The Nevada Sagebrush

My name is Mayo Thompson and I am member of the Phi Beta Fraternity, Inc. I am also an African-american graduate student in the Geophysics department, and one of only five African-american science graduate students according to a report by Michael Coray, but that is another story.

I am currently supported by a teaching assistantship or TA. For those that might not know, it pays for my tuition as well as gives me a monthly stipend for assisting professors in the department with classes. I have found out that my TA is state-funded and that these cuts or possible cuts might affect my ability to attend this university. I have been assured by my graduate advisor that if the cuts do happen that, if need be, they will pick up my tuition so I am not worried about my future here at this institution.

But how many other people are in the same boat, boat meaning losing their assistantship and not being able to attend school. I have heard horror stories of students losing their assistantships due to lack of funds. Yes, some get funded someway, somehow but some are not that lucky and have to sit out a semester or try going somewhere else. Problem is, the longer the graduate degree takes, less likely the student will complete it.

And if I am one only five African-american science graduate students on campus, will I be the only one in the spring? Are the others as lucky as I to have a very supportive department? Will this further the lack of minorities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)? I just want a legitimate chance to prove myself. We,graduates, just want the chance to complete our studies without a cloud of doom looming. God knows there is barely enough room for us in our office!

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