Featured Graduate Student, November 2009
Laura Pennington

Interview:

What is your primary motivation for persevering through graduate school?
I love teaching and I enjoy being a TA. I know that’s ultimately the end goal, so when I’m having a tough day with the workload or readings, I remind myself that this is just one step towards a bigger goal. I feel very lucky to be 23 and feel real passion for what I do.

How do you think earning an advanced degree will change your role in society?
I’m passionate about women’s issues and feel hopeful that I can use my current and future research to examine ways avenues for change and to advocate for people whose voices are often unheard. I’ve worked for two battered women’s shelters and a lawyer who represents victims of domestic violence, so I feel like I’ve seen a pertinent woman’s issue from multiple sides.

Did your past experiences in life or education help prepare you for graduate school or did you have to develop different strategies to succeed?
I was blessed to attend a small woman’s college where writing and critical thinking were vital for success. I also spent a year abroad studying in England, where the educational system forces you to be a self-disciplined learner. This made my transition to graduate school much easier.

Please describe your most meaningful academic relationship.
I currently work as the TA for Dr. Craig Brians in political science. I’m very fortunate that he’s also my thesis committee chair. Dr. Brians has been an incredible resource for graduate level work, PhD preparation, and my own research concerns. It’s also been a great experience shadowing his teaching. It’s wonderful to learn from someone who really enjoys teaching and cares a great deal about his students and learning. This experience has confirmed that I’m on the right path.

What accomplishment (academic or other) are you most proud of?
Preparing for the Miss Virginia pageant pushed me to new levels of time management skills and reflecting about how to present the best Laura to a panel of people who had never met me. The title requires a well rounded woman who is smart, quick on her feet, talented, physically fit, and dedicated to scholarship and community service. At times preparing for that felt like such a strange world outside of school, but it was a great exercise in self-development. Looking back, I don’t know how I did it, but I use it to motivate myself now. If I could accomplish all that, I can do anything!

What are your aspirations upon graduation?
I plan to earn my PhD and go on to teach in a college setting.

What do you feel is the greatest challenge that graduate students face and how have you dealt with this challenge?
Balance! It’s hard to remember that we can’t just focus on school all the time, although sometimes that feels necessary. I like using the timing system- I’ll work for 45 minutes and then take a 15 minute break. After a grueling week, I’ll do something fun on the weekend to reward myself. Working out is great for stress relief too!

How has getting involved in campus or community activities shaped your graduate experience?
To me, being a student is about more than your academic work. It’s about being a part of your community. I volunteered with the Women’s Center AWARE program and created a self-esteem program that I presented to over 1,000 area Girl Scouts. Last spring I organized a fashion show for young women to show that every body type was beautiful. Even right now, I’m coordinating a dress drive for gently used formal gowns to be given to women who can’t afford them. I recommend getting involved in a volunteer activity once a week- it will do you and others good!

What surprised you the most about graduate school?
I knew there would be a lot of reading but I was surprised by the difficulty and volume of some of the theoretical pieces I’ve had to work through!

How do you find balance between work, play, and your other non-academic responsibilities?
It was truly a feat during Spring ’09 to be preparing for Miss Virginia, working as a TA, and completing my own academic work. It’s important to set aside time for yourself and spend time with friends and family whenever possible. I also find it helpful to think about the big picture- everything connects together and leads to something greater. Also, set times that you will not work- turn your phone off, shut off the computer, and relax a little!

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Currently enrolled VT graduate students can be nominated for a variety of reasons -- academic or personal accomplishments, service to the department or the university community, or any other reason that makes them a unique and valuable member of academe. Students, faculty, or staff can submit nominations by completing a short nomination form.