Graduate Assistants
Ju Hee Kang
The PSU English department has four new graduate assistants. In addition to the courses they take toward earning a master's degree, each assistant teaches two sections of composition per semester. In return for teaching, they receive a tuition waver and a monthly stipend.
Aparna Sinha, from New Delhi, India, obtained her undergraduate degree in English and Computer Applications from the University of Delhi. Before she came to PSU, she taught English in the professional world in India. She chose to pursue her master's in English at PSU because it offered an emphasis in professional writing and rhetoric. She enjoys teaching because "it is the noblest profession in this world." She plans to complete her master's in December 2006, and then to work on her Ph.D.
Before arriving at PSU, John Rodrigue taught developmental English for one year at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, where he had received a B. A. in English. He decided to pursue a master's in English with a literature emphasis at PSU because of the personal touch that comes with a smaller university. When asked what it takes to teach freshman composition, he said, "Intelligence, a strong work ethic, an open mind, and an open door are the most important." He hopes to complete his degree in May 2007, and his future plans are not yet decided.
Melissa Smith-MacDonald, originally from Boston, started her bachelor's degree in English Literature at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and finished at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts. She is pursuing a master's in English with a literature emphasis because she wanted to keep studying literature. She chose to attend PSU because it offered the combination of practical experience and the opportunity to pursue her own studies. When asked what she considers best about being a graduate assistant, she said, "It's a really great feeling to be able to go to work and still be laughing at the end of the day." She plans to complete her degree in May 2007, but she is undecided about her future plans, although she is considering pursuing a Ph.D.
Angela Stanley majored in Criminal Justice and minored in English at Missouri Southern State University. She chose to study for a master's in English with a professional writing and rhetoric emphasis at PSU because it is close to home. She enjoys teaching because she likes to "connect with students and help them to become better writers." One of the best parts of being a graduate assistant for her is the camaraderie among the graduate students. She plans to complete her degree in spring 2007 and would like to continue teaching writing at the college level.
Continuing their assistantships for a second year are Stephanie Joiner, Kathleen Champlin, Melissa Fite, Judith Pearson, Erin Wilson, and Nidal Nseir.
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