Teacher, Tutor, Entrepreneur

Alisa Semiens shares her path to graduate school with us and talks about adjusting to a new field in her graduate work. She has a Journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s degree in Education from Relay Graduate School of Education.

1. What is one sentence you would use to describe who you are and what you do?

My purpose on earth is to help people. I am a teacher, tutor, and entrepreneur. I help people succeed academically in reading and writing; I also help teachers pass their 4-8 ELAR test so that they can begin to help students in the classroom.

2. Did you take the GRE? If so, what was your experience studying for the GRE like?

I did not take the GRE. I went through a fellowship program through Relay Graduate School of Education to obtain my master’s in Education.

3. Why did you decide to go to grad school? What program did you attend? How did you choose your specific program?

I decided to attend grad school to obtain higher opportunities. Education has always been a priority in my family, so when the opportunity presented itself to earn a higher advanced degree, I was ready to begin.

4. How do you feel your graduate degree has impacted your career?

My graduate degree has impacted my career by giving me the tools necessary to be successful in the classroom and to apply my knowledge to my tutoring company. I am able to take what I have learned and help students achieve their goals through instruction and data.

5. What advice do you wish someone had given you before you started grad school?

I wish someone had told me how not to procrastinate. My Bachelor’s degree is in journalism, so I’m so used to waiting until the last minute to finish a story because that’s just how the news works but that just does not work well in the academic world. I wish someone had told me to use my planner thoroughly and that it’s okay to pass on social events. I am a huge advocate for networking.

Learn more about Alisa on Facebook, Instagram, and her website.