ZeeMore21
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Posts posted by ZeeMore21
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I recently joined an art class for the fun of it...I was starting to realize that school was taking up my entire life. It has been nice to have time set aside for developing hobbies and exploring things outside of the classroom.
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As the original poster, I would ask that members stop using this forum to argue about the merits/shortcomings on the new healthcare law. This is obviously not the website for it (thegradcafe.com). Additionally, the way that you are arguing about it is not intellectual - its personal.
Moderators, please close this topic!
Perhaps using "obamacare" led to this, it has a negative connotation. But I too call for the thread to be closed.
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Since you mentioned it: a grad student stipend disqualifies not just a student but even a student supporting a family of 4 him/herself from receiving food stamps in NYS. Even someone working a minimum-wage job can't qualify. So I would reject the idea of these government social programs supporting the "hardworking". It was my experience that most of the support went to those who were entrenched in a culture of entitlement in which literally generations of family members were not gainfully employed, by choice.
Your experience in NYS can't be used to make blanket generalizations about everyone who is on food stamps...you are in fact stereotyping. And also, I was referring to graduate students not receiving stipends...I know of several Master students who applied and received food-stamps. These students were going to school and working. These students were also paying taxes that went toward things you probably use: public transportation, highways, etc...I could go on and on. Do you not have right to use these things because you have paid your taxes? This assumption that those in need do not contribute to society is, again, incorrect and misinformed.
It often does take walking in someone else's shoes to really understand his/her situation. I also think its strange that you don't bring up the structural issues that have put some populations in a cycle of poverty...I highly doubt this cycle was of their own doing. Let's examine the roots. It's easy to blame those who are in need because no one really wants to discuss the history of exploitation and greed in this country nor the disastrous effects of the capitalism being practiced today.
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"Sure there are people who depend on programs that steal from others. This doesn't make it right to steal. If I am starving, and steal bread, I am in the wrong, yet I am happy with obtaining the bread."
Again, why do you assume that everyone who is needy steals? I don't mind you taking an opposite decision on healthcare, but I have already told you that I have a problem with this stereotype, yet you keep referencing it. I'm done with this thread.
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Zeemore, THIS is quite a thoughtless reply. Please note for future reference, and next time I piss you off I will refer you and you will not feel so bad about my posts
On your post, Zeemore, I didn't see where the reference to lazy leeches came from. I don't think it is there. I can't speak for others, but I don't think all welfare recipients are lazy. Safety net programs are fine. Collectives to provide such things are great. It isn't fine when a group forces everyone within some geological boundary to subscribe to the same safety net club.
Well you will see that I wasn't responding to you...it was the long-time-lurker. If you want to read over his or her post again, feel free to do so. He or she mentioned that people who receive benefits want to "reap what they haven't sowed". I
am pretty sure that this is suppose to imply that those who depend on programs haven't contributed enough to deserve them...hence I used the term "leeches." I had a problem with that argument, as I know many people who are on hard times and depend on these programs.
As hard as I am trying to follow and understand your argument, I still don't know what is wrong with expanding healthcare to millions of people who aren't insured. It costs way more tax dollars to take care of those who don't have health insurance and always have to turn to the ER and those with pre-existing health problems. Why not focus on preventative measures by making sure people can take care of themselves before they get sick? Wouldn't that be a better society overall? I am genuinely asking these questions.
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The level of self absorbed, delusional ignorance truly is monumental.......
This. I just want to know when the needy became such villains. Such a shame.
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It's controversial because in order to give to the recipients of the free or subsidized health care you must take away from others. It can be especially offensive when the government compels citizens to fund other people's insurance (through higher taxes and higher premiums) as well as mandate people to buy insurance.
Excellent post.
There is no such thing as "free health care", "free food stamps", "free tuition", etc. Someone is paying for it, and this payment happens through the redistribution of wealth. If one wants to use the fruits of one's own labor to engage in philanthropy, that's great; however, the government shouldn't be taking from a person unwillingly what that person has rightfully earned to redistribute it others so that they can reap what they have not sowed.
