by Madison Wooten
A Background in Education and a Shift to a Master’s Program
I hold an associate degree from my state college and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the
University of South Florida. While I initially pursued an MBA, my career path shifted after nine
years in the education field. Wanting to advance and build on my experience, I decided to
pursue an M.Ed., a move aimed at furthering my career and deepening my understanding of the
field.
Why Tarleton State University?
My decision to enroll at Tarleton State University was influenced by a friend who had a
connection at the school. When I visited the Fort Worth campus, I was immediately drawn to its
welcoming and family-oriented atmosphere. The small class sizes and the school’s signature
purple color, which symbolizes royalty to me, sealed the deal. It felt like a place where I could
thrive, both academically and personally.
Facing Challenges and Overcoming Them
One of the most significant challenges I faced was transitioning from being on campus to
completing the final part of my degree entirely online. It was an adjustment, but Tarleton State’s
supportive faculty made all the difference. My professors went out of their way to meet with me
face-to-face, even virtually, which kept me connected and motivated.
Another challenge was managing my studies while traveling internationally. With extended stays
in places like Thailand, Costa Rica, Morocco, and Europe, accessing textbooks and resources
was difficult. There were times I had to return to the U.S. just to collect the books I needed.
While this added complexity to my academic journey, it also enriched my life experiences,
reinforcing my adaptability and commitment to my education.
Managing Workload and Responsibilities
Time management was crucial. My organizational skills became top-notch as I meticulously
planned every aspect of my schedule. I prioritized my tasks and kept detailed notes, which
made it easier to juggle my academic work with personal responsibilities. While I still made time
for friends and socializing, I often found myself working late into the night, sometimes until two
or three in the morning. It was tough, but when you’re determined, you make it happen.
Future Career Vision
My next step is to pursue a doctorate degree and work toward becoming a principal or taking on
another leadership position. My goal is to create a meaningful impact not just for students but
for the community as a whole.
Overcoming Challenges with Curriculum Innovation
One challenge schools face when implementing new curricula is finding solutions that meet the
needs of everyone—students, staff, and parents. The challenge is ensuring that the curriculum
is user-friendly for teachers, understandable for parents, and effective for students. I’ve seen
firsthand how vital it is to have everyone on board. If a program benefits students but the staff
isn’t equipped to use it, its impact is limited. Similarly, if teachers and students understand it but
parents struggle to support it at home, the benefits fall short. Building trust and fostering
open-mindedness are essential for success. Innovations need to be embraced by all to truly
shape the future.
Advice for Prospective Graduate Students
If you’re considering pursuing a graduate degree, make sure it’s something you genuinely love.
Unlike a bachelor’s degree, which people may obtain without working in their field, a master’s
program demands dedication and passion. You’re investing your time, energy, and opportunity
cost—potentially sacrificing social activities and other pursuits. If you truly enjoy what you’re
studying, the journey becomes more manageable and rewarding.
Key Takeaways from My Journey
Professionally, pursuing this degree taught me not to limit myself and showed me that I am
capable of achieving great things. It deepened my passion for education and enhanced my
understanding of the field. One of the most impactful experiences was conducting my own
research study. It was both exciting and intimidating, but with the encouragement of professors
like Dr. Rose, I excelled. That experience boosted my confidence and prepared me for future
challenges.
On a personal level, earning my master’s degree taught me resilience. I lost my mother during
this journey, which made everything more difficult. After taking time to grieve, I returned with
renewed determination and completed my studies with straight A’s. It was a reminder that life
can be tough, but perseverance, belief in oneself, and staying true to your passion lead to
success.
Becoming the Commencement Speaker: An Unexpected
Honor
Returning to my studies stronger than ever, I earned straight A’s and actively participated in
honor societies, which helped me build strong connections with my professors. This dedication
led to being awarded the Outstanding Graduate Student from the College of Education. While
I’m not sure exactly what made me stand out, this achievement opened the door for me to
compete in the “Speak Off,” where I represented my college against students from various
disciplines. Winning that competition was an unexpected and thrilling accomplishment.
What Being Chosen as the Commencement Speaker
Means to Me
When I was chosen as the commencement speaker, I was overcome with emotion—it was the
perfect culmination of my journey. Losing my mother and stepping away from my master’s
program was a challenge I never expected, but returning and achieving more than I thought
possible was deeply meaningful. Being chosen as the commencement speaker, along with
receiving the Outstanding Graduate Award, was a moment I’ll always cherish. I am incredibly
grateful to Tarleton State University for this recognition and to God for guiding me to this point.
The honor of speaking at my graduation was beyond what I could have imagined.