“Southern California?”
That is the response that I usually get when I am asked where I am doing my master’s degree. Considering that I live in Florida, the confusion is justified. There are literally hundreds of schools between me and Los Angles so people are usually interested in what made me choose USC over a school that is closer to home and, why I chose an online program versus a face-to-face program.
I am busy. I know that a lot of people say that but I really mean it. During the day, I teach middle school full time where I am the sponsor for Student Government, help with the boys’ soccer team and tutor ELL students three afternoons a week. When I come home, I am a wife and mommy. On top of that, I am an athlete and fitness enthusiast, exercising 5-6 days a week and almost always training for some type of event. I say all of that to make the point of the fact that I needed flexibility and efficiency in the master’s program I chose. When I spoke to a recruitment counselor about enrolling full time in the MAT@USC program, I saw the potential for those two things. I think the thing that sold me on the program was the 2SC platform. The ability to go to class, see my teachers and classmates but never have to leave home meant that I wouldn’t waste hours driving to class, I wouldn’t miss time with my family to go to class or study groups, and I would still be able to interact with those in my class. The cherry on top was the opportunity to collaborate with people across the country and gain a new perspective on education outside of my district or state.
With one semester to go, I can honestly say that the things that drew me into the MAT@USC program have been my favorite things about being a part of it. I have connected with people that I would have otherwise never known existed, building lifelong friendships. I have been able to do my course work after my son goes to bed, allowing me to have the maximum amount of time with him. Often times, I am able to squeeze in a workout before logging on to class (my cohort is used to seeing me red-faced and sweaty). Lastly, because I pick my own schedule, I still have uninterrupted date nights with my husband.
I would be lying if I said that juggling everything was easy. I would also be lying if I said it was something for everyone to try. But, for me, it works. I believe that a large part of that is because of the unique, accommodating nature of MAT@USC. I have been able to further my education, better my practice and have minimal effect on my personal life. I love my experience with MAT@USC and I take every chance to share about my experience and the program when I can. Most of all, I love being a part of something new, different and at the forefront of technology and education.
Will I be happy when I am done, conferred, and graduated? Sure, who doesn’t want life to be a little less full sometimes? Will it be worth all of the work? Absolutely. The best part is knowing that, in the words of Frank Sinatra, I did it my way.
If you’d like to know more about how MAT@USC can prepare you to earn your Florida teaching certificate and make a difference in your local community, contact our Admissions office at 888.MAT.1USC or email us at matadmit@usc.edu.
