Stereotype Revision

Michael Decker

AP Language and Composition

Ms. Robinson

April 8, 2008

White Power in the Job Market

There I sat in my AP Government class. There I sat, listening to a barrage of attacks on what I represent. There I sat in agony. We were discussing Affirmative Action. Affirmative Action led to discrimination. Discrimination led to reverse discrimination. Reverse discrimination led to the white male having all the advantages. The white male having all the advantages led to my agony. I could not even shed light on the topic because “I was obviously defending myself as a white male” (alas, the cruelty of circumstantial ad hominem). I so wanted to stand up and say “you bigots and your pompous attitude takes this stereotype without even basing it on any fact or truth” and from that day I was perplexed: do I truly get more advantages in life for being a white male or am I (now being) discriminated against because of it? My personal feeling is that this is a fallacious stereotype only propagated by those who feel they deserve extra help, but I will let the data and my experiences lead me to my final decision. Thus I have chosen to employ the statistics of white males in the job market and white males in college-associated affairs.

Unfortunately, my whole life I have been confronted with the “fact” that I am a white male and thus I have no reason to not succeed. I always felt hurt by this. This “fact” nullified my achievements. This “fact” belittled all my struggles and accomplishments. This “fact” only put pressure on me because it is a choice for me to succeed and should I not it will have been my decision to not even try. So, here I am confronted with this hypothesis. How do I confirm or deny it? Percentages will be the best way, but which ones? – Ah, of course, job opportunities: these are the culmination of all the work that one has put in for their entire life. The best way is to compare the percentages of these to the population at large.

To start, white men have the highest employment rating in upper and middle level professions, the lowest unemployment rating, and the lowest seasonal change (which suggests higher job stability) (“Table”). To my dismay, white men held more managerial and professional jobs than any 2-variable demographic other than white women by a slight margin (“Table”). To my dismay, white men make on average much more than any other demographic group (“U.S. Population”). White men, for most jobs, make more than 40% larger incomes than all others in equal professional jobs with an average of over 60% (“U.S. Population”). Additionally, white men make more money in every category than any other 2-variable demographic, from high school drop-out to PhD and even to MBA (“U.S. Population”). Most shocking of all is that white men, in general, are considered impoverished less than half as much as black men (“Table”). When comparing statistics of each gender and race to the population at large, there is a significant under representation of black men and black women in almost every field and a disproportionate share of higher level jobs held by whites (“Table”). Furthermore, to be less than 50% of the population, men do better than women almost all the time, statistically speaking (“Table”); (“U.S. Population”). Still, Affirmative Action is a confusing leaking variable that may very well bring my entire foundation crumbling down. Affirmative Action makes employers take into account race and gender in the hiring process. It requires them to reach “quotas” of people based on the representative population at large of that race/gender. Though many companies hire the bare minimum required by law, many companies such as GSA hire disproportionate amounts of minorities (2.94 times the Affirmative Action goal of 7.1% for blacks). Affirmative Action does cause some reverse discrimination in the workplace against whites (“Summary”). Let’s say another person (and also let’s say he is a minority) and I go in for a job. If we are equal in qualifications or even if I am slightly better than him, I could still lose the job due to my race because the Corporation has to keep US Government off its back and get the minority “quota” it needs (“Affirmative Action”). White men came. White men saw. White men conquered. So it seems. They do seem to share a disproportionate amount of the jobs and wealth in our nation’s top professions even with the equalizer Affirmative Action in place.

Speaking of equalizers, one great one is education. With college approaching, it is a hot topic at my job. I work with a predominantly teenage black crew in the afternoons. As we stood talking about college, admissions come up. I was flabbergasted by the whole discourse. They spoke of how difficult it will be for them to get accepted. I retorted how difficult it will be for me “too.” They spoke of how I have no idea what I am talking about – colleges love white men. I spoke (in my mind) of how they have every advantage possible for college. But do they really? So, now I come to the thing casting an ominous shadow over me at this time in my life: college. How do I stand as a white male trying to get accepted and get aid to college in comparison with everyone else? In a Google search of college scholarships, not one scholarship solely for whites was found. For minorities, millions of Google results came up. Still, this is to be expected because they probably are a little less inclined to be able to pay for college. They have the ability to use a status as ¹/₈ minority heritage as a plus for college applications (Grodsky). Though this may be the case, women take a harder beating when getting into college. In an “interview” with the astute Jessica Robinson, I found that women are finding it harder and harder to get into college as compared to men because colleges receive more applicants from women than men but they still attempt to make their student body 50% female, 50% male. My deciding factor is what comes after all the admissions. After all the admissions comes performance. Performance by men and women, black and white is becoming more and more equitable due to college efforts to improve standardized test scores (Arthur).

