Dallas Instructor Learned Profound Lesson When Pursuing Degree
Heather Lincecum is a science instructor; she has taught honors anatomy and physiology, biology and chemistry for 14 years. A Texas A&M University – College Station graduate in biomedical science served her well. She earned her Teaching Certification from the University of Texas at Dallas. But, she wanted to get more out of life and give more to the students that she teaches. She earned a Master's of Education in School Counseling from Lamar University.
"I teach my required content, mentor, counsel and love many students who need another adult to help with life lessons. I found myself drawn to counseling and mentoring more than chemistry because, I believe that I can make a larger impact on students if I can help them to be more successful in life as opposed to more success in just chemistry. As a teacher, my focus is divided but, as a school counselor I will be able to narrow that focus and that position requires a master's degree," said Heather Lincecum.
Time management was a big challenge Lincecum faced when going back to school. Juggling class assignments and study time, wasn't easy for the teacher and single mother. "I plan activities with my child every weekend that she is with me and am always carting her off to some sports practice or game. I rarely worked on my assignments unless she was asleep or with her dad. I often turned my due at midnight assignment in at 11:59 p.m.," said Lincecum.
On reflecting on the biggest reward for earning the master's degree, Lincecum said, "Initially, I thought my biggest reward would be finding a new and rewarding career which paid more for doing something I love, but I have found that the new pride and respect that I have for myself is profoundly more rewarding than a new job will be. I'm proud of myself because I went back, finished my degree successfully and have gained more knowledge and insight to helping my students. I went to graduation because I have crossed the finish line and my medal is that piece of paper that hangs on my wall acknowledging my hard work and effort."
Lincecum's advice for those considering a master's degree: "Find a program that works for you that will help you achieve the goal you have in mind. My program was completely online and done through videos, group chats, and interactive online message boards. My assignments were all submitted online. I did not have time to go to an actual classroom and would not have been able to get my masters degree if an online option had not been available. Many grad school programs are done this way."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com