Get up, get dressed, embrace the random and live in purpose.

For the past three weeks, I've been battling a really icky and horrible sinus infection. As a result, I just felt like I've been put behind in my relationships, school work, and physical upkeep. I spent the past week, preparing for tests and papers and I literally felt uneasy. I became very overwhelmed by cracking open a school book or researching for my papers. I realized that I wasn't leaning into my purpose and not giving myself grace. 

My friend recently reminded me that we do have to take our crafts seriously in order to fully operate in them. Whether that entails studying for a test, training for a marathon, or working a carnival as outreach, we have to take fully embrace the purpose. Yesterday I was reminded that I can give myself grace as I embrace my purpose.

I woke up and immediately threw on an outfit because I didn't know if I would be meeting my mentor at a cafe that morning or if I would be relocating to study. My mentor held Bible study here at my place and I kept this outfit on. At the end of the study, she told me she liked my outfit and we randomly had a mini photoshoot outside of my living community. I wore the outfit because it made me feel good.  In the randomness of the "shoot" - I was reminded to seize opportunities and embrace the here and now. 

Outfit:

Levi's Jean Jacket

Top from Marshall's 

Skirt from Old Navy 

Heels from J.Crew

Earrings and Necklace from Target 

I'm totally embracing the randomness and the here and now. 

Remember, no matter what season you are in, you still have purpose <3

xoxo,

Tonyette

THE Graduate School App Process!

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2015/03/find-your-passion-write-your-stories.html

For the past two months, I had this bright idea to write this post. Funny how....graduate school has definitely been in way haha. After working as a college adviser AND applying to graduate school at the same time, I realized how challenging it actually was. I thought "oh...I've done this before AND I talk about college all the time...this will be a breeze" and honestly it was incredibly challenging. It literally took 7 months of energy AND I worked full time.

For me personally, I only looked at Masters of Education degree programs for Counselor Education. As a result, I will only talk from the experience I have in applying to these programs. If I could condense my graduate application experience - I would definitely sum of 8 points you can consider :) 

1.) Don't force yourself in a box and heavily consider your professional interests: Many graduate school programs are geared toward training for a profession or giving you extensive background on a specific topic.  During my last year of undergrad, I did try to apply to graduate schools (I did apply to one program), but I honestly only did it because I thought it was what I was supposed to do. Throughout my entire life I only thought about college and never my career. I was so grateful that I did not decide to enroll in program! I realized that I was not mature enough and I honestly did not know what I wanted to do.I am so grateful I took two years and worked. Through my work narrative, I discovered my heart for adolescents.   Don't force yourself to apply if your heart isn't it it. Please cognizant of your passions and dreams. You will be training or studying the topic extensively for 1 to 2 years. 

Although I decided to wait, I have plenty of friends who decided to go straight to graduate school. These young ladies and men are passionate about their disciplines.  In short, reflect on your passion and heart for a topic before committing to it <3 

....whew....let me get off my soapbox

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2.)Research and Visit Schools : Research for Master's programs is definitely interesting.  While researching program, many website contained concise information.  Usually the sites will give you a sense of the mission, the application requirements (GRE, Recommendation, personal statement)As a result, I would suggest visiting the schools before you apply, email the professors or directors, or take advantage of online webinars or information sessions.  

3.) STUDY for the GRE :  I am laughing at this one because I honestly thought that this test was my chance of redemption for my poor SAT/ACT study habits. This time around, I bought myself a study book and made flash cards. The Cracking the GRE study guide was definitely my " bae" during Fall 2014. As I look back, I don't  think it helped much with math, but it definitely prepared me for the Verbal and Analytical Writing sections. I would suggest the Kaplan GRE study guide because it really has higher reviews than the Princeton Review.  Try to limit your studying to a certain timeframe to insure you retain the techniques (1- 1/2 months). I studied from very late September to mid November. After 1 1/2 months of studying I think I hit my study threshold...or tolerance haha. REMEMBER the GRE is a test measuring your ability to analyze and use certain techniques to answer the problems - not a test measuring your ability to memorize.

4.) Reach out to potential recommenders EARLY :  I contacted my former professors and supervisors in early September to let them know I would be applying to graduate school. In addition, I followed up in late October and November to let them know I would be using their information in my application.

5.) Write your heart on your sleeve : When writing your personal statements - BE PERSONAL. Write about your personal experiences and don't be afraid to brag on yourself and your background. Make sure you address every piece of the topic and adhere to the word limits. In addition, pull in key pieces from the program and address how the program will shape you and what you could give to the program (if applicable). 

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6.) Interview:In contrast to the undergraduate application process, most programs will want to schedule an interview with you!  You will either be invited or the interview will be a part of the application process. Some schools may not conduct interviews. I encountered all three cases! Stay flexible and confident during the interview process. I had interviews that were canceled due to snowstorms.  Flexibility is key when you have to  reschedule or travel a lot. Read up on the program or brainstorm possible interview questions. Survey your closet and see if you have appropriate business or business casual wear (I would suggest this be done a week in advance). Try to strike a balance between your individual style and professionalism. For my interview days, I wore a black cardigan, a black top with ruffled sleeves (I thought it represented my personal style), gray slacks, and heels ( bring flats ladies).  During interview day, truly consider whether the program and professors will fit your needs. BE CONFIDENT and OWN YOUR BACKGROUND! 

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7.) Follow your heart: When you receive your acceptances, consider which program will fit your needs, your learning style and your personality. Definitely consider tuition rates, job opportunities, and environment.  Personally, I would encourage you to follow your heart when picking your program.  I ended up coming back to my Alma Mater. I was super passionate about experiencing a different campus. I tried to rationalize why I should go elsewhere. I realized this program was the one for me. I am so incredibly grateful for my awesome professors and my cohort.  

8.) Say Thanks : Write thank you notes to your recommenders and verbally thank those who supported you through the process. My parents, sister, friends, and co-workers were so amazing during the process. 

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I really hope this was helpful and I tried to give my honest advice about the graduate school application process. Feel free to email me at tonyettew@gmail.com if you have any questions OR leave a question or comment at the end of this post.

xoxo,

Tonyette