First day of Graduate School

[Marmoura7777]

Hey everyone,

I wanted to post my experience in my first Graduate Finance class I am taking:

Basically, it was horrible. I was sitting in a class with 5 males.
I was the only female there. Not to forget mentioning that they were all probably a looooooooooooooooooooooot older than I was. Some were double my age!!! The youngest ranked at 32.

I didn't like my instructor either. Too arrogant!!! He wouldn't even look at me in the eyes (very stereotypical)
He asked us to make small groups of either 2 or 3. Anyway, he had mentioned something about a 7th person being in class. So I said: "hmm, I wonder if it's a female."
He said: "nah, don't worry, they probably dropped."
I said: "Great, so am the only female in class."
He said: "Well that's to your advantage."
I said: "And why is that?"
The instructor never replied back.

I wonder if all of my classes are going to be like this because it made me feel really insecure.
This school is a private one... Everyone was very professionally dressed. I showed up in some Nike pants and a Black T-shirt.
I felt horrible, because if I hadn't gained all this weight, then I would have "fit in".

What do y'all think?

[DancingStarr]

I'm so sorry to hear your first day didn't go so well. I'll pray that it gets better for ya! ;) (((Hugs))) :heart:

[babagrlshell]

Girl- you don't worry about your professor or those men in your class. They probably came in to class after work. Your weight isn't going to be what makes you fit in. Its your confidence level. And the advantage you have over them- is because we are the stronger sex. You have to get a thick skin being in a male dominated arena. You have to know you are the sh*t and you have to protray it. Even if you are absolutely have to "fake it til you make it". In situations where I am completely mortified that I stand out or look pathetic, I make myself seem that I am the most comfortable person and even the most outgoing. Its hard at first, but this way, you make yourself get comfortable in the situation by faking it.

If it makes you feel more comfortable, then get some nice fitting black pants and a comfy t-shirt (like almost a baby t but not really- the old navy perfect t is what I have in mind). So that you aren't under dressed, but feel comfortable.
I am a firm believer that the right outfit will make anyone feel more confident- lets take my senior seminar presentation for example. I was scared out of my mind, but I took 30 minutes choosing my outfit and my professor said that I looked like an entirely different person from my practice presentation.

Believe me, not all private schools dress professionally, I honestly can't really remember when I ever didn't wear pajama pants or jeans to class unless it was a presentation day or I had to go right to work after class. Like I said before, they are probably full time workers that came in right after work.

You will feel better next class. I promise.
And if you feel the need to clarify the question with your professor about why are you at an advantage, then go to their office and ask. Its their job to help you succeed in their class, and if you feel being the only woman will make you feel uncomfortable, then ask the professor for help adjusting.
Good luck!!!

[L J]

Oh wow, I'm sorry it was so bad. I have always felt really crappy in all of my classes, that "sticking out like a sore thumb" feeling.

Don't let it get you down, though. I'm sure most of your classmates are nice people, and it will get better with a little time.

I think its great that you are going to grad school! I doubt that its ever something I will do. Just remember why you are there and focus on gathering as much from it as you possibly can. I hope the rest of your classes are better!

[Marmoura7777]

Dancingstarr,babagrlshell, and LJ Y'ALL ARE THE BEST. For real, it means a lot that I have a SUPPORT SYSTEM. I am so grateful to each and everyone's point of view. It means so much to me because I was at a point wondering if what I was going through was a set-back. Now, I see it in a different aspect. Thank Y'all So Much!!!!

[babagrlshell]

No problem- if you ever need to vent or anything- PM me... It is good to have a support system of people who will 1. tell you like it is and 2. let you know that no matter what you rock! :)

And remember something I've been trying to get in my own head- it is never a set back- its a learning experience and you move on from that.

[Lumberjacks]

Hang in there! It's a great feeling graduating with your Master's degree. It's like a personal accomplishment. You know you worked hard for the extra 2-3 years and knowing that you achieved what you set out to accomplish is wonderful. You have obviously made up your mind that you want to complete a masters degree. There's no reason to stop now, I understand it must be difficult being the only woman. But it will not be like that in every class; this is your first one, try not to draw conclusions from the 1st experience.

On the other hand, there were 2 twins (female) in my first class, and 5 other males. I hated them so much! It was an all out competition every week for better grades. While we all ended up with A's, they always scored higher than me on exams, it tore me up! I think you should strive to be "that girl", the one that all those guys are trying to catch up with. Set the tone, lead by example. All it takes is that 1st perfect grade or higher than them and they will all look up to you.

[2Bslimagain]

THe fact that you are there... no matter what anyone else says or does is a lot. I have an appointment on Thursday 2-p,m, to enroll in a Master's program at the University I received my B.A.
I am a bit nervous about the GRE but I am excited at the thought of continuing my education.
I am THRILLED for you. The beginning of any class can be challenging, but you might find that with time, you actually like it. Let us know.
Meanwhile, keep in touch and let us know how it is going!
Happy studying!!!!

[missus]

Hey girl, congrats on that upcoming masters. It's called the Old Boys Network. And you've gotten some great advice thus far. Back in the day, when women weren't even CEOs, it was even harder to break thru. Just show em what you got (smarts, ambition, and plenty of sense), and what they're working with, they'll get with the program. Right now, they're testing the waters. Whatever else they throw at you, just give em back. And, like someone else said, let us know how you are doing. That's great girl. And finance is a field that is off the chain/chart. Good luck on your endeavors.

Missus