I chose the LTS program at the UO because it offered something I couldn’t get anywhere else I researched: the ability to obtain a Master’s degree through an intensive one-year program completed with a small cohort of peers under the guidance of excellent faculty. During the day, I am a busy graduate student with classes and work. When I go home, however, I hang up my backpack and leave the student life at the door because I have a three and a half year old who has missed me all day. Being able to get such an amazing education in half the time allows me to get into my desired career sooner than anywhere else. It is almost too good to be true!

I am currently a Conversation Partner and Help Desk Writing Tutor at the American English Institute (AEI), an intern at the CASLS, the Center for Applied Second Language Studies, and an English Language Circle Leader at Mills International Center.

How do you balance everything that you do?

I wake up every morning and look at my child. It really is that simple. Seeing her young, innocent face and imagining the dreams I want her to be able to achieve one day gives me the motivation to do everything I can to not only provide for my family, but to show her that she can do anything she dreams of as long as she never gives up.

What advice would you give to other parents about going to grad school?

Don’t ever limit or label yourself. Don’t think that you’re too old, or too busy, or too anything. If you want to go to graduate school, do it! The hardest part is believing in yourself. The only things that are impossible in life are the things you have never tried doing.

What are you most looking forward to this year in class or in your other involvements?

I am looking forward to starting on my Master’s Project! Although it’s going to be a long and most likely difficult road (which is why energy drinks were invented !),  I am so excited to create something that will be useful to me in my career as a language teacher.