Thus, it is less merit of the white male that has made him master of the job market, but it is his continued mastery of common misconceptions that has deluded the public to allow himself to hold his reign over it. I guess white men do in fact have more advantages in life than I had expected. I do accept that they have an easier time than women getting into college, do equitably well in college with all other races, but are able to obtain higher levels of status in Corporate America. Still, I know in my heart of hearts that my strife and perseverance is what will get me into college and make me successful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bibliography

“Affirmative Action.” Wikipedia. 2008. Wikipedia. 11 Apr 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affirmative_action_in_the_United_States>.

Arthur, Hu. “Education and Race.” HighBeam Encyclopedia. 1997. HighBeam Research. 10 Apr 2008 <http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-19751436.html>.

Grodsky, Eric. “The Declining Use of Race in College.” Department of Sociology, UCD 2007 3-46. 09 Apr 2008 <http://repositories.cdlib.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=ucdsoc>.

“Summary: U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Reverse Discrimination.” U.S. General Services Administration . 09 Dec 2003. Just Say No. 09 Apr 2008 <http://www.adversity.net/GSA_lawsuit/gsa_overview.htm>

“Table A-2. Employment status of the civilian population by race, sex, and age.” US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2007. US Bureau of Labor. 10 Apr 2008 <http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t02.htm>.

“U.S. Population Statistics Desegregated by Race and Gender.” US Bureau of the Census. 2007. US Bureau of the Census. 09 Apr 2008 <http://www.maec.org/stats.html#unemploy>.

The Love Letter (Revision Analysis)

Before:

Oh my dearest love. Your essence is so sweet. I love you forever and evermore. My true addiction. My true friend. My life. You are my meaning for existence. Your blossoming hair is a sight to see and your beautiful blue eyes are an even greater sight. Your beauty is only surpassed by your brains. You are perfect. You are my everything. Everything about you brights up my day. Those who know you would too agree. At this moment in time, you are truly the best thing to happen to me. Your laugh brights up my day. Your glistening smile makes me feel better. And your convorsations are delightful. I enjoy “chilling” with you. My time is best spent on you. If I should ever meet someone better for me than you then I shall have met God. With that said, you are truly one of his angles. Your genial attitude and your impecable aura are enough to make me love you. But there is more to you. Much more. When I talk to you I realize you are deep and truly interesting. There is more to you than looks and brains. You are much more. You are poetic and artistic in multiple ways and you harness the ability to make me be captivated in your talking. When I truly talk about you I talk about you in the utmost respect, prestige, and awe.

After:

My Dearest Love,

Your essence is that of the sweetest thing on this planet. For this I love will love you forever. Because you are my true addiction, you are my life and my true friend. You are the very meaning of my existence. I am captivated in your golden, blossoming hair. Furthermore, your eyes speak volumes about your character. Your beauty is only matched by your intelligence. You are perfect: you are my everything. You never cease to brighten up my day. Those who truly know you and I would agree. The best thing that has ever happened to me can be summed up in one word – you. The laughter that rains down upon me by you makes me feel better. Still, your smile is what truly makes me enjoy talking to you. Our conversations are delightful. I enjoy being with you; my time is best spent on you. It is obvious that you are an angel sent by God to save me. Your genial attitude and uncanny mind are what enthrall me in you. There is more to you. Much more. When you and I talk, I realize how deep and truly interesting you are: you are more than just a beautiful girl with a good mind. You are poetic and artistic in multiple definitions. Most of all, you harness the ability to captivate anyone in your talking, including me. When I talk of you, I treat you with my voice as a queen: you are charming, awe-inspiring, and magnificent.

