Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Stuff That Actually Matters In The Long Run

I received an email today from one of the CMCL advisors. She's working on a new undergrad brochure for the program and wanted quotes from students.

Here's my reply, with cynicism that would make FZ proud:
"Get a second major. Otherwise it will be as if you didn't even go to college, and more like you just lost $60,000."

Of course, the same can be said about a number of liberal arts programs: pair it up with something and/or earn two minors, OR go one for at least your M.A., or you will find yourself working at Starbucks, serving ninnies who are the way you were three years ago.

Bitter much? Yes.

In all truth, I will be reapplying to the CMCL graduate program. Only this time, I know just what I'll be studying. A grad student friend said that Rock & Roll History is actually a blossoming field in academia, and I would be just as welcome - if not more - in CMCL as I would in a music program. Just something to think about.

I did also write a real one praising the program's ability to expand students' methods of thinking and specifically mentioned that everyone needs to take a class with Joan Hawkins - she truly is one of the best professors I've ever had, always very mellow, easy to talk to, and has a great sense of humor.

But one thing I avoided saying in my "real" write-up was that this program opens doors and guarantees a job. I also avoided using the word "great" to describe it. I loved 5 of my ten classes, really liked one, thought two were just okay, and hated the other two. Three of those five were with the classes I had with Professor Hawkins.

In other news, I filled out all the necessary forms for the position as Andy's grading assistant - though one of the ladies was extremely icy and impolite saying, "It's not an A.I. job, it's an hourly paid position." Kind of - no, not kind of - a TOTAL bitch. The other lady was much nicer and actually had a sense of humor. The clock-in, clock-out thing made no sense, but I'm sure I can figure it out.

And - payments are direct deposit. Can't complain about that. I've got stuff to save up for.

Alex

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Nowadays, whenever I see an email from Tara, I usually just delete it right away. Most of the time she gives us "job" options, you know, to work at a subway or some other job that requires a BUSINESS degree. I don't think she is the sharpest tool in the shed.

I love Joan. She was definitely one of my favorite professors as well.


Peace.