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Ely

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  1. Upvote
    Ely got a reaction from Cookie in how much (or how little) academic prep do you plan on doing over the summer?   
    I'll be doing an intensive abstract algebra program at Cornell for the 8 weeks before I need to be at grad school.  They will be using the same text as my PhD program, so I'll have a nice jump start on one of my courses this fall.  Best case scenario, we cover enough material this summer that I can pass my algebra comprehensive exam before the year even starts, freeing my schedule for another class.  Even if it's not enough to pass the comp, I'll still be a lot more comfortable with the material this fall.  It would be absolutely worth it just for the coursework alone, but there is also a research component, lots of networking opportunities, and it pays well enough that I'll be able to afford new furniture for my apartment in Baton Rouge.
     
    Down time would be nice, but this program is too beneficial to turn down.  Having spoken to a past participant, it's also a lot of fun.
  2. Upvote
    Ely reacted to ylimer in Tips on cutting some moving costs   
    - Ship all your media (books, CDs, DVDs) via USPS. It is shipped at a much cheaper rate. I think you can send about 200lbs. for less than $100.
     
    - Ship your heaviest stuff in large flat rate boxes. I stuffed all my shoes in two boxes and it was $16ish a box. They would have taken up a lot of room in my car.
     
    - Price out freight for shipping furniture. You can get a mattress box from a store and ship it freight for cheaper than it would cost to get a uhaul rental sometimes. 
     
    - If you know your parents will be sending you package, leave a bag of off-season clothing for them to use as packaging materials.
     
    - Sell everything you can and rebuy/CL when you get there. You'll be sad when you realize how much you spend in shipping vs. how much it really would have cost to just sell and rebuy.
     
    - Don't forget, the heavier your car, the more gas you go through.
     
    Hope some of these help!
  3. Upvote
    Ely reacted to echlori in 2013 Applications and Results Thread   
    Undergraduate Institution: Top 10 UK university, top 3 department Major: 4 year BSc integrated Masters programme in Statistics GPA: Overall 66%, 4th year 69% GRE: Verbal 164, Quant 169, AW 4.5 Citizenship: Non-American international student Graduate Institution: N/A Important Classes: Measure Theory, Probability Theory, Stochastic Processes, Biostatistics and Medical Statistics modules Research Experience: Summer attachment in my undergraduate institution, summer attachment at a research institute in my home country, Fourth year dissertation on multiple testing, currently doing a 6 month attachment in machine learning at the same research institute in my home country Publications: First author publication in peer-reviewed undergraduate research journal (from summer attachment in my UG school), second author in conference paper (from second summer attachment) Grants: None Teaching experience: None LORs: 1 from my personal tutor (well-known professor) who pretty much knew what I was doing both in and out of the classroom in those 4 years. 1 from my dissertation supervisor/first summer attachment supervisor (relatively young American PI) who liked the work I did under him. 1 from my current supervisor who was my co-author on the conference paper.   Applied: Boston (Biostatistics), Berkeley (Statistics), Carnegie Mellon (Statistics), Duke (Statistics), Minnesota(Statistics), Michigan (Biostatistics), Stanford (Statistics), UBC (Statistics), UCLA (Biostatistics), UW  (Statistics and Biostatistics), Warwick (Statistics).   Accepted: None Waitlisted: Michigan (have been told they are full already though) Rejected: The rest Attending: None, obviously!   Comments: I was pretty upset after being told by Michigan that they are full, as I was told previously that I was high up on the waitlist.    I'm not sure which part of my application I should focus on improving. My first 2 LORs should be pretty good, as they both have experience of writing LORs and know me well. My third letter writer is pretty junior, and isn't familiar with the US system at all, but knows me well enough as well. I'm also unsure what to do with the extra year now - current supervisor suggests that I should try for an RA position in one of my target schools, but I'm pessimistic wrt visa issues etc. Another friend working in the local health ministry has suggested the possibility of a statistician type position, and would be happy to help me to secure one.   And obviously, relook at my choice of schools to apply to for next year.
  4. Upvote
    Ely reacted to Biostat_Assistant_Prof in 2013 Applications and Results Thread   
    Undergraduate Institution: Large state university -- >20,000 undergrads, regionally ranked by USNWR (not in the national rankings)
    Major: Biology
    GPA: 3.50 Cumulative, but ~3.8 last 70 hours (after 2.8 freshman year)
    GRE: Verbal 159, Quant 162, AW 4.5
    Citizenship: Natural norn U.S. Citizen 
    Graduate Institution: N/A
    Important Classes: Calc 1 (B, took my freshman year), Calc 2 (A, last semester), Linear Algebra (A, last semester), Biostatistics (applied statistics course for Bio majors -  A), Computer Statistics (prograaming class in R and SAS - A), Calc 3 (In progress), and Probability Theory (In Progress)
    Research Experience: Not statistics related, but biology research that consisted of some programming experience in R
    Publications: none so far, but manuscript had been submitted at time of applications
    Grants: None
    Teaching experience: None
    LORs: Having not read them myself, these are assumptions based off the communication I had with my writers. 1 great one from the professor I've done research with (but he is a newer, less established professor), 1 good one from another Biology professor, and 1 good one from my Biostatistics professor 
     