You do know that the people who use services such as food stamps and Medicare have also contributed to society through work and taxes right? I don't quite think its fair to cast those who are in need as people who are just lazy leeches. That is disrespectful and untrue....I think you ought to go out and really see who are actually using these resources. Are there some taking advantage of safety-net programs? Definitely. But you will mostly find people who do work but still can't make ends meet....should they go hungry and without healthcare? How about those who lost their jobs? How about hard-working students like me and you who need food stamps?
Your "reap without sowing" comment is so misinformed it's not even funny. It just annoys me when people stereotype those in need without really knowing what's going on.
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You always want to make sure there are faculty members working in your field for sure. I did contact current graduate students when I was applying who were in my field, but I only did this to get more information about the program and resources, However, I would not based your admission chances on current graduate students lists; what admissions committees are looking for changes from cycle to cycle.
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Really loving this thread and wanting to say hello to everyone! I definitely dropped off the face of grad cafe this semester but it took a lot of time to get used to the workload and getting used to a new area. I definitely will be more involved in these threads next semester. But anyway, I really LOVE my program...I'm still in shock that I get paid to do what I love to do. It's definitely something to be grateful for and this thread is just really refreshing.
I'd also like to say congratulations to everyone on almost making it through this fall semester! Hope everyone finishes off strong : )
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I definitely know what everyone is going through, honestly. The only thing I can suggest is just do your best on your applications. That is the only thing you have control of. I did do want others are suggesting and I applied to several job/internship positions in case I didn't get admitted anywhere. That could be something to look into so that you are putting your nervous energy into something productive.
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I am not quite sure that someone could accurately gauge whether or not you are qualified for a top-tier program based solely on GPAs, GREs, and extra-curricular activities. Obviously your numbers are great, so you don't really have to stress about this aspect of your application. I also wouldn't stress about your writing score. I would say that you should put your effort into creating the best personal statement and writing sample you possibly can...in general, it is these two documents that will make or break your admissions into a doctoral program.
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First and foremost I apologize for perhaps repeating a past question that this thread has already answered; my Internet and/or computer is being obstinate and I currently can only view the first and third pages of posts. Thus, someone may very well have already addressed this on page 2, unbeknownst indefinitely to me, and therefore in light of this I feel this disclaimer is warranted. : )
Now then: I have a question to those with experience in this department of the application process. This is a purely hypothetical situation I'm proposing at the moment, but there are likely chances, I believe, for it to take place at some point in the next few months for any number of us.
As one does research on the faculty members at the various schools to which one plans on applying--these being, specifically, programs that range from among the "top tier," so to speak, down to schools ranked closer to the bottom of a top-50 list--one is bound to find a handful, at least, of faculty that appear to be the perfect match in terms of one's intended future research and concentration(s). If a faculty member from one of the lesser-ranked programs either becomes *the* perfect match somehow (via direct communication, the applicant's thorough reading of his or her past work, etc.), would it be more worth it to attend that lower-ranked program IN the event that the applicant in question were to get into a school ranked much, much higher?
That could possibly be confusing, I know, so I can rephrase if needed, but input and opinions on this would be much appreciated. I've been concentrating pretty intently on finding the faculty at the different programs in which I'm currently interested whose interests seem to fit my own the best, and am just curious about this potential situation.
Not that I personally plan on receiving a spot at one of the top-ranked programs, for a variety of reasons, but that's no real matter yet, I suppose.
Very interesting question! I would only attend the lower-tiered institution if there were a handful of professors that seemed like a good fit...I don't think I would attend an institution because of one professor. Going to a program for one professor could be risky...you may attend the program and find out that you and the professor don't get along personality wise, or that the professor isn't really reliable (i.e travels frequently, isn't consistent when it comes to communication). It may even be a possibility that the professor of interest is set to retire soon after you arrive or is on the way to another institution. There are so many factors that makes attending an institution for the sake of working with one professor a very huge risk. Given this risk, I would probably go with the higher-ranked institution...there might not be a professor who does exactly what you do, but you will find a professor who is still well qualified to provide you with basic advice on how to go about your research.