Revision Analysis:

I changed the entire scheme to make it a love letter. Additionally, I took out most of the simple sentences and made my paragraph more poetic with varying sentence structure. I also made my sentences more periodic in order to capture the readers attention and make him or her truly understand what I am getting at. Plus I corrected some minor grammatical issues (misspellings, dangling modifiers, need for commas after introductory adverb clauses and participial phrases, and awkward sentence structure). I removed some of my fragments to make the ones left more effective. Furthermore, I cut out some of the repetitive words and bettered my diction in a way that better conveys love and sophistication (bragging about her intelligence rather than brains). I also included some dashes, colons, and semi-colons in order to make the piece a bit more sophisticated and captivating. I tried use vivid but still abstract imagery so that the audience could picture what they consider pure beauty and relate this to that specific person. Also, I fixed the error of having every sentence start with “I” or “you” Finally, I cut out deadwood and fixed some content errors like comparing an abstraction to a concrete object and removing content that was antagonistic to what I was trying to prove (it was self-defeating to raise this woman to the status of an angel to only cut her down by saying God was better than her). Through correcting these errors I realized that I have a problem with rambling on one topic and bouncing back and forth between unrelated topics and trying to equivocate them. I also learned that I need to focus on key points and not defeat them in my own thesis. Additionally, I have learned that it flows much better to have properly placed fragments in order to convey a stronger meaning. Also, the realization has come to me that I need to minimize simple sentences and maximize more complex sentences that will ensure a more sophisticated (thus accepted) content. With all this said, my goals for my next essay will be to work on all these things in the first draft that way when I revise, I can reach into a deeper level that will make the content, rather than the structure, better. Also, I plan to minimize my rambling and my focused points that way what I write (even if it is good) is more easily understood.

Love-Personification

Love is a seductive monster. She gets into your life and blinds you. You will find yourself in perilous confrontations before you even realize it is that illusive beauty that has a hold on you. Love is a wily “foe”. But she is essential to your life. She manifests herself for a reason. Love is the mother-goddes that preserves you. That tricky voice of the sirens is an integral part of living. Although she may bring pain and suffering, she also brings meaning and enjoyment. Her persuasion may superficially be seen as a way to lead you down the wrong path, but the true nature of her is to compel you to broaden your horizons and make yourself a better person. Explanation:

This was a prompted assignment in which we were supposed to use personification to make a more abstract subject more concrete. I really enjoyed it because I do not often get to use it and I was able to fully realize its power. I was also proud to be able to use a paradox, a hyperbole, and an allusion in addition to personification in order to explain love without it seeming gaudy and unrefined. I was also happy to show my ability to captivate my audience by setting up a situation and then explaining its meaning without lowering the intellectual level of the piece. Additionally, I was able to hold an intrusive argument in which I defended love as a product enfused with yin and yang.

Modernism

I have realized that modernism art makes me want to hurl. It is pseudo-deep. It is so out there that it makes one think there is a calling for them to find meaning. This specific painting is pointless. It is distasteful to the eye and mind. Sure, I could analyze it and find a meaning but anything deeper than looking at its superficial quality would be demeaning to real art and my mind for overanalyzing. The paradox is a failed attempt to spark mental contemplation. There is no derived meaning from it. Any meaning one could find could be easily ignored unless that person put it into the metaphysical realm of his or her own personal beliefs where it becomes untouchable. Anyone can find meaning in anything but that does not mean there was an intended or even unintended meaning in it. Thus, attempting to make sense of modernism is like trying to prove that God does or does not exist: what you draw from it is not credible in anyway because there is a definitive “counterdrawing”.

Explanation:

This was a personal reflection on a piece of art presented to the class by Ms. Robinson. I am most impressed with my ability to prove my point on a subject so abstract that it is hard to even put it into words. I think that my conciseness and clarity fully exemplified my ability to justify my opinion. I am in no way saying that I am absolutely right but that I am convinced by reasonable conclusions that I am justified. I am also enthralled with the entire subject of an overlooked topic: art. Thus, I was amused to perform the impossible task of defining what art is. Additionally, I enjoy my willingness to take on a non-popular opinion and attempt to popularize it. It was exciting to vent my opinions of modernism after being so infuriated at the Museum of Modern Art.

