Feature Stories 2025: Tam Carter '24, MA '26: Systems of support

Tam Carter '24, '26
Feature Stories 2025: Tam Carter '24, MA '26: Systems of support
Tam Carter '24, MA '26: Systems of support

First-generation professional writing and communication student gains specialized experience through his graduate assistantship and teaching fellowship

Tam Carter, first-generation student and New Bedford native, took the leap into the professional writing and communication master's program after finding his passion for writing tutoring during his undergraduate English literature degree. Carter now works as a teaching fellow and a graduate assistant, all while navigating the challenges of getting his master's as a first-gen student.

Do you have any tips for first-generation students at UMassD?

"My advice for other first-gen students is to become as informed as possible. Talk to people in your support system, whether it be your professors, advisors, family, or peers," said Carter. "In addition to being informed, the most important thing is trusting yourself and believing in your own capabilities." 

Carter emphasized the impact of the UMassD community on his academic success. "Everyone in the program is fantastic: the professors, the department heads, the other teaching fellows and graduate students. I can go to any of them for help, advice, or ideas. It's allowed me to grow and develop as an educator, a researcher, and an administrator."

Transitioning from undergraduate to graduate

For Carter, the transition between the undergraduate and graduate programs has fostered both his personal and professional growth. 

"Graduate programs are about finding what you care about to conduct research on and creating a focus within your passions." 

Carter's passions include helping and supporting students—something he discovered while working as a tutor at the Writing and Multiliteracy Center (WMC) during his undergrad. Throughout the master's program, he's continuing to find his place within this passion. 

"Early on in my education, I had a few doubts about my path. I wasn't entirely sure if the experience was worth it. But once I began working as a tutor, I fell in love with being a supportive resource and helping people grow. 

"I have a passion for teaching at the university level. I have a passion for working in writing centers, for helping folks develop their writing skills, and even for helping people help people. This program unlocks both the technical knowledge and the hands-on experience I need to continue on my professional path. 

"Thinking back to my undergrad—and even back to my high school experience—I needed a lot of support, academically and otherwise. I had many great influences in my life, and now I want to be that person for others. Being able to help people while gaining professional experience is a hugely rewarding part of this program." 

Teaching fellowship and graduate assistantship

Carter's hands-on experiences come from his roles as a teaching fellow and a graduate assistant at the WMC.  

After receiving encouragement from his undergraduate professors, Carter applied for the teaching fellowship at the same time as he did the master's program. He got accepted for both, and teaches ENL 264, Communicating in the Sciences. The fellowship is fully funded with a stipend.  

Additionally, due to his experience in the WMC as an undergraduate tutor, Carter was able to return to the center to help undergrad students. He gets course credits for his work there.  

In both of these roles, his focus lies in supporting students and meeting them where they're at to help them succeed. "Everyone has so much to offer individually, and as an educator I want to support the manifestation of those skills in the classroom. My job is to help them develop a writing process that is true to them."

What about the professional writing and communication program inspires you?  

"Understanding language. This field informs you of how individuals want to be communicated with. You learn a lot about how people are reading, speaking about, interacting with, and understanding the world around them, which is a big part of my philosophy for supporting students." 

What's next?

For the time being, Carter plans to keep busy with his fellowship and assistantship while finishing up his degree. He's keeping his future open but is looking to pursue a PhD in rhetorical composition and continue interning at university writing centers. 


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