    Applied: UW, UNC, Minnesota, Michigan, Emory, Brown, Yale, Pitt, Boston U, Medical U of South Carolina (MUSC), Vanderbilt
     
    Accepted: Michigan (MS/PhD fastrack), Emory (MS), Brown (MS), Boston U (PhD), MUSC (PhD)
    Rejected: UW, UNC, Minnesota, Yale, Pitt
    Other: Waitlisted by Vanderbilt and I had them take my name off the list before a decision was ever made. 
     
     
    Comments: Obviously, I have less stellar credentials than most applicants have on these forums. I wasn't all that surprised by the rejections I got, although I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. I think my low ranked undergrad university and my lesser math background (given that I'm currently taking Calc III and lack any deeper math classes like Real Analysis) was cause for concern about my ability to handle the rigor of the more theoretical stat courses, and is therefore the reason I was admitted to the MS program rather than PhD program for 3 of the 5 programs I was accepted by. I was offered funding at BU and MUSC, partial tuition remission at Brown and Emory, and no funding at Michigan. A big part of my decision was obviously funding, so as much as I would have liked to attend Michigan, I had to turn down there offer because I couldn't rationalize the debt for an MS when I had funded PhD offers elsewhere (albeit, at lower ranked institutions). I also turned down Emory and Browns offers for the same reason... Now, if my career goals were strictly to remain in academia for theoretical/methodological research at a top ranked institution, I would have given more serious consideration to taking out loans and making UMich work. Ultimately I made my decision after campus visits, speaking with faculty, comparing research interests, etc..... For anonymity reasons, I'd like to leave it at that and simply say that I chose one of the two schools - Boston U or MUSC. 
  5. Upvote
    Ely reacted in 2013 Applications and Results Thread   
    Undergraduate Institution: Large state university, I'm sure its (lack of) reputation did not help me.
    Major: Biochemistry, BS
    GPA: 3.55 Cumulative undergrad; 3.8 Major undergrad; 3.8 Math undergrad; 3.8 Biostat MS
    GRE: Verbal 165, Quant 170, AW 4.5
    MCAT (7/2011) (submitted to SOPHAS and JHU): 12 Physical, 13 Biology, 13 Verbal, Q Essay, 98.4-99.0 overall percentile
    Citizenship: US
    Graduate Institution: Currently second year MS in biostatistics, relatively new (unranked) small program affiliated with medical school
    Important Classes: Calculus I-IV (through vector calc), differential equations, applied biostatistics sequence, survival analysis, clinical trials, SAS, design and analysis of surveys, 2 bioinformatics courses including algorithms and statistical methods, currently taking probability/Casella & Berger math stat sequence and linear algebra so this was not on my transcript.  
    Research Experience: One biostatistics lab course and master's thesis, both focused on microarray data analysis methods, working with the same advisor for both, use of R/Bioconductor packages
    Publications: None
    Grants: None
    Teaching experience: 7+ years math science tutor for elementary through undergraduate level, currently TA for year-long applied biostatistics sequence for MPH, biostatistics, and bioinformatics graduate students
    Work experience: Two years as an electronic medical records tutor and one year as emergency department scribe/scribe trainer, working in hospitals with physicians
    LORs: 1 from thesis advisor/biostat professor, 1 biostat linear regression professor, 1 bioinformatics professor, 1 philosophy of science professor (for schools that would allow more than 3). I think I probably had the strongest recs from my advisor and the philosophy prof, whom I have visited with extensively.  Others are probably average, I preformed very well in their courses but did not know them incredibly well. Also I asked my employer (an emergency room physician) to send an extra letter to JHU because it was my top choice, maybe this was in February or March. I asked her to send a 'glowing' letter. She gave me a copy; it seemed nice enough but I think they would be more impressed with straight A's in a real analysis sequence .  
     