Imagery(2)

The rustling of the trees against the white fence is heard from a distance. Then the barking of the dog pulls my attention toward it. The young boy yells for someone to come quick. He hears the soothing buzzing of bees and is awe-stricken by the bird’s song. He wants me to see. I see. He wants me to hear. I hear. I hear the wind brsking the grass. And I hear the rocking of a chair on the deck. I hear the beauty.Whistling and cheering, hurray!

A man carrying a golden, reflective medal made of 5 circles.

The long track behind the man.

An uproar of enthrilling voices.

American flags filling the scenary.

Explanation:

These are two seperate prompted journal entries that were supposed to use extensive use of non-visual imagery. I included them both because they demonstrate my ability to use strong imagery. I like them both because of the simple fact that I tend to overlook imagery so much that it does not often appear in my writing in a non-visual manner. Thus, I like the change in my writing aproach and the reassurance that I am able to be very vivid in describing something in order to get a positive reaction by the audience. Therefor, I am able to fully intensify my writing with all components of DIDLS.

Logic vs. Emotion

To me, logic is more valuable than emotion when thinking and deciding. Logic is what makes the best decisions. In my life, logical choices have tended to render positive results or at least results I had expected. Emotional responses do have the tendency to win appeal but they are often misguided and doomed to failure. Their motif is flawed, thus their product must be flawed to. When on the brink of war, one should not choose to go into it based on one horrible act in which we feel the need to punish that country (which the punishment will last much longer than our immediate feeling). Eventually, the flame will die and then the person in charge will be attacked although the same ones attacking him or her are the same ones who were on his or her side. This is exactly what happened with the Bush administration. Thus it is obvious more calculating should have been done (logic) in addition to fighting on the whims of the people’s emotional responses. Logic is more esteemed in our society. People who often go on emotional whims are looked down upon. People who back up their opinions and decisions with a methodical approach performed in a clear way are seen as good leaders. Schools strongly favor logical persons in that they discourage emotional outbursts and decisions and favor them to use logic to decide how their life will be. Religions tend to favor an emotional nature. They want for one to develop a relationship with the religion and its deity in order to guide one’s life which seems completely illogical. Explanation:

This was a prompted assignment in which we were to take a stand on which mode of action was better: logic or emotion. Obviously, I chose logic. I enjoyed writing and reading this entry very much. It has varied sentence structure and very good syntax. I love the fact that I was able to prove my point using real world examples without being too abrasive that it would not be able to convince anyone due to them ignoring what “the bigot” has to say. I also enjoy the fact that I was able to use my life as an example in order to show how well logic works. My crowning achievement was outlining the dynamics of the provocation of war without actually identifying what I was talking about. Then I was able to create a moment of utter revelation with climatic tension when I dropped the bombshell. This was the most persuasive part of my entire entry.

Letter to the Editor

I am opposed to your position. The very rudiments of this country was based on the ideal of giving up a little by each person for the betterment of the community. If there is an actual, conceivable chance backed up by some proof that an action would save lives, we should jump at the chance and do our best to save them. Saving countless lives is worth a very narrow invasion of civil liberties. The people accused must have been doing something suspicious to even be accused. Even if 1/1000 people tortured save countless lives, it is worth it. As long as death or long-term effects don’t go into the equation, it is balanced. Do you want your family to suffer or die when the government could have prevented it? No: You are a liberal and I am certain you would have jumped at the chance to attack the conservative administration and accuse them that they are looking out for the wealthy and not the common man. Sir, it is catch 22 with you. One last inquiry: Are you for another September 11?Explanation:

This was a prompted assignment in which we read an article about the torture of suspected criminals at Guantanamo Bay. I think I did an impeccable job. I have a varied sentence structure and my point is clear. My most marking achievement is my final question. It block the editor into a corner in which he has no answer that can save him. This is a deliberate catch 22 that he put conservatives in. If he says no, then his article is unreasonable and if he says yes, then the public will disdain him. He can only avoid the question. I also did enjoy my ability to debate using hard facts and justifiable opinions. I think this journal entry is a proof of my ability to do argumentative writing.

