started looking up some grad programs. I am still undecided, but it got some wheels turning in my head and answered a lot of questions I had.