    Applied: All Biostat PhD -- UW, Berkeley, UCLA, Harvard, JHU, UNC, Emory, Boston University, Columbia, Pitt
     
    Accepted: Pitt (full funding with TA/RA position)
    Rejected: Everywhere else 
    Attending: Pitt

    Comments: I believe I was immediately disqualified at UW and Boston U for no linear algebra (probably should have checked with the departments before applying), if not more, and other schools for lack of higher level math courses (and perhaps other reasons). I was originally planning to do medical school, hence the biochemistry undergrad, the MCAT, and the medical related jobs.  Also I worked many random jobs after high school and did not really apply myself to undergrad studies until I became focused on pre-medical preparation, so my undergrad transcript stretches over 10 years with most work concentrated in the last 4 years. My advice to future applicants: take a lot of math courses (if you are not already a math or stats major)! Maybe I should note that Columbia asked if I wanted to be considered for DrPH in biostatistics, which I declined as I would like to continue learning more statistical theory and I would prefer the PhD degree. Very happy with how things turned out, regardless of all the rejection, which was kind of depressing, but motivating as well, I suppose. Now I am glad to be able to stop worrying about all this rankings nonsense and focus on becoming the best (bio)statistician I can possibly be.  
  6. Upvote
    Ely reacted to econ_to_stats in 2013 Applications and Results Thread   
    Undergraduate Institution: Mid-sized, low-ranking State University in the Midwest
    Major: Math, Economics, BA
    GPA: 3.54 Cumulative, 3.87 Major
    GRE: Verbal 167, Quant 167, AW 4.5
    Graduate Institution: Large, mid-ranking State University in the South
    Grad Major: Economics (PhD program, dropped out after 2nd year and received an MS)
    Grad GPA: 3.3
    Important Classes: (Undergrad) Mathematical Statistics, Computational Statistics, Real Analysis, Elem. Point Set Topology, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Matrix Theory, Econometrics, (Grad) Survival Analysis, Panel Data, Limited Dependent Variables, Econometrics, Time Series
    Research Experience: 1 year working for an Econ professor
    Publications: One empirical paper in a decent peer-reviewed economic journal, another empirical paper published by the Joint Economic Committee of Congress.  
    Grants: None
    Teaching experience: Principles of Microeconomics at my Graduate School, Econometrics at my Alma Mater.
    LORs: 1 Econometrics Prof (Grad), 1 Stats Prog (UGrad), 1 Econometrics Prof (UGrad).  I don't think any are particularly well known.
     
    Applied: Ohio State (PhD), UC-Davis (PhD), Bowling Green (PhD), UCLA (Masters), Stanford (Masters), University of Washington (Masters), Chicago (Masters), UNC-Chapel Hill (Masters), Johns Hopkins (Masters), Columbia (Masters), Carnegie Mellon (Masters).  All Statistics
     
    Accepted: Bowling Green, UCLA, Johns Hopkins,
    Rejected: Ohio State, UC-Davis, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon
    Waitlisted: Chicago, Washington (implied), UNC-Chapel Hill (implied), Columbia (Implied)
    Attending: UCLA

    Comments:  I've been working as an economist for the past 4 years.  Also, I had a number of classes in grad school that show up as "expired incomplete" and then again with course grades (interestingly enough, all incomplete courses eventually became As.)  
  7. Upvote
    Ely reacted to superbean in 2013 Applications and Results Thread   
    Undergraduate Institution:  Small Private Top 40 U.S. School
    Major:  Physics BS
    GPA 3.26
    GRE 159 Q 161V 3.5 W
    Important classes, Calculus I to III, differential equations 
    Linear Algebra and Diffeq taken at a tier II university A's in everything except calculus II ( which was a B )
     
    LOR- three from co-workers (I worked in industry as a physicist for 8 years before going back to school, I dont think my professors remembered me). All of which were positive, but none of them worked in academia
     
    Applied: Akron (masters) Bowling Green (Masters) Ohio State (PhD) University of Pittsburgh (Phd)
    Accepted: Akron (fully funded!), Bowling Green
    Rejected: Ohio State, UPitt
    Going: Akron
     
    Comments: I figure my lack of math experience, low GPA, recommendations from former co-workers and poor GRE grades kept me out of contention for the two PHD programs I applied to.  However I did get into two Masters programs, and I will work on improving my application over the next couple of years.  I cant change my GPA, but I can change everything else!
  8. Upvote
    Ely reacted to budgie in Starting grad school after a really difficult break up?   
    I actually think that grad school may be the best thing you can do given your situation! 

