Saturday, November 20, 2010

Sticking Up For Myself

Warning: slight vent ahead.  I understand if you choose to skip this.  :-)

The last couple weeks have been very draining.  Not only were there midterms and papers to write, but I'm trying to finalize my thesis committee and figure out what classes I want to take this spring.  The latter two issues have been stressing out more than they probably should and that's mostly a result of my thesis adviser being difficult.

I need to have five people on my committee.  I have four.  I know who I want to be my final committee member.  She's a professor in my department who has experience in the area I am writing my thesis.  Never mind that I really like her and I feel comfortable going to see her if I need anything.  My thesis adviser would prefer that another professor from a different department be on my committee.  This professor is someone whom I've never met and therefore have no relationship with and would only be on my committee for political reasons that my thesis adviser is not making me privy to.  I really hate that sort of BS.

I also need to decide on my last class.  I have an amazing opportunity to spend a day a week at an area high school to get exposure teaching at that level.  I don't have time to student teach and I think it's really important for me to figure out if teaching is something I'm serious about.  Out of respect, I approached my thesis adviser to let him know I wanted to do this (big mistake!).  I felt he should know what I'm up to next semester, but I'm quickly realizing it's really none of his business and he's just making my life more difficult.

Needless to say, I've had to stick up for myself an awful lot lately.  In the end this is a good experience for me to learn how to diplomatically handle these situations, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating.  My thesis adviser is someone who likes to be in control, which is a trait I also share.  Hence the clashing as of late.  I think he's coming around and he's promised some answers on Monday.  I guess I'm just looking for a little moral support.  All of this has been really draining and I'm just hoping for the best!  Thanks for listening!  End vent.

2 comments:

  1. I've had a lot of stress and drama the past couple of weeks too. Sometimes it just helps getting it out. It sounds like a sticky situation. Hopefully after Monday you will get some answers and know how to move forward. I wish you the best of luck.

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  2. I hope everything worked out..but kudos for sticking up for yourself!

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