Stream of Consciousness

Computers are nifty. They are fun to play on. I wish my handwriting was neater. I think some philosophies are fun. Some are stupid. Some are overly valued. I wish I was at Bojangles right now. Laughing is an amazing part of life. Mathematics are awesome. Equations involving infinity are spectacular. AP Biology is one of my favorite classes of all time. Anatomy is cool. Biology is awesome. Mr. Butler is awesome. I like quiz bowl. I wish I knew more. Being a whiz on all academics should be my forté. I like thinking. Debating is fun. Debating about infinity is still more fun. The number “0″ is amazing. So is i. As is e. 1 is spectacular. Infinity is even better. Math and natural sciences are my passion. Social sciences are my hobby. Literature : I would may it more important if I had the time to read more. I just don’t have the time. I need more time. I need more time. I would love to do a lot more. More studying. More recreational reading. More fun. More pursuit of knowledge. I need time. Time FREEZE! Stop! Time! Stop!Explanation:

This was a prompted agenda. We were just supposed to write whatever came to our heads, which is called stream of consciousness. I really do enjoy how random my head is. What is more interesting is that without thinking thoroughly about what I am going to write, I am predisposed to writing in simple sentences. I enjoy how I have a written archive of some of the memories I had from that day. Almost all of what was written was a reflection on that day and the day before. This shows me that a journal of stream of consciousness would not only allow me to read and recall lost memories but also to reflect on all that which has confronted me.

Declaration of Freedom–Copychange

When in the course of my life, it has become necessary for the mind to dedicate, among other things in, a position contrary to that which it has hitherto occupied, but it must still serve the laws of nature and of its God. I hold these truths to be self-evident: that all people are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator to certain inalienable rights; that among these are pleasure, vitality, and pursuit of one’s self; that to abolish these rights authority figures are used, deriving their powers from the consent of the subservient people. The history of life is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of authority figures to teenagers, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over them. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. They have never permitted them to exercise their inalienable rights to the fullest. They have compelled them to submit to laws, in the enacting of which they are restricted. They have withheld them from their rights which are given to a people based on an arbitrary number — both criminal and non-.Having deprived them of this first right of a teenager, the fulfillment of the spirit, thereby leaving them without fervor to fight back, they have repressed them on all sides. They have made them, if cared for, in the eye of the law, not there. They have taken from them their right to speech, even the feelings they voice. They have made them demoralizing, a disrespected being, as they can take away their freedom, provided they have a “just” cause. In the covenant of family, they have compelled them to submit obediently to their parents, them becoming, to all intents and purposes, their master — the law giving them the power to deprive them of their liberty, and to administer arbitrary punishment… Explanation:

This was a prompted assignment in which we were supposed to copychange the Declaration of Independence into something dealing with our own lives. I decided to write about teenage rebellion/assertion of independence. I enjoy how well it flows and how the organization leaves the reader in awe. This is some of my best syntax ever. Using the same “beat” or “rhythm” of a masterpiece has allowed my message to more effectively confront others. It is very clear and rhythmic. I wrote it as just another boring assignment but what I got was some of my best written work ever. I am only sad that wordpress will not post it as separate paragraphs.