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You are assuming that your inferences and interpretation accurately reflect my intentions and my tone. I am addressing members of this BB with the types of questions I've asked classmates and professors and in the same tone. And, as it happens, the types of questions I've been asked as well.
It is your prerogative to interpret direct questions about why someone wrote something as a "personal attack." However, your doing so is putting words in my mouth.
For you to conclude that my post is "rude and unacceptable" is nothing more than an overt attempt at censorship. Do you think this approach will work when you don't care for what is being said and how it is being said in a seminar? Or when a classmate asks you "What's the point?" Or when you get back a draft for an essay that a reader has thoroughly dismantled? Or when a professor drolly asks "So what?"
I think it is important to be aware that you are using a computer to relay your messages...I am not sure why you wouldn't consider how your messages could me misinterpreted. Asking certain questions in person to members of your department is certainly different from asking such questions anonymously on an online forum.
However, how could one misconstrue you stating that I, personally, shouldn't be giving any advice as someone who isn't in History? Isn't that a form of censorship?
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Great last line.I think Semenza is absolutely great, and he serves as an excellent example.
Thanks for starting this thread bdon19! This is definitely a complex question, but also a very important one. I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments. I do hope that you are able to find middle-ground in your school search- it would be nice to go to a top-25 school that is also a good fit for your when it comes to your research interests.
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Yeah. They are at Cornell and Emory, which are the two schools I said were top 25, or overseas, for the most part. So I am definitely applying to Cornell and Emory, but those are both REALLY hard to get into.
I see. I went online out of curiosity and saw that NYU also has a Trauma Studies program...I am thinking that you would be able to pursue a doctorate degree in English and work towards a Trauma Studies certificate here.
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See, I'm having the exact opposite problem. Most of the top 25 schools are very traditional, and what I do is not. My interests are psychoanalysis, specifically trauma studies, and ethnic lit, specifically latino/a. It's hard to find ANY schools that have professors that do trauma studies, let alone alone in the top 25. So far, my short list only has 2 in the top 25, but most are at least around top 50.
Have your tried researching who is in your field as far as trauma studies? You could apply to schools these scholars teach at as well as schools they attended for their PhD.
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Where things get interesting, IMHO, is the question of "top-ranked program with well-known advisor" versus "lower (say, 25-50esque, and understand that I'm not referring to any set of rankings but just general impressions of what's successful versus not) ranked program with ZOMGSUPERSTAR advisor."
Very interesting question indeed. I am in latter group...going to a school that is ranked #30 but has a couple stars in my field....Vandy's program actually splurged a couple years ago to bring a handful of established, reputable African American lit professors. I 'm eager to know if anyone has any experience being in a situation like this.
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On 8/10/2011 at 3:08 PM, ahembree said:
I wouldn't be surprised if WUSTL made a little jump in the next 5-6 years. They seem to be getting a good rep as a smaller, "up-and-coming" program. Maybe I'm biased as a prospective applicant...
No, you are not just being biased. WUSTL and Vanderbilt are definitely making its way up the list, and rightfully so.
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It's an unfair, nonobjective crap shoot, but I realize (for myself) that if I don't get into a top-25, then the 6-9 years investment won't be worth it.
Definitely agree, the Humanities job market is unfair, and it does take a certain amount of luck to land a TT position. However, I will be attending a #30 school and still think that I will see my investment as worth it in my opinion.
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The general consensus is that you will likely land a job at an institution/department of slightly less prestige than your degree granting one. Most of our faculty have PhDs from Ivies or top private universities, with the odd high-ranking public R1 thrown in. It does matter.
This is an interesting observation.
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I would agree that if you want to teach at an R1 school, you will probably have to attend an R1 school, but thankfully, I'm not interested in working at an R1 school. I would love to just teach at a state school and make livable money.
Exactly.
