I'm in my last week of finishing my Master's Degree at OU. The University of Oklahoma, those symbols "OU" are everywhere you go. You can't drive down a street without seeing "OU" emblazoned on somone's car. You can't walk into a restaurant or go into a store. I always said that I wouldn't become a "fan" of a big state school until I had a degree from one. Where it would have some meaning for me, rather than just being a team representing my state. The Native American Studies program is why I love OU. Not, football or tailgating.
Thursday Morning I defended my Thesis for my Master's Degree. Now, if you're into pain, punishment and awkwardness I suggest going through this process. It probably shouldn't be done sober. Thursday afternoon I went to one of our Professor's retirement reception.
Here are quite a few of the Professors that I've had classes with the last two years. These people are what make a University. The sports team is great for people who have never been to college, it's nice to feel that connection to a "place" or say you've been to a game or two. But what really makes this University is the Professors, the teachers, the students.
One of the students hugging Dr. Hobson on her retirement. She is the Graduate advisor. My favorite photo of the day.
Dr. Bread and Dr. Shotton with Dr. Hobson. I came into this program with doubts, mainly because I had spent too many years out of school while teaching school myself. I have had a very emotional two years and it was a lot of work. Going to school at OU, was definitely far more challenging than the other Master's Degree program that I was in. Unfortunately the Native American Studies program at OU, is merely a program. It is not a "Department," it needs to be a department because students like me cannot continue to become a PhD candidate in Native American Studies ast OU, we would have to go to Arizona or California to obtain a PhD in Native American Studies. In a state with such a high Native representation an interdisciplinary program should be in place to allow our own Native students the option for a PhD. This program fit greatly with my undergraduate education at USAO in Chickasha, whose emphasis was on interdiscplinary studies. Not science as a stand alone subject or arts or humanities, the Interdisciplinary approach shows the complexity of the world through using multiple discpline in an educational setting.
My favorite friend from the last two years, she's made Native American Studies great. Oh, the cake that was pretty good too.
So this week I will be finishing up my paperwork (oh, please let it end)- and attending the Graduation ceremonies. I have had the goal of obtaining my MA since I was a teenager and perhaps looking beyond that, I am now 35 years old and am accomplishing this goal. That is one great thing about education, there is not an age limit on it. I enter the uncertainty of not having this goal to reach after having had it for so many years. I could have had a masters degree in special education a few years ago but I decided I didn't want to be defined by those studies, I decided I didn't want to be an expert in education, yet walk away two years later feeling as if I've had two years of observation in teaching practices and what makes education work (and doesn't). The best teachers aren't the ones who are the best at grading and evaluating, the best teachers make the student feel important and worthy and put their energy into teaching first.
I remember how intimidated I was when I was accepted into the program at OU. I had always went to small schools. I found small class sizes in my program, and a personal atmosphere it was not what I expected. One thing I like about the campus is it is a nice, safe campus. I would have no issue sending a child of mine to school here. The University of Oklahoma is a great school and I'm proud to have went here. This is why I love OU, not athletics. A good athletic program that brings a sense of pride is just an enhancement to a wonderful school. Teaching high school is a far easier job than getting a Master's degree. A pet peeve of mine is when I hear people talking about how going to college isn't "work" or a "real job," well going to school at OU is more "work" and pressure than any real job that I've had.
Thank you so much for shareing your journey with us. I got my Graduate degree at OU (architecture) after switching from a Graduate program at UCO (Southwest Native American History). I love photography and miss my home state. As a blond-haired (use to be!), blue-eyed Okie who watched his grandfather placed into the grave with a non-Christian Indian blessing of the land, I have often felt in-between. Mostly, I feel 'American'. I have many European nations and one North American nation in my blood and I have learned to value the richness of diversity.
Posted by: Todd Carlton | Monday, May 06, 2013 at 06:48 AM
There are so many works of literature about people being "in between" two worlds that you might enjoy. I think studying this is a way to find where you come from or your ancestors. I also went to UCO in Special Education about a decade ago. It doesn't seem that long ago. OU is a great school.
Posted by: Joy | Monday, May 06, 2013 at 09:45 AM