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For my first blog post, I think it's probably a good idea to introduce myself. I'm Meredith May, a doctoral candidate at TCU working on my PhD in American History.
I've wanted to teach history since I was a little girl. Well, I wanted to teach something since I was little. When I was in second grade, I wanted to teach second grade. When I was in third grade, I wanted to teach third grade, and so on.
At some time around fifth grade, I discovered a passion for history. I devoured every kind of historical fiction I could get my hands on, and my mother began buying me non-fiction for young readers. I loved it all. I also had an insane drive to be the best at everything. When I asked what the highest possible level could be reached in terms of history, someone told me it was being a history professor with a PhD. Well, that began a journey that I am still on today.
I grew up in Huntington, a very small town in Deep East Texas. I went to Huntington ISD from kindergarten through high school. After graduation, I went to Stephen F. Austin State University. I spent four wonderful years as a Lumberjack. At SFA, I worked at the Academic Assistance and Resource Center as a one-on-one tutor and as a Supplemental Instructor. At the AARC, I was trained though the College of Reading and Learning Association on how to be a tutor. I achieved Level 3 status as a Master Tutor during my time at the AARC. In the three years I worked at the AARC, I tutored over a hundred students in history, political science, and psychology.
In December 2009, I graduated from SFA summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA, which you can read more about here: javascript:nicTemp();
In August 2010, I began my MA in history at Texas Christian University. My master's thesis explored gender and the Deep East Texas timber products industry. I loved TCU, and I decided to stay for my PhD work.
Beginning in 2010, I worked as a graduate assistant in the history department. As a GA, I graded papers and did research for professors. To help make ends meet, (graduate students do not receive large stipends) I began tutoring athletes through TCU's academic tutoring program for student-athletes. At the athletic center, I continued to use the skills I learned at the AARC to help student-athletes manage their time, learn study skills, and develop as life-long learners.
In January 2014, I became an adjunct instructor in history at Tarrant County College. Being a teacher has, in my opinion, made me a better tutor. I now have a greater appreciation for what instructors look for in essays, exams, and projects.
In my personal life, I am a tremendous nerd. I still have a love affair with reading, although I unfortunately have less time for it. I have a dog named Atticus who my fiance and I adopted from PetSmart in September of 2014. He's a Vizsla mutt and the center of our universe.
He's spoiled, and he knows it.
I love traveling, watching movies, baking, and swimming. I am an Anglophile and have an affinity for hot tea and shows like "Downton Abbey." Pinterest is my current addiction; it doesn't help that I'm planning a wedding.
I have only worked with FrogTutoring for roughly two weeks, but I have greatly enjoyed my time as an employee. Participating in the education process is such a joy. I love watching people's faces when they finally understand something or feel that they've accomplished a goal. There is nothing like watching that moment of satisfaction.
I plan to post more blogs in the future on specifically how to do well, as a college student, in a humanities class from a professor's point of view. I also have a post in mind for the week after next (after I'm done grading finals!) on how to be a successful student in a history or political science course. Stay tuned!
