Student Perspectives

Curious about what it is like to be a student in the CSTL Division? One of our CSTL students, Matt Shake, has provided his perspective on graduate school life below.

A CSTL Student's Perspective by Matt Shake

I came to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign about two years ago from Alaska, where I had spent my whole life.  I felt considerable trepidation about the prospect of moving to a place so distant and geographically opposite from my home.  A lot of students complain about winter temperatures; instead, I was sweltering from the summer heat.  I’ve come to realize during my time here, however, that both the community and the University are incredible places to live, learn, and work. 

When I decided to pursue my doctorate at the University of Illinois, I chose the Educational Psychology CSTL program because of its strength in faculty, research opportunity and breadth of courses.  I was amazed at the sheer number of opportunities both within my division and in other departments on campus.  The CSTL division includes professors with such a broad variety of interests that there always seem to be classes that pique my desire to learn more and add to my knowledge base. 

I know many students who are involved in considerably advanced research projects, both independently and with faculty.  When I arrived, I began working in a research lab studying older adults’ self-regulatory reading processes, incorporating my love of learning, cognition, and education.  Years later, I find myself continuing work with my lab colleagues, where we experience continued success in the form of professional presentations at conferences, published papers in peer-reviewed journals, and the chance to share what we learn with others in the community with similar interests.  I’ve also begun to advance my own related research agenda while continuing my work with fellow colleagues.

Many students in the department also enjoy serving as a teaching assistant (TA) for courses.  I spent a semester last year as a TA for a class on Adult Learning & Development, which was a rewarding opportunity to engage students with interesting research and ideas.  Students at the University of Illinois are generally very motivated and competent, which makes teaching not only easier but more enjoyable.  This combination of research and teaching opportunity are helping me to prepare for my desired career in academia, and I expect to continue excelling under the CSTL division’s excellent guidance.

My experience in talking with professors and graduate students at some other universities is that they sometimes feel a lack of collegiality, but I feel quite the opposite here.  The staff in the department are incredibly helpful, and the faculty are always willing to talk to you and give you suggestions.  Perhaps most impressive is that the enormous diversity of research and teaching in the CSTL program is a strength rather than a liability.  This breadth of ideas and interests creates a climate where it seems plausible that any student could find something to excel in.           

Finally, I have found that the community is friendly and diverse, with remarkably expansive types of entertainment, food, and people for a “smaller” city.  One can walk around campus and feel the college atmosphere, and then step off-campus and sense the uniqueness of both Champaign and Urbana.  When I look back to when I made the decision about where to pursue my graduate studies, I feel confident that I chose the university, department, and division that was best for me.