I chose the University of Delaware because of the enthusiasm and passion that I encountered from the students, faculty, and staff. I also was impressed by the integration of practice and theory in their research, study, and curriculum and their lack of reliance on theory only.
On a typical day I get up early to get in an hour or two at my graduate assistantship at The Women's Leadership Development Program (WDLP). I usually have one or two classes followed by lunch and three to four more hours at my assistantship. Afterwards I workout and/or attend a "professional organization" meeting, eat dinner, study and do some class work before going to bed.
I currently work in the Institute for Public Administration for the Women's Leadership Development Program. A typical day as a research assistant varies dramatically depending on the time of year. Because the primary focus of my graduate assistantship (The Women's Leadership Development Program) is based around training and conferences a typical day can include anything from:
- Speaking engagements- Developing leadership/management curricula- Recording and keeping track of registration materials- Doing research on subjects areas that involve leadership, management, training, etc.- Attending trainings and meetings- Collecting and critiquing evaluations and bench mark instruments- Attending to administrative tasks
Though not frequent, my free time is quite diverse and includes many things that help me to have fun, relax, and meet others. My free time may include lunch or dinner with friends, visits to nearby cities like Baltimore, Philadelphia, Mount Holly, Wilmington, or Dover, social events, speakers' series, luncheons, workshops, seminars, etc. for professional organizations, going to church or other spiritual events or relaxing at home doing things that I enjoy such as: cooking; watching movies, T.V. dramas/comedies, and cartoons; sleeping; etc.
Overall, my experience in SPPA has been very enlightening, eclectic, and full of life-experiences. Though it has not always been easy, it has been an extremely beneficial, challenging encounter full of faculty/staff/peer support, guidance, and influence --- one that I have enjoyed.