Well, this sucks...

[Sheenar]

So, I um, didn't do so great on my comprehensive exam. I did well on 2 sections of it (on the 2nd try), but that 3rd section --still didn't get that right even on the 3rd try.

So, even though I have a 3.24 GPA and gave things my best shot, I most likely will not be graduating with my M.S. My committee is going to be calling me in the morning between 9 and 10 with their final decision, but from the things they said today, I'm not holding out much hope that they will change their minds.

I am pretty devastated. This is NOT what I had hoped for --or poured out so much sweat, tears and hours for.

Trying to figure out where to go from here. I feel like a failure. Family Christmas get-together is going to be rough --I'll get asked about this most likely.

Please pray. My heart is broken over this.

[Okami]

I was sitting here at a loss for words for what to say and sort of fumbling around in my head, "Lord, what do I say to my dear friend?" and the first thing to come to mind was some lyrics from Hillsong, "Hold onto hope; take courage again." And I don't know what that says or of what use that line might be for you, Sheena, but I believe I was meant to share it with you.

I want to validate that what you feel does suck; that's why I'm at a loss for words just trying, fumbling, to come up with a response. My mentor recently told me something along the lines of "when life couldn't GET any worse because all's fallen apart, that's when God shows up in His glory." Keep on the lookout, hon. I am, too. *hug*

[ABlipinTime]

:O
Dang. I'm sure God knows what He's doing, but that is rough. I'll be praying for your peace of mind.
Any word on the final decision?

[Sheenar]

Just got off the phone with my chair. My graduate studies with the Ag dept. are over and there are no more chances.
However, he said, now talking to me as a regular professor, that I could transfer my credits (and good GPA) to another dept. at my university or to another institution for their Masters program if that is my dream to get one (and it is).

So I have a lot of thinking and praying to do.

[Atria35]

I'm sorry to hear this Whatever happens, I hope it's for the best.

[TopazRaven]

Aw, I'm sorry to hear about that. I'll continue to pray for you and I hope things start looking up for you soon.

[Sheenar]

Some friends are encouraging me to appeal/protest the decision (write to the Dean of my college). I do agree that some aspects of this are unfair (my GPA is a pretty good one and I passed 2 out of 3 sections of the comps --and technically answered the questions on the 3rd section --just not up to "what they wanted"), but don't really want to get into a big, long drawn-out fight over it.

I don't even know what to do...most of my credits won't transfer to a new Masters program at my university (haven't looked at others yet), so I'd have to start a program from scratch, basically. I don't know if I can do that health-wise.

I returned my regalia to the bookstore today. I am heartbroken.

[Sheenar]

Met with the Dean of Graduate Studies this morning. The gist is that it would be spinning my wheels to protest the committee's decision since departmental procedures were followed (though not as well as they could have/should have been) --so it'd be a big waste of time and energy.

I was advised to email the advisors of various programs for more information and pursue a degree in another area of study.

Disappointing outcome --but there's a reason in all of this somewhere --God has a plan..

[Atria35]

Praying things work out!

[sarahjoy78]

I'm praying! Hope things get better!

[Selfless]

God still has a plan for your life, trust in Him.

[sarahjoy78]

God loves you, No matter what. He will always be there for you. Always.

[Gigavine]

God loves you, No matter what. He will always be there for you. Always.

Amen to that Sarah!

I will be sure to pray for you and the others of my brethren struggling with such endeavors. I find it amazing that The Most High God can carry His servants through such great circumstances which many people could never dream of. And even one with a service dog God is working through.

God bless you!

[Sheenar]

Sorry to gravedig, but I have an update to this situation.

Friends talked me out of trying to pursue another degree --and I'm glad they did --taking a realistic look at things, that would mean more debt that I can't pay back and also not sure I could handle a full 2-year program at this point in time.


So I went ahead with the appeal of my committee's decision. Submitted my paperwork/supporting materials. Figured it wouldn't hurt to try and see if they'll find in my favor (and give me another shot at passing that third section of the comprehensive exam) --after all, I've already been told "no" --so it wouldn't change anything if they don't find in my favor. But I at least need to make my case and try --see if they'll have mercy on me and grant my request.

My appeal hearing is on Monday, March 19. I am so very nervous. Please pray that the right outcome will happen and also that I am able to remain calm and present my case logically/competently and not turn into a blubbering idiot (I tend to break down crying when I am under a large amount of stress or if the situation is really tense/making me really anxious).

[Atria35]

Praying! I have a tendency to break down too- my suggestion is if you really feel like you're going to start sobbing, do it beforehand so you can get it out of your system before going in to talk to them. I usually have a good cry right before I do any public speaking whatsoever, and it does help a surprising amount.

[Sheenar]

Eep. My hearing is tomorrow (well, today now). o.O

Please pray, y'all. I am still so stinking nervous/anxious. I just want it all to be over...

[Atria35]

Good luck!

[Sheenar]

14 minutes. I feel like I'm going to die. D:

My stomach is in knots, my palms are sweating, my heart is beating a samba.

Please pray. I really need God's help here to calm down.

[K. Ayato]

Breathe in deep through your nose, let it out through your mouth. Repeat as needed. It's going to be all right.

[Sheenar]

Oh. my. gosh. That was awful. My palms were (and still are) sweating profusely, my heart was going 100 miles an hour in my stomach and I had this overwhelmingly anxious feeling the whole time.

But I didn't break down crying --I made my case calmly and clearly.

I sure broke down crying afterward, though. But just a little. That was one heck of a stressful experience.


I should hear back in the next day or two with the decision of the appeal committee.

[Sheenar]

The committee did not find in my favor.
In my stupid memory issues, I forgot to bring up something VERY important during the meeting and sent a supplemental email after, which of course, could not be brought into consideration (even though they told me to email them some documentation I mentioned that I had).

I hate, hate this stupid brain fog and the memory issues. They are really biting me in the butt.

So, on to the Dean. I want this nightmare to be over. What an awful experience this whole thing has been.

[Sheenar]

So, the Dean emailed me back saying that I could not appeal to him (even though I had been told I could) and that the committee's decision is final. Even though a student notetaker had not been provided during the committee meetings when I was taking my comprehensive examinations nor was there an advocate present during my appeal hearing.

Also, having to evacuate my apartment the weekend of my last examination and spending most of a day in the ER is not sufficient grounds to be granted another attempt.


I am angry. Trying to figure out where to go from here. 2 years of hard work, tears, sweat --good GPA, passing all of my courses to standard. It can't end this way --it can't. Not without giving me a fair chance.

[AdriTan]

wow, this must be so hard! I'm sorry. I'll be praying like crazy! Just remember God still has a plan for your life! He loves you and so sometimes what's best for you might hurt, but in the end it all turns out right the way He wanted it, and more than we could have dreamed.