The Importance of Connections..

As told by an SLP student..

It is really important to attain effective and positive connections with your advisors and professors.  They will be your coworkers once you finish graduate school and they want you to do the best you can!  At Stockton some of the professors for the undergraduate Speech-Language Pathology program advise and teach at the graduate level, so knowing your professors beforehand can relax you a little before starting the program.  But, if you're not a returning Stockton student, you will quickly be come accustomed to the school and will be welcomed with open arms by your program, professors and classmates especially in the CMDS program.

It is also extremely important to make an effort to connect with your classmates because you will be part of that cohort for 2 and a half years (more or less depending on your program).  Like I posted before, in the CMDS program you are expected to complete numerous group projects with different team members from all different backgrounds and from all over NJ, so it is important to maintain good relationships with your classmates.

Having friends in the program or out of the program but in graduate school can really help.  It will relax you to vent to some of your friends, get advice from them and use them as resources for ideas if you need some guidance or inspiration.

- Kaitlyn

New to the area?

                                                          A beautiful view of Smithville

If you're new to the area there are some unique places to check out. One of my most favorite places to visit in this area is the historic town of Smithville. There is so much to do there! There are a variety of different stores, restaurants, and bakeries. You can even visit their arcade and go paddle boating. October is one of the best months to visit Smithville because every weekend they have different festivals. This weekend is Oktoberfest, which is my favorite! There will be food, music, and vendors all over! I would recommend checking it out!

                       Here's a picture of my boyfriend and I enjoying Smithville, it's our favorite place

- Michelle

Setting One Day Aside

Personally, I feel that it is very important to set one day aside to do something fun and not school work! When you spend all week focusing on school, studying, doing assignments, sitting in class for hours, and taking exams you will need a mental break. Otherwise, you may begin to feel burnt out. So plan something fun on Saturdays! It will give you something to look forward to and you will feel refreshed after giving yourself some time away from school. Even if its something as little as going to the mall or walking around Smithville (my personal favorite).

- Michelle

Is working possible?

It is definitely possible if you are good at time management and dealing with pressure. Some people need to have a busy schedule full of things to do while others can't handle it. I wouldn't recommend working more than 15 hours if you are enrolled in an intense graduate program. I tried working 20-30 hours and it was nearly impossible and I couldn't handle it. It left me no time for studying or for things I enjoy like going to the gym and hanging out with friends. Yes I understand graduate school is expensive but your studies are more important at this time. I cut my hours to one day a week and so far that is working for me. I wouldn't be able to do anything more than that.I was getting burnt out fast!

- Michelle

Healthy Lunches

Here's some healthy paper bag lunches for those of you who are on the go like I am. I've already made a couple of these so far!

http://www.youbeauty.com/nutrition/galleries/12-healthy-brown-bag-lunches?source=Pinterest&campaign=type40

- Michelle

Choices....

Occupational therapy is such a diverse field! It's hard to imagine ever getting bored with my career choice. If I don't like one area there are MANY others to choose from! That's the beauty of occupational therapy. For a while, I wanted to work in a rehab setting with patients that have brain and spinal cord injuries. However, I recently switched my interest. I am so fascinated in mental health and as of now I can totally see myself doing that. Some things occupational therapist do in mental health is goal setting, home evaluations, activities of daily living, and coping mechanisms. Although, I want to try everything and I guess that's what field work is for!

- Michelle

Stressful weeks

The past two weeks have been so incredibly overwhelming! I  had 4 exams, 3 quizzes, assignments, group projects, and class readings before each class. All of this is especially hard to do when I am in class Monday-Thursday from 9am-5pm and work on Fridays. I basically came home everyday after class just to eat dinner and study until I fell asleep. It was mentally draining! However, all my studying paid off because I did well on all of my exams and I feel so relieved! MSOT school is extremely intense. You just have to keep working hard and you have to be driven with passion! You will get through it!

Inquiring? Applying? Submitting a Graduate Application?

Applying for graduate school can be an emotional roller coaster.  I know first hand how nerve-racking and frustrating inquiring, applying and even submitting a graduate school application can be.  I applied for Communication Disorders to seven schools, including Stockton College.  Each school has its own admission requirements, deadline, and specific processes.  It may be overwhelming, but you will get through it!

At Stockton College, the Graduate Studies & Continuing Studies Office, located at F-101, the assistants, student workers, and advisors are here to help you get through this process!  The Graduate School Program website at Stockton College is extremely helpful as well.  

Almost all the answers to your questions about your program of choice can be found online at this website:  www.stockton.edu/grad 

After clicking that link, you will be directed to the Graduate School page of Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.  On the left there are links that lead you to your specific program.  Under each program, you will find admission requirements, prerequisites, FAQS, and even contact information.

Even though this website is extremely helpful, the advisors, student workers, and assistants at the Graduate Studies are always here to help!  You can stop by the office to make appointments to speak with advisors, drop in with quick questions or even call us at (609)-652-4298.

We are all happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have about programs, applications, and opportunities.  I can tell you from experience, stopping in to the Graduate Studies Office or making appointments with advisors can go a long way!  Doing this eased my nerves, and help me gain confidence in my application!  

- Kaitlyn