    You'll be able to start fresh, in a new town, with only yourself on your mind. And I'm sure you won't be the only one going through this at the start of grad school. Many people who are in relationships now must make the choice to start a long distance relationship or break-up, and I think it's more common for people to spilt, so you will have company.
     
    My ex brokeup with me a few weeks before I left for my study abroad experience. I was an emotional wreck, but as soon as I stepped foot into a new country, I felt so refreshed. Having a new start is exactly what I needed, and I even bonded with a girl who was going through a breakup as well, and she became one of my best friends. I was still emotionally screwed up for many months, but being exposed to a new situation definitely eases the pain.

    It sucks, but you'll get through this. Good luck <3
  9. Upvote
    Ely got a reaction from SeriousSillyPutty in business cards?   
    Another thing you want to consider when setting up your business cards is your contact number.  I use a Google Voice number for several reasons:
    I can control who is able to contact me.  If I don't want to hear from someone, Google Voice screens the calls for me. I never have to worry about changing my phone number.  If I change cell phone providers, I just update the info on the Google Voice site and it automatically forwards to my new cell phone. I can control which phones ring.  The Google Voice number can forward to multiple phones, so I can have those calls ring on my cell, my home, and my office phone all at the same time.  I don't run the risk of missing calls. Voicemails and texts can easily be forwarded to your email address.  Even if you don't have a cell signal, you'll still know that someone called. I got to pick my own number.  For me it was mathy.  You may want to search for a number that ties in with your field of study or that spells something easy to remember. I've been a happy user since beta, and highly recommend the service.
  10. Upvote
    Ely got a reaction from SeriousSillyPutty in business cards?   
    My business cards have been invaluable at conferences and seem to garner a lot of positive response.  I tried to make the design reflect my love for math, but still keep things useful for a non-math recipient of the card.  The printed cards have rounded corners, and what looks grey on the screen is actually a metallic silver ink.  As pears suggested, I keep enough room that I can jot down other information if needed.  I like to think that when I'm handing someone a business card, it's not just a list of contact info, but rather a 2" x 3.5" sample of my personality.
     
       
  11. Upvote
    Ely got a reaction from Bhrigu in Starting grad school after a really difficult break up?   
    You have my sympathies.  My 7-year marriage ended without warning in August of last year.  As if the divorce process itself isn't stressfull enough, I suddenly found myself being a single parent to a teenager and having to work full time to afford my last year of undergrad. 
     
    Grad school is my bright spot.  It's my fresh start.  I'll have a new apartment with all new furniture (cheaper than moving my existing things half-way across the country).  I'll be at a school I love, doing work that I love, and I won't have to deal with the fear of bumping into my ex-husband every time I leave the house.  My son is excited about the move, and while he has to leave behind friends, he sees it as a fresh start as well.   
     
    My advice is to look into activities in the area around your grad school.  What better time to get out and try something new?  You'll need a break from studies anyway.  Why not make this the year that you learn how to knit or tap dance or even join a roller derby team?  You'll be giving yourself the opportunity to grow as an individual and expanding your social circle in the process.
     
    I won't lie and say that any of this is easy or that I'm not at all scared about making things work this fall, but I try to look at it as the incredible opportunity it is.  After a few months I've also come to be very grateful that things ended when they did.  I have had time to pick up the pieces, and I most of the beurocracy will have been handled before I leave the state.  Better that it happened last August than in the middle of preparing for qualifying exams or getting ready to defend my thesis.
  12. Upvote
    Ely got a reaction from St Andrews Lynx in Starting grad school after a really difficult break up?   
    You have my sympathies.  My 7-year marriage ended without warning in August of last year.  As if the divorce process itself isn't stressfull enough, I suddenly found myself being a single parent to a teenager and having to work full time to afford my last year of undergrad. 
     
    Grad school is my bright spot.  It's my fresh start.  I'll have a new apartment with all new furniture (cheaper than moving my existing things half-way across the country).  I'll be at a school I love, doing work that I love, and I won't have to deal with the fear of bumping into my ex-husband every time I leave the house.  My son is excited about the move, and while he has to leave behind friends, he sees it as a fresh start as well.   
     
