I Graduate assistants benefit from experience Continuing education seemed to be the choice many college graduates as the availability of s dwindled . According to USA Today, college applica– s increased since the fall of 2001. The rap-id rease, particularly in graduate program ap– cations, seemed to be cau sedby th e weaken– economy. Some graduate students chose to gain extra perience outside the classroom as graduate as– tants. Blake South all, a graduate assistant in theCOffi– lnication department, said the job market was t the only reason for getting a graduate degree. "With the graduate assistant program, I receive ~e tuition for graduate classes," Southall said. Angela Essner, a graduate assistant in the Col– e of Education, felt privileged to work closely th her teachers. "Being able to work with my professors and rn from them h as really helped me in applying :'! things that I h ave learn ed so far and all the ngs I am getting to learn," Essner said . The application process for the graduate assis– Ce program was not always an easy task. "You basically write a letter bragging on all the ngs you are capable of doing, a list of qualifications. Then you wait," Essner said. "The process for getting the job took longer than I thought." Tiffany Evans, a graduate assistant in the Col– lege ofEducation, said the competitionwas tough. "I didn 't realize how competitive it was for getting these positions," Evans said. "I didn't get my letter of acceptance to be a graduate assistant lUltil the first day of summer intersession." Southall felt lucky for getting his spot. " It made planning for my future a lot easier knowing I didn't h ave to worry about adding to my student loans with graduate school ones," Southall said. The program required all assistants to work 20 hours weekly under the supervision of a profes– sor while taking a full class load. "Taking classes at night was new for me," Evans said. "I am lucky I don't have to work another job outside of the 20 hours a week so I have time in the afternoons between work and class to do homework or catch up with friends." Essner also thought there was a good balance between free time, classes and working . "Some days are busier than others but the experience and knowledge I am gaining is so beneficial and totally worth it," Essner said. -Jaime Fahs As part of her graduate assistant responsibilities, graduate student Jeri Chapin paints a picture. Several graduate students took assistantship positions to gain benefits, including working closely with professors and receiving free or reduced tuition. (Photo by April Clem) Janet Allison-Searcy, Ark. MFT. Stephen Bell-N. Little Rock, Ark. Professional Sales. Sherah Belva-Searcy, Ark. MFT. Joel Boone-Searcy, Ark. MBA. Duncan Campbell-Searcy, Ark. HUGSR. Jeri Chapin-Sheridan, Ark. Education. Daniela Ciliberti-Ferrara, Italy. Education. Jeremy COChran-Hendersonville, N.C. MFT. Shawn Cofer-Rancho Cordova, Calif. MBA. Rachel ConnOrS-Horseheads, N.Y. MFT. Ryan COOk-Des Moines, Iowa. Education. Jamie COX-Yucaipa, Calif. Education. Dana Dill-The Woodlands, Texas. Education. Tammy GueliCh-Jacksonville, Ark. Post Grad. Myca Haynes-coolville, Ohio. MBA. Caryn Henniger-san Augustine, Texas. Education. Russel Hiatt-Searcy, Ark. MBA. Ben Hill-Hendersonville, N.C. Post Grad. graduate students 129 1111m.
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