Conclusion

In your Conclusion Statement, include here your reflections on your MLIS program, a discussion of your strengths, and a professional growth plan,plus any final comments and conclusions.

I began the SJSU Library and Information Science program in the summer of 2014. That semester, students who would be entering in the fall were given the opportunity to enroll in a class in order to get used to the online learning programs. I signed up for The History of Books and Libraries, which in hindsight is the best choice I could have made. The assignments got me out of the house and into my local academic library and special collections repository. In addition to my professor and fellow students, I was able to discuss library careers with the repository employees, all of whom remembered what it was like to be in your first semester of grad school. I didn't yet have a real idea of what it was like to work in a real library, or even how to look for the kind of job I wanted in the field. For that matter, I wasn't even sure what kind of job I wanted. But, by the time my required classes began in the Fall 2014 semester, I was ready to find out.

As I progressed in the program, I was delighted to find that the path recommended for a future career in public libraries includes classes that help you solidify your view of your life as an information professional. I took Information Professions to explore potential career paths, Young Adult Materials to hear firsthand accounts from youth services librarians, and Global Librarianship to learn about the operation of libraries abroad and opportunities to help American organizations who assist the developing world with their library facilities. Through these and many more valuable courses, I eventually decided that my unofficially official path was public librarianship with an emphasis on young adult services. The freedom to explore the path that is right for you coupled with guidance and required core classes is what makes this degree such a valuable degree.

I have been asked many times whether I regret signing up for an entirely online grad school experience instead of attending a traditional school. Honestly, the SJSU iSchool is the best choice I could have made to get my master's. I attended a university for my undergrad degree in Creative Writing. It was a wonderful experience that I would never trade. Attending college in another state allowed me to form lifelong friendships with people from all over the country. However, the potential difficulty of transferring credits to a different school felt cumbersome. I was ready to move to a different city but still wanted to graduate, so my adviser helped me cram my final two years of study into one. I remembered this when looking for a graduate school. By the time I was ready to continue my education I was living in Oregon and not a fan of my surroundings. I knew I would not want to stay in that area for the two or three years it takes to complete a master's degree, so online school was the ultimate solution. After enrolling in SJSU's iSchool I moved apartments twice in Oregon and then made a larger move to Phoenix, Arizona. I was also able to keep two part time jobs at a time, and later on a full time job with an unpredictable schedule. All of this was possible because I could sign into school any time of day from any location.

If I had enrolled in a physical school program I would never have been able to move to Arizona and find the amazing opportunity of working at Phoenix Public Library. What I have learned in my year and a half on the job has supplemented what I learned in school and provided me with extremely valuable on-the-job training. My time working for PPL has helped me solidify my professional growth plan. I want to work as a public librarian in youth services, making sure the library continues to be a place where information can be accessed freely by people of all ages.

Being a full-time grad student while working several jobs and moving several times has definitely not been easy. However, I have gained valuable life and job skills during my time in the SJSU iSchool, and made important connections that will benefit me as I work to grow my career in the field. Now that my coursework is finished I plan to continue working part time as a Library Assistant, using my degree to grow my programs and be an exemplary employee. I will also be searching for a job with the title of Librarian so I can put my skills and knowledge to use full-time. Meanwhile I will enjoy reading for pleasure, committing to my health, and spending time with my family now that I have successfully completed my Master's degree.