Worst decision of my life

I feel like deciding to go to school where I did (the only place I got in that year,) was the worst decision of my life. I feel like I don't fit in culturally where I am and because of that bump heads with professors and other students. I am from somewhere where people enjoy good natured debate about topics and don't get offended when people disagree over a topic. However, here people seem to think that if you don't agree with another person and express your difference of opinion then it is the end of the world. I come from somewhere that debating is seen as a healthy discussion. I feel like my opinion is not wanted or valued. I know that the department does not value their masters students (I and many other masters students believe they see us as only a way to bring in revenue to the department since the PhD student's are fully funded and we have no funding, but at the same time give the PhD students all the attention and never tell us anything). I wish that I had never moved here for school. I (and other masters students) feel that our needs are not considered and opinions are not wanted in the department. My adviser point blank told me and my friend (who also has him as an adviser) that he did not want us in his lab last year. Even though I discussed on the phone when I was interviewed my desire to work with him as he is the only one in the program that does research on the area I am interested in, There were reports of a professor telling the incoming PhD students that the masters students are not as good as them (even though we all come in w/ the same amount of schooling). It is no wonder that the PhD students act like we are less than them. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And while I did not know this before I came, it is no wonder that 3/4 of the class before us dropped out of the program. Too bad since it is a masters program and not a PhD program, they do not have to report these things.

I wish I had never come. I feel like I am racking up debt for no reason. But I can't just change programs or stop schooling because I need to be able to get a job that can pay off the debt I have accumulated here.

I'm so sorry you feel this way! I hate it when people think they're better than others... lame. Is there someone higher up than your advisor that you could talk to? Obviously the program needs some changes, or the community does and maybe someone in power could help... It seems that you are not the only one feeling this way so something needs to be changed!

Hope you feel better!

Googly, I'm so sorry all this stuff is happening to you. Alas, a master's degree tends to be considered second-rate in some fields in academia. WRONGLY SO!

I'm sorry you regret this decision. Investigate all sides and make a new decision for the future.

I sure wish I knew if I had yet made "the worst decision of my life".

Believe in Him or not --- GOD LOVES YOU!

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Hi Googley,

My heart goes out to you. This sounds like a tough situation. I don't understand it frankly. My partner is in grad school right now and at her school the masters and phd students get along well. But the masters students get treated a bit more like royalty because they don't get a "free ride." They're always getting free lunches and tote bags and stuff since the school really values them. Before she was at this school she was at another one she really didn't like. So she had to decide if she wanted to stick it out or take the time to put in some more applications (to transfer). She ended up going that route, and even though it turned out to be a stressful year doing her regular work on top of applications she was accepted into this different school and has liked it so much better. It's OK to move sideways. Better to move on then stay at a place where you don't feel comfortable, I think. Have you considered transferring?

E

ps. Don't be so hard on yourself! How could you ever know what to expect? Nobody knows. You made the very best decision you could, and now that you know how it is you can act on what you know. I think life is full of these sideways moves.