Master of Education

Program Entry Date: 2006

What is your current status in the program? I have graduated from the program.

Administration and Leadership in Education. I was focusing on learning within industrial organizations and heavily focused on the areas of Change Management and Leadership.

The questions

What made you choose Brock?

I had attended Brock for my Under Graduate Degree and enjoyed the experience. Plus it is close to home.

What have you learned in your graduate education that you would share with future or current students?

Within the Masters program, I was allowed to experience other Master Degrees – for example, I was allowed to participate in two MBA courses, which could be applied against my Masters of Education degree. The cross learning was a great experience, affording the opportunity to synthesize knowledge across fields. The moment that made the largest impact on me was during the induction session, where it was clearly stated that we were there to build on the knowledge of those that came before us, so we would leave the knowledge base stronger and more diverse than when we entered it. For me that was a very powerful moment.

What are some of the challenges you have faced as a graduate student, and how did you overcome them?

I took the degree part-time, while working full time and helping raise a young family. Time was a big challenge. Life was a big challenge – my younger brother passed away suddenly when I was trying to finish the degree. I found Brock to be very flexible and the message from Malcolm Gladwell “The Dip” , there are a number of hurdles in your life that are meant to keep you ordinary. The reward for not being ordinary and pushing over those hurdles is huge. Brock helped me do that.

What services have you used to help you overcome any challenges?

My peer group, the liaison office and my professors

What makes Brock stand out for you?

I have an emotional connection to Brock. I have found the university to have a soul, brought to life through the compassion of the people that are there to make it a great academic entity.

What are your tips for thriving in grad school?

Know it will be a challenge and understand what you want from attending it. Go all in, and enjoy the journey, because not everyone can do this or take this trip. Most importantly, do it for you.

What do you wish someone warned you about being a graduate student?

Help people understand it is a commitment, it does take work, you are going to have tough days and that is ok. It is a normal part of the process.

What were the best parts of your experience at Brock? Why?

The peer group and the professors. I still keep in touch with some of the professors. It is great to share and grow with people with similar and different mindsets, in a respectful collaborative environment, where the expectations for greatness are high.

How is being a graduate student different from being an undergraduate student?

Higher expectations to contribute and nor regurgitate information.

What would you do differently if you could do it over again?

Go for my doctorate.

Do you feel your degree has prepared you for your plans academically and otherwise?

Yes

What are your next steps?

Look at getting my doctorate in the near future.