Master's degree...am I wrong to be put out?

[Pembo]

I didn't expect or get a thing when I graduated with my masters. I even skipped the grad ceremonies. They just weren't important to me. The sense of personal accomplishment was enough for me. To each his own...

 

[graygables]

Getting the degree is the easy part. Stop whining and find a job that utilizes it. Now that will be a real accomplishment.

Wow. Getting the degree was not easy, thanks, and, no, I'm not "whining". I went back to school for the sole purpose of qualifying for an employment program, which I did, worked hard at my job there, and earned myself a very good position that utilizes my degree.

For the record, I don't brag about it or even bring it up at all, it's a line on my resume now as far as I'm concerned. The announcements were sent at my mother's encouragement, I even made them by hand b/c I didn't want to be all formal. They went to relatives and very close family friends who had been following my journey either through me or my parents. Education is highly valued in our family, my Dad is a professor in a Master's program himself, so I never viewed it as a "personal accomplishment", but I can see how some people would think that.

 

[Witch Mountain]

I'm a recent graduate and the people who are important to me already knew. I got a few phone calls and emails, but those typically came from people I talk to on a weekly basis.

 

[sparklynails23]

I would never send an announcement for any graduation unless I were having a party. It just looks like you're begging for a gift.

 

[We_Love_Disney]

Wow. Getting the degree was not easy, thanks, and, no, I'm not "whining". I went back to school for the sole purpose of qualifying for an employment program, which I did, worked hard at my job there, and earned myself a very good position that utilizes my degree.

For the record, I don't brag about it or even bring it up at all, it's a line on my resume now as far as I'm concerned. The announcements were sent at my mother's encouragement, I even made them by hand b/c I didn't want to be all formal. They went to relatives and very close family friends who had been following my journey either through me or my parents. Education is highly valued in our family, my Dad is a professor in a Master's program himself, so I never viewed it as a "personal accomplishment", but I can see how some people would think that.

Sadly, you cant try and explain yourself until you are blue in the face, and there will still be those that feel entitled to not only judge you but to reprimand you. Please don't take it to heart. And please don't belittle your accomplishment to satisfy these _________ (refraining from using the word i want) there are those that just want to crush others to feel better about themselves. You achieved a goal that you worked hard for, and yes others that are close to you should share your joy and acknowledge your achievement, but, that isn't always the case. You are entitled to your feelings. I do suggest that you don't dwell on your disappointment as it will only hurt you in the long run.

Be proud! and again:

Congratulations!!​

you go girl!

 

[We_Love_Disney]

I would never send an announcement for any graduation unless I were having a party. It just looks like you're begging for a gift.

 

[luvmy3]

Sadly, you cant try and explain yourself until you are blue in the face, and there will still be those that feel entitled to not only judge you but to reprimand you. Please don't take it to heart. And please don't belittle your accomplishment to satisfy these _________ (refraining from using the word i want) there are those that just want to crush others to feel better about themselves. You achieved a goal that you worked hard for, and yes others that are close to you should share your joy and acknowledge your achievement, but, that isn't always the case. You are entitled to your feelings. I do suggest that you don't dwell on your disappointment as it will only hurt you in the long run.

Be proud! and again:

Congratulations!!​

you go girl!

First of all, nobody here has belittled the OPs accomplishments, and she came here asking if she should be upset that nobody responded to her announcements that she recieved her Master's Degree. She herself said she was upset that nobody acknowledged how hard she worked and alot if us here feel that its not necessary in this case. It was her accomplishment and she should be very proud, and yes it would be very nice if the people she's close to acknowledged it, but sending out announcements and expecting people to call her up and congratulate her seems a bit self grandizing IMO.

Also, OP you said you were the first person in your family to recieve your Master's yet you say your father is professor? If I'mnot mistaken that would require a Master's or PhD depending on the field and college/university.

 

[We_Love_Disney]

First of all, nobody here has belittled the OPs accomplishments.....but sending out announcements and expecting people to call her up and congratulate her seems a bit self grandizing IMO.

Also, OP you said you were the first person in your family to recieve your Master's yet you say your father is professor? If I'mnot mistaken that would require a Master's or PhD depending on the field and college/university.

