Final Reflection

            I greatly enjoyed Doctoral Seminar this semester, where I had the opportunity to listen to a multitude of professors speak on a variety of topics.  This semester's roster was very diverse, and included experts who spoke on a wide array of subjects.  Being a doctoral student in the field of International Education, I greatly appreciated hearing from Dr. Bev Shaklee and Ms. Supriya Baily on April 1, 2008.

            I first met Dr. Shaklee last year, at my interview for admission to George Mason University's doctoral program.  It was wonderful to see her in class again, where she reiterated many of the wonderful opportunities she had shared with me before.  She spoke of the Center for International Education, and the many programs and resources it has to offer.  Since that date, I have been in contact with her by e-mail, and she has agreed to take me on a tour of the Center.  Upon our next meeting, I intend to ask Dr. Shaklee to join my advisory committee.

            Coincidentally, I also spoke with Ms. Supriya Baily before this semester began.  She was assigned to me as a mentor by Ms. Holmes, because she was graduating in my field.  We began corresponding via e-mail at the beginning of the Fall semester in 2007.  In class, she spoke to us about her dissertation, which she conducted overseas in India.  This was highly interesting to me, because I am also playing with the idea of traveling (although on a much smaller scale) to conduct my dissertation.

            After Ms. Baily's presentation, I went to speak with both her and Dr. Shaklee.  Later that week, Supriya met with me to discuss the structure of the program at George Mason, and to give tips about navigating through the specialization of International Education.  Armed with the knowledge that I have gained in Doctoral Seminar, I feel confident to pursue my studies, and would eventually like to mentor students who are beginning in this program.