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Another small example to add: The English program I was at this past year (a top Research institution) had a job talk I attended, where there were 2 professors competing for a tenure-track position. One was from Yale and the other was from CUNY. Although the first candidate obviously had a prestigious degree, he really wasn't able to articulate his research and its importance as eloquently as the other candidate from CUNY. At the end, the CUNY doctoral student ended up getting the position. This is also just to say that regardless of what school you go to for your doctorate, if you don't do good work or are not able to articulate what you research effectively, it will be tough finding a teaching position.
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This will be an interesting discussion, and I look forward to seeing how this thread turns out. This is such a difficult topic...you are right, the job market for the Humanities is horrible...and I don't know how the job market will look like in 6-7 years when I am finished with my doctorate- it could be just as bad as in the present, could be even worse, or (I am praying) it gets better. We will see.
But to offer up my own story, although I did apply to mostly reach schools, I did make sure to apply to programs that were top in my specific field, which is African American Literature. Though the school that I am going to, Vanderbilt, is ranked at #30 overall as far as top English PhD programs (which in my opinion, is pretty good), this school is also ranked as #5 out of 15 schools as a top program for African American Lit...it is right behind Harvard, Princeton, Berkeley, and Columbia. Some of the top scholars in my field teach at Vanderbilt, which can only be helpful for me when I get on the job market and do some networking. Plus, the African American studies center at my school is well-funded, which is great since there are so many resources that I can take advantage of when I pursue my research.
I say all this to suggest that it may be important that you go to a school that is strong in your field. For example, though Vanderbilt is not a top-25 school, when I go on job interviews saying that I want to do African American literature, professors will know that I attended an institution that prepared me well to pursue this specific field. If all the schools you have listed are top-25 AND are top in your field specifically, that is great. However, I wouldn't limit yourself to strictly top-25 schools, as you might be missing out on programs that are not top ranked generally but may be strong in your field and provide you with a great amount of resources.
I personally do not regret at all not going to a top-25 institution, and I actually picked Vanderbilt over CUNY, which is in the top-25. I got waitlisted at Princeton, which was also one of the top in my field...and I probably would have attended this program had I gotten in. But I am still very happy and honored to be attending Vanderbilt. But to wrap my post up, I am glad that I paid attention to what was going on in my field, and made sure to look closely at programs that would prepare me to go into African American literature.
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Certainly, these questions are rhetorical. You will keep giving advice as you see fit. You will continue to use these threads as your playground. And SBP will decide for himself which guidance, if any, he wants to use.
But let there be no mistake about our differing agendas. My objective in this thread and others like it, is to offer useful guidance to applicants seeking admission into history programs.
@Sigaba: I too offer useful guidance, and no, I don't see these threads as a "playground"....I find that remark insulting to my aim to help others and my expertise/experience. You are not the only one with an agenda to help others. Like I had said earlier, I actually came across this thread by entering African American studies into the search forum...and luckily I spotted SBP's thread. I actually never posted on the History sub-forum, but I figured I could help SBP out given that I do study African American history. Fields are not as rigid as you think they are....yes, I am in English, but I could never understand African American literature without being grounded in African American history. Again, you can continue to state the obvious that I am not in History....however, I am sure I have as much to offer as someone who did specialize in History as an undergraduate and continues to study African American history at the graduate level. If you took the time to read my posts carefully and see where I am coming from,instead of automatically discounting what I am saying, you wouldn't have overlooked my background.
@ SBP...I will be rooting for you, glad to see that you will stick to your principles.
Abstract Submission Etiquette
in Writing, Presenting and Publishing
Posted
Hi Everyone,
I am just now thinking about presenting at conferences and wanted some tips on abstract etiquette. For instance, is it okay to send multiple abstracts to different conferences? I sent an abstract to my first conference the 30th of last month and just got word that it was rejected this past Monday. I sent the same abstract to another conference two days ago and was told that I wouldn't know the status of my abstract until April, though the conference is in June (and is abroad for that matter). Is it better to wait until I hear back from a conference before sending the same abstract proposal to another conference? I would not want to do anything that would jeopardize my standing in my field. Thanks for your help!