Meet Lorice Tolbert

Students and faculty alike love Lorice: a second-year master's student who views language as a living, breathing thing. While working on her thesis, Lorice is also taking and teaching classes. Read on to learn why she chose to be here and what she loves most about teaching.

What made you choose UAB?

I attended UAB some years earlier but didn’t finish here. I could say something like life got in the way; but honestly, I wasn’t as ready for college as I thought I was. When I returned, I finished my undergraduate degree at another school. I applied to other MA programs in the state, but I felt drawn to this university. Always a great center of learning, it has grown exponentially since I first attended, building its reputation into one of the country’s best schools. Plus, I knew that I had unfinished business here, like there was something I needed to prove even if it was just to myself. So, I applied to UAB’s English MA program, and the timing was perfect. I came expecting a challenge but also to expand my knowledge of English and gain experience. I have not been disappointed.

Why major in English?

I grew up with English as a favorite subject. It’s familiar to me, but I like the fact that it continues to evolve. People tend to think of English as a stagnant subject or field. But as society changes, so does the way we communicate. The way we apply English evolves and is tied into everything.

You've worked as a graduate teaching assistant for a full semester now. How is it going? What you have learned, how have you adjusted, and what is your favorite part?

Working as a graduate teaching assistant has definitely helped me appreciate my instructors more. Our English department instructors make it look so easy! There is a lot that goes into preparing to share knowledge with other people.

As a GTA, you’re both excited and scared about teaching the things you’ve learned. You want everything to be perfect. Sometimes I think I’m too eager because this is a subject I like, but other people don’t always feel the same. I wasn’t sure where to start. As the semester went on, I found myself settling into the pace of teaching. It helped to realize I needed to be at ease in order for students to be comfortable as well.

The challenge for me has been making English a less-daunting task for those who find it overwhelming. I had a set class structure at the beginning, but somewhere in the middle I knew an adjustment was in order. Breaking a large or even mid-sized assignment into smaller sections helped students meet due dates and produce better quality writing, something I knew they could do based on their daily writing assignments. Coincidentally, that’s my favorite part of teaching. I really enjoy reading students’ daily writing responses. It’s where they get to write what they think and feel with few guidelines or structured limitations. You get to know them through written expression.

Tell us about your thesis: what you're doing, how it's going.

My thesis is a creative writing memoir about facets of my life. It features short stories, micro memoirs, and a short novella about friendship and grief. I think the best part is remembering things I’ve forgotten. At times, it’s not easy sharing treasured memories. Words don’t always do them justice.

What are your plans, hopes, and dreams after graduating?

Right now, I plan to keep going. There is much to learn, to write, to share. I hope to get better at all those things.