Research Paper

Education may seem to you to be a wasteful path of a profession because learning to teach others so that they may learn is an unneeded circle. Many think that “useful learning” is learning that involves pragmatism. For example, many ask “how will pre-calculus aid me in life” or “what use does the study theoretical phenomena have for mankind”; Even though this point may be valid for others in determining what they wish to do with their lives, it does not affect me. I want to go into the field of higher-level academia because I love learning and studying my passions. Although becoming a professor at a University may appear to limit my success, it actually gives me much freedom in life in addition to assisting me in reaching my goals
Therefore, working conditions are of great concern to me. They tend to be the same for most Universities. Working at a higher level University requires about 12 to 16 hours a week and 3 or 4 courses to be taught. These are picked at the discretion of the professor: he can teach weekdays or weekends, day or night. The professor must also be present 3-6 hours a week for student conferences (at the discretion of the University). Most Universities require only 9-months of work and the other 3 months (“Summer Vacation”) are for leisure or a second job. Time spent preparing, grading, researching, and writing are all decided by the instructor. Professors who work for 9 months out of the year typically are ineligible for sick and holiday leave but, all faculty members are exempt from work on recognized Holidays. They are not all exempt for University Holidays. A professor isn’t typically allowed to cancel his or her class without extenuating circumstances. Furthermore, the amount of time a Professor is allowed to be tardy depends on the degree held by the professor (typically 30 minutes for one holding a PhD.) – this means that the students are expected to stay present for the teacher 30 minutes after class has officially started before they may leave. Tenure is becoming less and less popular among Universities today; most only allow a percentage to receive tenure. Many have 2- and 5- year contracts after which time the Professor’s term may be terminated or extended. Very rarely does he or she receive tenure at this time. Tenure is being eliminated in order for the University to more easily change to the student’s wishes and hold more power in financial negotiations. It is reserved for the teachers who have put in much time (7+ years), who have demonstrated great research, and who have excelled as good instructors. Thus, tenure is a great accomplishment for most who receive it. After tenure has been reached, the “only” ways a University can terminate a teacher are for gross misconduct and incompetence. Firings for reasons other than these are subject to large-sum lawsuits that are easily won. Also, from my interview with Ms. Derosia, I found that faculty relations are only somewhat interpersonal. Most faculty members don’t see each other except for department meetings. Nearly all Universities have things to do in a teacher’s free time. These Universities are either in a (nice) big city or in the suburbs of one. This means the area has all the accommodations for life outside of work that could be desired. Additionally, most campuses have recreational facilities within them such as a bowling alley, a swimming pool, or a gymnasium: most allow free admission to on-site facilities for full professors. Becoming a Dean or a Chancellor requires much effort. Both require a doctoral degree at 4-year Institutions. They are typically positions for professors who have shown a great depth of research and who have proven that they have a great wealth of knowledge in their field. Exemplifying these two things requires many years (15+) of continued effort. (Teachers-Postsecondary) and (Professor)
Thus during these 15 years what the job entails must be acceptable. Teaching is usually up to the decision of the professor. He does have to remain uncontroversial until tenure is received. Most often, the professor lectures for the entire class and has two tests a semester (a mid-term and a final) which usually contain vast amounts of information taught (200+ questions) The professor can choose to do it multiple choice or short answer (or, most likely, a combination of the two). Class size varies by institution: class sizes for private ones can be as low as 20-50 students but at ones with many students (state universities), the class sizes are greater than 200. Smaller class sizes allow a more personal approach to teaching. Research is done by the professor on his own time outside of teaching. Investigations in the professor’s field allows him to find and publish solutions to the problems. These tend to come with high bonuses depending on the publisher. A professor can either do research and teach at the same time (and receive a salary from the University) or just do research at research-oriented a (Private) University (which his income is based entirely on grants or money from published findings). They can also join/lead committees or associations of the Department and are expected to if they hope to receive tenure. Most professors do take on at least one leadership role in the department. All are supposed to be available for counseling during the week (but, this does also come with an increase in money earned). Many professors write textbooks in junction with research. Additionally, the Dean expects him to be productive and cooperative. Thus, most are expected to fail a portion of their students (percentage varies by University) and also have a number of high grades (which sets up the grading to be done on a bell curve). This is to ensure that the class is neither too difficult nor too easy (thus preparing students for the following