Enrolling in a degree program is not just a professional decision—it’s deeply personal. As a librarian, I have spent my career supporting students, helping them navigate research tools, find sources, and develop strong academic habits.
But I recently decided to take on a new role, not as the guide, but as the learner.
In spring 2025, I registered for my first course within the Schar School of Policy and Government’s master of political science program at George Mason University. My interest in the subject stems from a curiosity about how political systems function and influence public policy. I’ve always enjoyed observing how politics shapes real-world decisions, and I wanted to explore that more formally.
My first class was GOVT 510: American Government and Politics. After a full day of work, those evenings were long and, to be honest, a little draining at first. Shifting from “librarian mode” to “student mode” wasn’t always smooth. I went from helping students find articles for their papers to staring at a blank document, wondering what my paper would be about. But over time, I found my rhythm. I learned how to carve out time for reading and writing without burning out, and how to embrace a long, busy day as part of the process.
For the main assignment in GOVT 510, I chose to write about current legislation related to presidential libraries. The topic felt like the perfect bridge between my professional world and my academic interests: touching on archives, information access, and how politics shapes the way we preserve and remember history. I would not have discovered this research interest without taking a course at the Schar School, and I’m excited to continue developing this area of expertise with the support of professors and peers in future classes.
Being a librarian and a student led to some unexpectedly eye-opening moments.
I found myself searching the library catalog for my own course materials—something I’ve helped many students do. When some books were unavailable, I submitted interlibrary loan requests, which brought back memories of working in that department at the College of Charleston, and being excited to see which institution items arrived from.
I also learned how different eBook platforms work for students: which ones allow downloads, how much I could print, and how limited-user licenses affect access. Experiencing all this firsthand gave me a much deeper understanding of how frustrating those barriers can be—and why it matters so much for libraries to invest in better digital access.
One of the most interesting aspects of the semester was using databases I’ve spent years teaching others to use, such as ProQuest databases and Policy Commons, but this time, for my own work. It felt familiar, yet different. Searching for sources, organizing my research into Zotero collections, digging through government documents was exciting and fun. I reconnected with the tools I already knew, but from a new angle.
My first semester back at school reminded me of why I love learning. Balancing work and school is not easy, and some weeks were harder than others, but the experience was worth it. I have gained a deeper appreciation for what students go through, and I’ve stretched myself in ways I didn’t expect. Going back to school was a big step, but it has made me a more thoughtful librarian, a more engaged student, and a more curious person all around.
Policy and government librarian Lorena Jordan joined the Schar School in 2023. Read more about her background and career at this web page.