Statements like saying her expectations were high and by sending out announcements is full of herself is belittling her and her accomplishments, IMHO. There are pre-made cards everywhere, even Wal-mart that are for announcing graduation, so OP certainly isn't the first person ever to make the announcement. It is a fairly common practice, and most people acknowledge receipt of such cards, either by phone, mail, computer or even in the form of a gift.

She said her father professor in a masters program, and a masters is not required in most places.

 

[Magicbus]

She said her Dad is a professor in a Master's program, and a masters is not required in most places.

You're saying that in most colleges you can be a Professor teaching in a Masters program without having a Masters degree yourself?

 

[cluvsdisney]

I wouldn't send an announcement but I would be more then a little hurt if my siblings and close family members couldn't rally up a "congrats, good job" phone call, email text or something. I would at least do that for anyone I care about completing a goal.

 

[december]

To teach at our local community college you have to have a masters, so that one confuses me.

I was not trying to belittle the OP. If I got the card, I would think "how nice for xxx." And if I saw her, I would say congratulations. I think the OP was expecting much more, and most of us agree that her expectations were too high.

As I stated, I just completed my masters in May. Since others have shared, this was my experience: I completed my masters in 2 yrs, the first year I was pregnant, the 2nd I had a newborn. I work full time, and also have 2 older kids. And I switched schools (I teach) between those years and started teaching completely different classes (from Trans to Alg, Alg I and AP Calculus to Alg II, Geometry, and Survey of Math), so I had to start over on all my lesson plans/activities.

Most adults work hard, have kids, and make sacrifices to go back to school. I just don't think that announcements are the norm after high school, and definitely not for Kindergarten! The OP should be proud, but I don't think she should hold this against her family.

 

[luvmy3]

Statements like saying her expectations were high and by sending out announcements is full of herself is belittling her and her accomplishments, IMHO. There are pre-made cards everywhere, even Wal-mart that are for announcing graduation, so OP certainly isn't the first person ever to make the announcement. It is a fairly common practice, and most people acknowledge receipt of such cards, either by phone, mail, computer or even in the form of a gift.

She said her father professor in a masters program, and a masters is not required in most places.

Its not fairly common practice everywhere for an adult to send out announcements for recieveing their Master's degree. I know many people who have recieved their Master's and several people who have recieved their PhD's. Never have I recieved an announcement. I haven't even recieved an announcement of a High school graduation, although I have recieved invitations to parties celebrating them. So I stand by my opinion that sending out an announcement to let everyone know of your personal accomplishment is self grandizing, but that doesn't mean that is belittling her accomplishment, I just don't think she needs to announce it to everyone Like others have said, adults work hard and sacrifice for all kinds of things, it doesn't mean they need to tell the world what they did.

I don't know where you went to college, but you cannot be a professor without already obtaining a Master's degree, and in many cases you actually need a PhD.

 

[graygables]

Also, OP you said you were the first person in your family to recieve your Master's yet you say your father is professor? If I'mnot mistaken that would require a Master's or PhD depending on the field and college/university.

Yes, my father teaches in a Master's program without a Master's himself. He is a recognized expert in his field and had been granted credentials to teach at the university due to his years of experience as well as his knowledge. He has recently won 2 awards (one from the state, one from the university) and sits on an editorial staff for a publication out of Oxford as well. Yes, it is highly unusual, but not unheard of.

He was particularly proud of my achievement due to my being the first in the family and he also wanted me to send announcements. I guess we are more "old-fashioned", but no one thought sending graduation announcements is out of the ordinary from high school and beyond. I'm really quite surprised at the number of people who do find it unusual.

 

[We_Love_Disney]

College teachers are among this group; their primary responsibility is to instruct students in a specific subject using a variety of teaching methods such as lectures, demonstration, presentations and group work. The educational and training qualifications for teachers may vary from state to state. The minimum requirement is a teaching certificate or a Bachelor degree in Education from an accredited college or university. In addition to this, the applicant has to apply for a teaching license from the National Board of Certification or the state licensing body. Master teachers are mentors to student teachers as well as provide training and guidance to other teachers. Master teacher qualifications include a teaching certification and experience in a supervisory role. It is necessary to have at least three years of teaching experience in addition to the candidate's academic qualifications or certifications.