course while still attracting the students to come). (“Professor”) In continuing the nature of the actual working part of this profession, another major facet of becoming a Professor is the Job Availability. Although, the increase in number of opening jobs is faster than the average for all occupations, it is still a limited field. By the time I receive my Ph.D., I will probably be between 28-30, and by that time, the number of available positions may or may not be enough to accommodate me (extrapolating 12 years into the future is useless). The more experience in teaching, the higher the chance of receiving the job. Also, the more renowned the person, the more likely he is to be accepted to teach (mainly so the Institution can have some claim to research done by the person). Public Institutions tend to have more available positions than Private ones but are not as oriented for doctoral degrees. Having a Doctoral degree will increase the chance of getting a job at any Institution. The job availability is relatively high because those with these specialized degrees would make more in Industry than at a University, thus deferring many possible applicants away. In 2005, there were 53,000 open positions for people with mathematical or science degrees in Universities across the United States. (“Professor”), (“Teachers-Postsecondary”), and (Lambert, 122-125)
Additionally, to even receive a job, there are a few necessities to even be able to teach. There are many requirements in becoming a college Professor. From my online interview with Doctor Hearst, I found that typically, the upcoming professor would specialize in graduate school in one area of the entire field (i.e. statistics for mathematics) and he should make impeccable grades (“A’s” and “B’s” have a positive affect on the person hoping to obtain the position). Also, experience is needed. Experience does not have to come from a school but can come from being a graduate teaching assistant or adjunct professor for a few years (3-4). If he does his work well then the job is almost assured. Receiving a Ph.D. increases chances very much in getting the job. It also allows to do research. A masters degree does not validate any research conducted. Professors are expected to be in attendance almost 100% of the time unless there is serious reasons why he or she cannot be. Once tenure is received, he is expected to publish and publish often (“publish or perish”) research. This can cause problems. A professor may be working for many months or even years to finish a large research collaboration. The University wants to see immediate results (because most research-oriented Universities are for-profit Private Universities and this tags them to some fortune). Thus, the professor should allot some time to work on minor problems in addition to his major project. Once again, there is a requirement to have a set distribution of grades (x amount fail, y amount are average, and z amount are “genius”). This may seem as intrusive on the professor’s teacher but, it is in order to keep the integrity of the University. Considering that this is the most influence the University has on tenured professors, the professor has a lot of control over the classroom. To maintain certification, a professor must maintain ongoing education in their field. (“Teachers-Postsecondary”) and (Arnzen)
In addition to considering the requirements of the work, life outside of work is of major concern. Personally, I want to own my property (not rent). In big cities (where the major Universities are located) there is relatively no available housing. Fortunately, there is quite a bit in the suburbs. Of course, being in proximity to the city, the cost of living is very high. Renting is available throughout the city. Still, I would prefer to live around a Metropolis. I do like the beach but it is not pertinent to be in a Coastal region. I am not a fan of the “country”so, I would have to be at least as close to the city as possible. The most important reason is the recreation. Cities offer everything I could hope for to have recreational time with. Plus, the campus itself is a major source for fun during “downtime” such as the fore mentioned facilities (“Teachers-Postsecondary”). Professors can arrange their schedule as to give them plenty of time to go places (such as to their home city, friends, families, and vacations). Personally, being a professor is one of the best professions to have (in the latter years) to me for the available time to have a social life.
Life outside of work is important but so is life inside it: I want to do a job I like doing. My passions in life are math and science. I particularly like biology and the physical sciences, especially physics. I would like to receive a degree in both of these fields and be able to aptly use them. Luckily, as a professor, I can. It is possible to teach more than one subject area (“Teachers-Postsecondary”). At some Universities, the earnings are increased with the ability to teach/research two subject areas (Arnzen). It also widens my possibilities. Being able to research two areas means that there are more possible grants and opportunities for publishing (thus increasing chances for tenure). It also increases the likeliness of getting the job (if one department is filled, the other may be open). Also, job security becomes greater (Thurmond). The more that I can do, the more likely I am to be kept. Most of the colleges that I am interested in do offer very good post-graduate math and science degrees (which allows me to be able to get them at the same place at the same time). Thus, having multiple degrees will help me from the time I become a professor to the time I search for a job outside of teaching.
