Sara Goldrick-Rab

1.

As an average student (albeit with high test scores) in an exceptional high school, my college counselor told me I was best suited for community college. I was offended, but shouldn't have been.

2.

My family didn't qualify for financial aid but I didn't receive enough financial support to cover my living expenses, so I worked as many as 40 hours a week waiting tables during college.

3.

When I transferred colleges, I couldn't get into any of the regular courses so I ended up taking all honors classes my 1st term. In one of those classes, I met my mentor-- Ruth Wallace.

4.

Once I committed to sociology, I never looked back. On the one hand, I've moved quickly through my career. On the other hand, I'm not very well-rounded or particularly well-read. That's frustrating.

5.

I consulted and held fellowships while also holding down an assistantship in grad school in order to make ends meet. It built my resume substantially and helped me land a great first job.

6.

I didn't marry or have kids until I hit the tenure track. That was stressful but necessary. Despite being told it was a bad idea, I ended up giving birth to 2 babies during my tenure track.

7.

Up until the moment I received tenure, I thought I wouldn't get it. Too many senior people felt that while the substance of my work merited it, I personally did not.

8.

Changing jobs is wonderful. Don't ever let an employer make you believe they are the only one who will hire you.