Blog 1 - One Year Down!
Grad school is hard.
Everyone tells you that, but you really don’t realize exactly what they mean. And don’t get me wrong, getting an undergraduate degree is hard too, but grad school is a different kind of challenge. The classes get more interesting, which is nice. And, sometimes, you get the chance to be a teaching assistant, which can be fun! You aren’t required to take as many classes, yet somehow it feels like so much more is on your plate. It feels like there is constantly something new on your to-do list and it gets overwhelming quick. Especially during your first semester when you’re trying to decide which research group to join. But somehow, during all of that, grad school is so extremely fun!
It has been exactly one year since I moved states to start grad school and I’ve loved (almost) every second of it! I spent the first semester feeling like I had no idea what was going on. I went into grad school under the impression that I was going to join an analytical focused research group. I always saw myself working in a traditional wet-lab chemistry group. But after some thinking, I found that I wanted something new. I eventually joined a group that focuses on chemistry education research and I love it so much! I feel like if I hadn’t kept an open mind, I would not be as happy as I am today!
My second semester was even busier than the first. On top of my classes and TA assignment, I was focused on applying for the NSF GRFP! (If you’re planning on going to grad school or focusing on research - look into this grant ASAP!!) It was sooo exhausting and, as someone who had very little experience with scientific reading and writing, it was very difficult to get done. But it felt so rewarding to finish it and get it turned in. I feel like because of that experience though, I have grown so much as a scientist. Overall, the second semester was extremely hectic. I quickly learned that time management is your best friend, and scheduling times to relax are so important for your well being!
I am proud of myself for getting through this first year and I’m excited to see where these next few take me :)