Therefore, research comes into the realm of the job. Researching in math may seem to be perplexing (as to how it would be done). In fact, it is quite simple. Most mathematical research is actually math-based sciences (physics) (“Professor”). This means I would research waves, particles, and other such things. Also, there is the option of researching number theory and inverse problems in which data found in the real-world is used to make equations out of them (rather than “plugging in” numbers into coefficients of known equations) (Arnzen). Much of the research is structure based problems (geometry) (“Professor”). There are available labs owned by the University. If I can prove myself as good researcher (with great and often findings) then I may be “given” my own lab. In the physical sciences (specifically astronomy and physics), there is access to many of the great resources available at government-endorsed observatories in which high level research can be done. Work can be published in scientific journals such as Thomson Scientific and Scientific Journal International (“Professor)”. Publishing research in top-name scientific magazines such as Scientific American is an acceptable course of action. I can publish cumulative work that I have found or work-in-progress in which you have had breakthroughs. Typically, larger-scale research is done and published by groups of scientists although there are many two-person partners and sole-scientist in the research field. Thus, research is a free realm in which I can do anything I choose to and use the many resources available as aid.
Figure 1
One of the most important aspects of a job to me is its earnings. I would not be happy living paycheck to paycheck. So, I do not regret allowing wages to have some determination in what I choose to have as my career. As can be seen with figure 1, the earnings of professors for Universities does vary. The average is about $92,000 per year for all Universities. Earnings do vary from $25,000 to over $100,000 per year. Starting salaries do range depending on state or private Universities and college prestige does further range it from there. The average salary at Duke is $131,000. The average salary at Yale University was $145,000 and at Princeton University it was $151,000. Harvard far exceeded these at $163,000 a year. The average starting salaries were about 20% less than these figures. Salary, of course, does rise depending on the amount of time you are with the University and how much experience you gain. They increase the fastest for the first 5 years of work. Sign-on bonuses do add a substantial amount for particular Universities (such as $21,000 at Duke). Teaching an extra course a semester greatly ranges depending on the University but a round estimate is about $20,000 a course. Teaching during the Summer adds a substantial amount to ones income. For most Universities, added income is based on a fractional part of what one would make during the regular year multiplied by the courses taught. Exact figures for published research are unavailable but the consensus is that the more revolutionary the found research and the more significance it has the more it is worth. All of these were round figures for a collegiate professor who has obtained a doctoral degree or its equivalence. (“Teachers-Postsecondary”)
Finally, there are many bonuses and disadvantages worth mentioning. There are few monetary bonuses though there are many non-monetary ones that are worth vast amounts of money. One being is that at many/most Universities, not only do the professor’s children receive the benefit of having a parent with alumni status but, their tuition is free. There is ample pay vacation for teachers who instruct for 12 months out of the year. There is also an additional pay for teaching the extra 3 months. Unfortunately, the cost of living is much higher around the big cities in which Universities are located. In fact, it reduces the value of the earnings by a substantial amount. Nevertheless, the pay is still very high and allows a lot of comfort. Additionally, the free access to facilities is a plus. My major qualm over the issue is that I probably will not even be able to reach the position of “full-professor” until I am nearly 40 (and then have to wait another 7-10 years after that for tenure). During this time, I could have amassed 20 years of wealth in Industry with a masters degree. Thus, there are many pros and cons to consider that are ulterior to the actual teaching at the University. (“Teachers-Postsecondary”) and (“Professor”)
Therefore, I come to the decision if this career is good for me. I think I would enjoy the work. Math and science have always been my passion and I would love to teach others while still researching what I am truly enthralled by. I think this job will help me to obtain lifelong goals. I can become renowned in the math and science community and it can bring in enough income for me to pursue any of my longings. It does not seem very stressful at all. Until I receive tenure, I may have quite a bit of stress but, after that, it appears to be a smooth career. The only thing is that I do not want to wait until I am 40 to finally be able to live freely. “Live while you’re young” is how I want to be able to re-cap my life. I want to be lively in my younger years to where it is acceptable and not immature (as it would be for a 40 year teacher to go to a club with a date). Most research suggests to not marry or make any major life decisions (i.e. a new house) during the tenure process. I really do not want to put my life on postponement. Still, I am sure that these are speculations and that my life won’t be as rough as the extremes. I can still earn a high income as a TA ($50-70000/year) which will allow me to purchase what I need. I think that more pondering and the actual college experience would be the context to make my decision.