By Graduate Ambassador Stephanie Martin, master's student in library and information science

The pandemic was a difficult time for many of us. I had just been promoted at work when Covid-19 struck. I was laid off due to personal health concerns, and when I tried to go back to my job months later, I found I had been replaced. I was desperate to find a job. Luckily, a former co-worker had posted on Facebook about a job opening at a local library. I figured it couldn't hurt to apply. I mean who doesn't love books!

Within four months of accepting the circulation clerk job, I was browsing the library’s job postings online when I found an open children’s youth program aid position. Growing up, my mom was a teacher, and I helped with local vacation bible study programs, so helping the youth came naturally. I had a passion for it when I had the opportunity to visit Costa Rica in high school for a mission trip. I applied for the job and got promoted to being a Youth Services Program Aid, where I have been working for the past four years on this career path, and I know, without any doubt, that accepting the initial job and being promoted was my calling. I have such a passion for helping young children become life-long learners and fall in love with the library!

At my library job in the youth department, I found an amazing support system who helped guide me into applying for my master’s program. Since many of them had attended Wayne State University for their master’s and talked highly of the library and information science program, I decided to apply. Before selecting my career path, I sat down with my director, Julie, who was patient and answered all my questions. For example, did I want to work in an academic setting and help research university levels papers, work on archives, in museums, or help plan children’s programs? I also chatted with her regarding the possibility of attending online or in-person classes. I chose the online path since I live farther from Detroit, work multiple jobs and have a dog.

I could not be happier with my decision to pursue these next steps both for myself and for all the future librarians who are able to complete this program. In my short time attending online classes, I have learned extremely important information and have been able to network with fellow students, instructors who answered all my questions without making me feel dumb and built lasting relationships with faculty. I cannot wait to see where this journey takes me, and I cannot wait to inspire others to love Wayne State University as much as I do. It is not just about counting down the days to graduation, but about enjoying every day of the journey, taking in as much information as possible, asking important questions, making new friends in my courses, being able to network and find a job! Go Warriors!