From the teacher's qualification website.

Just because you didn't personally receive any announcements does not make is uncommon, it just makes it uncommon in your circle. Stating you would never do such a thing is extremely judgmental and rude. She did.

 

[luvmy3]

From the teacher's qualification website.

Just because you didn't personally receive any announcements does not make is uncommon, it just makes it uncommon in your circle. Stating you would never do such a thing is extremely judgmental and rude. She did.

You made a statement that a Master's was not required in most places to be a professor, that was what I was addressing.

The OP asked for opinions, she asked for judgement by asking us what we thought. I don't find any of the repsonses rude, I find that people are giving examples of what they would have done in the situation in order to answer the Op's question of whether or not she should be upset.

OP, thank you for the clarifiaction about your father's title. While I know many people can teach in college without a teaching degree (my dh was asked to teach some courses in a local CC, because he is an expert in his field as well), I wasn't aware they could hold the title of Professor without meeting the academic requirements.

 

[december]

From the teacher's qualification website.

Just because you didn't personally receive any announcements does not make is uncommon, it just makes it uncommon in your circle. Stating you would never do such a thing is extremely judgmental and rude. She did.

What website? I think master teacher and teacher in a masters program are two different things. My understanding of master teacher is a highly qualified, professional teacher, at any level of education.

You made a statement that a Master's was not required in most places to be a professor, that was what I was addressing.

The OP asked for opinions, she asked for judgement by asking us what we thought. I don't find any of the repsonses rude, I find that people are giving examples of what they would have done in the situation in order to answer the Op's question of whether or not she should be upset.

OP, thank you for the clarifiaction about your father's title. While I know many people can teach in college without a teaching degree (my dh was asked to teach some courses in a local CC, because he is an expert in his field as well), I wasn't aware they could hold the title of Professor without meeting the academic requirements.

My step-FIL also taught some college courses even though he doesn't have a teaching degree. I guess like you I never thought about that situation. Sorry about that OP.

 

[kinntj]

Op, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I think it's great that you sent out announcements. You said that they were to very close people in your life, so that is fine. I don't see a problem with that. I don't understand why people feel announcements are a money grab. OP made it clear she wasn't looking for money, but for some kind of positive response from her siblings and grandparents. Like the line from the movie Sixteen Candles "don't grandparents live for that "blank"? I always loved that line and use it when I can.

I think we all need to be happy for others and let them know it. If the OP was my sister I would be all over the phone letting her know how proud I am. Even if it was just a job promotion, climbing Mt Everest, whatever. Heck, I'm happy when my family gets a job in this economy and let them know it's a big deal.

 

[We_Love_Disney]

Op, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I think it's great that you sent out announcements. You said that they were to very close people in your life, so that is fine. I don't see a problem with that. I don't understand why people feel announcements are a money grab. OP made it clear she wasn't looking for money, but for some kind of positive response from her siblings and grandparents. Like the line from the movie Sixteen Candles "don't grandparents live for that "blank"? I always loved that line and use it when I can.

I think we all need to be happy for others and let them know it. If the OP was my sister I would be all over the phone letting her know how proud I am. Even if it was just a job promotion, climbing Mt Everest, whatever. Heck, I'm happy when my family gets a job in this economy and let them know it's a big deal.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

To the OP - Congratulations.

I hope that you understand from reading the many replies that many would not condiser it to be improper not to respond to your announcement, and many don't even do announcements for this reason. Life is too short to get put off by a lack of praise for your efforts. Ask any stay at home parent.

Praise is too easily distributed and entirely over-rated. Like that high school popularity that so many crave, it is fleeting and carries no real reward. Your reward is the position that you have earned. Keep up the good work.

 

[MM27]

I didn't even send out announcements when I graduated undergrad or grad school. I figured that the people that I really cared about knew I was graduating anyway. I find those announcements to be more about 'hey send me a gift' than 'hey look what I achieved'.