SI Admissions Blog: Tonya McCarley

Bittersweet…

My time at SI is coming to a close soon. Thanksgiving weekend was the last big break before the final stretch leading to graduation. As the end gets closer, I have really mixed emotions. Part of me is really excited to re-enter the work force in a new field, while the other part of me is sad to be leaving the SI community. And let’s face it, I’m a little scared because I am entering a new field (but my excitement trumps the fear!). And then I realize that I really won’t be leaving SI because it is now my turn to take an active leadership role in the SI Alumni community. During my time at SI, I interacted with many alumni in the Student-Alumni Database and students I met who graduated during my time at SI. In my experience, the alumni are an invaluable resource and I look forward to giving back, too. Just this week a fellow student emailed me about one of my internships. I was not only able to give her contact names and information, but to send an introduction email on her behalf….my first steps in giving back!

My application process…

Many prospective students ask about the application process, so I thought I would share my application story with you. I started scouting out graduate programs in 2002 (that seems like a really long time ago!). I was working full-time and a friend suggested I check out library school. In May 2003, I stopped by the School of Information to pick up an application. I had a lovely conversation with Karen Jordan and I realized there was a place for me as a non-traditional student with a B.A. in Asian Studies and History from UM (Karen and I hit it off because her background is Chinese Studies!). My goal was to start SI in Fall 2004. I worked on my essay, took the GRE, and begged for recommendations. I asked professors who I worked with and a colleague to write my letters of recommendation. I did not ask for professors from my undergraduate experience because that was so long ago. Shortly before I took the GRE in November 2003, I learned I was pregnant. When I did the math, I realized I would not be able to start grad school in the Fall 2004, so I shifted my target date to January 2005. My undergrad grades were ok (not stellar) and my GRE score was acceptable (not perfect), but I had interesting work experience and a strong desire to attend (my essay). When you apply to SI, remember the admissions committee looks at your full package: undergrad grades, GRE score, work history, letters of recommendations, and essay. Good luck!

The art of balancing

The skill I honed in graduate school is juggling. I don’t mean tossing a few balls in the air like you would see at the circus, but managing my time effectively. As a student, I try to meet the expectations of my professors with the coursework. I try not to let my fellow students down by contributing my share to any course projects we may be assigned. I work hard to give my employers my best at my part-time jobs. And I make sure I spend quality time with my family and friends, but most importantly my two year old. Do I do all of this well? All of the time? Nope. I’ve learned to do my best and my best is pretty darn good. I’ve learned to put my readings down to play with my son or cancel dinner with friends because a paper is due. Graduate school is hard. But I firmly believe it is worth it.

Directed Field Experience

I’m really excited about the Directed Field Experiences (DFE) I have had while at the School of Information. Directed Field Experiences are really internships that can be done over the summer or during the school year for CREDIT. I love the concept of getting CREDIT for a “working” experience while I’m in school. To be honest, the idea of DFEs was one of the main selling features of SI for me. I really appreciate the combination of theory and practice I have received which will help me make the transition into a new career field. I did two internships with large corporations and this semester I am working on a project for the University of Michigan Library System’s Usability Working Group. I took 622 last semester and this semester I will be putting it to practice. How cool is that? I should say that 622 is really SI 622: Evaluations of Systems and Services. I forget we have a habit of referring to courses by their number and not their name.

It’s not just about the education, but the people too…

This semester is my final semester at SI. I cannot believe how quickly two years has gone by. It seems like yesterday that I came to visit SI and went to lunch with a student. I feel that SI has many strengths in terms of the quality of education and training we receive, but one of its strongest points is the people. The faculty are knowledgeable and generous with their time. I emailed one of my former professors on a Thursday night and he responded to me almost immediately even though he was out of town (and I haven’t taken a class with him since my first semester!). The staff at SI are also amazing. But the students really rock! I’m taking statistics for the first time (yes, I know…I should have taken it as an undergrad) and I’m struggling. But my classmates are totally willing to work together to share ideas and I’m able to “get it” (sort of) because of this sense of collaboration; a shared sense that we are all in this together and a willingness to help each other out. I truly believe my interactions with the people of SI enhanced my educational experience. I’m getting sappy here, but I really will miss the people of SI when I graduate in December. But I’m confident I will maintain these relationships after graduation.