It's not about what you know, its about how you relay the message!

So, it is obviously not about what I know as a graduate student, but more about how I present myself. I both agree and disagree with my assessment! It becomes ever so easy for most to apply just the right amount of bull with the actual material, and this can cloud ones actual take on the material. One would then preceive that the presentee "really knows their stuff". But, where does the misconnection come into play? When does your appearance and attitude become not enough? Even in a sense of, you really know what you are talking about! You really have a point, a goal of making those that you are presenting to understand your logic, so why don't they see it?
I then calmed down and came to grips with my grade, honestly it was what I expected. I then got to hear what a great presentation sounded like...I was blown away. It was then obvious that I was graciously given then grade I got.
What is the point, just because you thought you tried hard doesn't mean you really did. I didn't, and it was obvious. I could have connected that material better. My sources were related to a point, but that point was a thin line of "How good am I to present this?!" While I do know how to talk, and present myself in a professional manner; I did not get my point across. I was too technical! Me, technical! Ha Well to the one that mattered I was, so for those lowly uneducated grad students that some how made it this far, sorry I did not "Dumb" it down enough for you!
My next presentation will be on Soils. That is it. Why does soil matter? If that is too technical, then I'm screwed!

Why must I justify my work?

I am a recently admitted graduate student at USM in Hattiesburg, MS. I have created this blog to talk about Geography. I knew from a young age that I wanted to work with rocks, soil and the land itself. I would classify myself as a Physical Geographer with my emphasis in Geomorphology. What does that even mean? I get this question alot, believe it or not! What is Geography? Well, it is complicated and diverse; to use two very well known words and make it short! I have only been in the Geography program for 4 short weeks, and I already am overwhelmed with anger and frustration!

Why must I justify my work? Why should I have to defend my emphasis in life? I realize that questions are how one learns, but to "dumb down" my profession of choice is well, nerve racking! But, I chose this line of work, and it will take alot more than a few...well alot of critics to run me off! I have also just recently realized that my department is not accredited! WHAT! Blow my mind! Well, what can I do to help this situation? I can go to the president and request that she take a look at the grant writings that have been done by professors within my department. I can go to her about the contributions of research that they have made.

I want my voice heard, do I need to write a letter to the AAG (American Association of Geograpers) to ask why we have not broken through that last boundary of accreditation status? Will this be what puts geography on the map? No pun intended! If accreditation is reached, will we then be seen as the actual scholars that we are?

Only time will tell.