For starters, I would love to thank The Joiner Foundation for The Grad Spotlight. Your organization is designed to help students strive and reach their full potential by giving them scholarships, organizing community events, understanding the true meaning of love and more. Thank you for recognizing me and seeing my potential. I will continue to grow from you all and cannot wait to help with future activities and events. Keep up the good work!
My name is ReAna Thompson. I attend the University of South Carolina. I am currently a Social Work major with a concentration in Youth, Families, and Children.
1. Why did you choose to pursue a graduate degree following undergrad?
I chose to pursue a master's degree because I have always wanted better for myself. My bachelor's degree in Social Work can only take me so far. There are limited jobs in the field as a general practitioner and the job I am pursuing requires a master's degree or higher.
2. How is your program? Are you glad you went directly into grad school as opposed to taking a break?
As of now, my program is very EXTENSIVE! Currently, I am in the Advanced Standing Program which requires me to complete my degree in 11 months. Each assignment is filled with research and applying the skills I learned in undergrad, but on a master's level. I am very grateful I applied to grad school and did not take a gap year. The work I'm learning is fresh and although I prefer to be in class, I am floored that I can take the classes, get a snapshot of Fall semester, and learn more theories.
3. Are there any special aspects or experiences of your program that made you choose it? (internships, partnerships, etc.)
At first, when I toured the school for moral support with a friend, I was fascinated with the campus. I, then, decided to ask the Social Work Department questions. After receiving information, I looked further into their department and was impressed with the feedback from students about the faculty and staff, earning jobs before graduation, the scholarships, and building connections through networking. During senior year in undergrad at Oakwood University, I applied to UofSC, and was very optimistic about getting accepted. *The only school I applied to.*
4. What's it like studying and going to class in the midst of the pandemic?
Studying and going to class in the middle of COVID-19 is beyond easy. Due to not having a job, I was always glued to my computer completing assignments and crossing them off in my planner. Each assignment was due on Sunday at 11:59pm with the exclusion of one class. I was focused and determined because I rarely went outside and I was interested in the work. Not only was I glued to my screen, there was a lot of writing. As I mentioned, grad school is research, and I was not ready for that. Not to mention, I was offered an Assistantship which is a research job. Not only did I have school work and logging into my sessions, I was completing research for my job.
5. What will you do after your program? Do you have to get any certifications? How long is your program?
After my program, I am determined to apply and receive my License as a Social Worker to practice in any state. I plan to study while in grad school, taking the certifications tests and completing the requirements to receive my license. My program is 11 months, but the Licensure exam is only for 1 day, but takes months and hours or training and equipping my mind to understand the information. However, I am destined to have a LMSW by the end of December 2021!
6. How is grad school different from undergrad?
Grad school is different from undergrad in several ways. However, I will be giving three examples. When I applied to Oakwood University (undergrad), the process was pretty simple. I had no runarounds, the information was clear. However, as I applied to University of South Carolina, there were so many applications to fill out and my mind was racing. Also, selecting internships in undergrad was easy. My teacher gave me a list of 10 internships and he informed my supervisor and immediately set up an appointment. Did I receive this luxury in grad school? The answer is NO! I received an internship list of over 300 internships according to my concentration and was overwhelmed. Being the spoiled brat I am, I called my aunt and she had to help me. Lastly, the assignments are compact. Both require the same amount, however, grad wants a more in depth answer, scenario, and solution. Whereas, undergrad wants a general overview of what you learned or how you would handle a situation on paper. This is because coming into undergrad, we are learning what to do and we are receiving experience. Therefore, in grad school, we have the experience, knowledge and keys, we just have to apply them. Although I prefer grad school to treat me like my undergrad professors, I would rather learn how to be an adult.
7. What is one piece of advice to an undergrad student looking to go to grad school?
One piece of advice I would offer a student looking into grad school is to research the school. Have an understanding of your concentration and what you'd like to study. Remember undergrad professor are there to help and, yes, baby you. But, once you leave, grad school makes you face reality. The professors will help, but you may have to figure the problem out on your own. No more crying and getting help, you have to boss up and be an adult. Pray to God, He will give you the guidance, but you have to be optimistic. I'll leave my favorite verse, Proverbs 3:5-6 states, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not unto temptation and He will acknowledge your ways."
8. What's your favorite course so far and why?
So far, my favorite course has been Advanced Theories because I love learning about theories. I also enjoy Motivational Interviewing, this class teaches me how to interview a client using different techniques and skills. The teacher uses real life examples, she is very thorough, and understanding. The work load was light this semester besides the research paper. Overall, I love this class and cannot wait to meet her in person next month!
9. What have you learned from being in grad school? What helps you get through?
My program started in May 2020, literally 1 week after I finished undergrad. I have learned that communication is very important and reading all the material is, too. There was an assignment I was interested in but I already read the book given by the teacher. Due to me completing the assignment and using the same book, my teacher gave me an extension to re-do the assignment because I failed to comply to the instructions. So, continuous communication, even if you understand, please clarify to avoid mistakes like I did. It was not big, but when you have big assignments approaching the deadline, just double check to be safe. In social work, we are not allowed to inflict religion on our clients. However, what helped me get though summer semester is God. I was so discouraged because I could not be on campus and I had several questions about my assignments, but with the use of technology and a Bible, I was able to chop it up with my main man. He helped me this far, and hopefully far more. Joshua 1:9 states, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
10. What is one of your greatest accomplishments to date?
One of my greatest accomplishments to date is being a 1st Generation College Student. I am the youngest of three and I am the only one who pursued a post secondary degree, graduated with several scholarships and awards, and decided to pursue a second degree. The price just got higher and I am so humbly appreciative because God brought me this far. This is only the beginning and I am so excited to be on this journey with Him and others who love, support, and want to see me excel.
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