    My advice is to look into activities in the area around your grad school.  What better time to get out and try something new?  You'll need a break from studies anyway.  Why not make this the year that you learn how to knit or tap dance or even join a roller derby team?  You'll be giving yourself the opportunity to grow as an individual and expanding your social circle in the process.
     
    I won't lie and say that any of this is easy or that I'm not at all scared about making things work this fall, but I try to look at it as the incredible opportunity it is.  After a few months I've also come to be very grateful that things ended when they did.  I have had time to pick up the pieces, and I most of the beurocracy will have been handled before I leave the state.  Better that it happened last August than in the middle of preparing for qualifying exams or getting ready to defend my thesis.
  13. Upvote
    Ely reacted to Panama Slim in business cards?   
    I also use Google Voice.  Works like a boss!
  14. Upvote
    Ely reacted to Dal PhDer in Starting grad school after a really difficult break up?   
    Hi there,
     
    The second month into my PhD, I ended my 5 year relationship. The breakup was very painful, poisonous, and vicious. At the time, it was hard. Battling the emotions everyday; figuring out the logistics of moving while managing course work, writing grant applications, and RA work; and putting on a brave face at school and work was so difficult. I can remember getting an email from him in the middle of the day at work, and having to quietly leave and cry in the bathroom. So yeah...it sucked. (throwing out his $300 golf shoes did feel good though!!)
     
    With all that said...it was worth it. It gave me a sense of 'rebirth' (that sounds so new-age!)..but it's true! I got to go back an experience grad school being single and having the freedom to do whatever. I didn't have the constriction of catering to another person- I could work until 4am (or party!)....It REALLY changed me, and for the better.
     
    So while it's hard now...know that you'll get through it. I didn't think I would ever heal or be able to move on- but I did. Take the time to recover and heal- it takes awhile.But know that afterwards, you'll be okay- and you'll be able to start over on an exciting path!
  15. Upvote
    Ely got a reaction from Chai_latte in business cards?   
    My business cards have been invaluable at conferences and seem to garner a lot of positive response.  I tried to make the design reflect my love for math, but still keep things useful for a non-math recipient of the card.  The printed cards have rounded corners, and what looks grey on the screen is actually a metallic silver ink.  As pears suggested, I keep enough room that I can jot down other information if needed.  I like to think that when I'm handing someone a business card, it's not just a list of contact info, but rather a 2" x 3.5" sample of my personality.
     
       
  16. Upvote
    Ely got a reaction from TakeruK in business cards?   
    Another thing you want to consider when setting up your business cards is your contact number.  I use a Google Voice number for several reasons:
    I can control who is able to contact me.  If I don't want to hear from someone, Google Voice screens the calls for me. I never have to worry about changing my phone number.  If I change cell phone providers, I just update the info on the Google Voice site and it automatically forwards to my new cell phone. I can control which phones ring.  The Google Voice number can forward to multiple phones, so I can have those calls ring on my cell, my home, and my office phone all at the same time.  I don't run the risk of missing calls. Voicemails and texts can easily be forwarded to your email address.  Even if you don't have a cell signal, you'll still know that someone called. I got to pick my own number.  For me it was mathy.  You may want to search for a number that ties in with your field of study or that spells something easy to remember. I've been a happy user since beta, and highly recommend the service.
  17. Upvote
    Ely reacted to RubyBright in Starting grad school after a really difficult break up?   
    You guys are awesome. Your words of support mean a lot to me!
  18. Upvote
    Ely got a reaction from Chai_latte in Starting grad school after a really difficult break up?   
    You have my sympathies.  My 7-year marriage ended without warning in August of last year.  As if the divorce process itself isn't stressfull enough, I suddenly found myself being a single parent to a teenager and having to work full time to afford my last year of undergrad. 
     
    Grad school is my bright spot.  It's my fresh start.  I'll have a new apartment with all new furniture (cheaper than moving my existing things half-way across the country).  I'll be at a school I love, doing work that I love, and I won't have to deal with the fear of bumping into my ex-husband every time I leave the house.  My son is excited about the move, and while he has to leave behind friends, he sees it as a fresh start as well.   
     
    My advice is to look into activities in the area around your grad school.  What better time to get out and try something new?  You'll need a break from studies anyway.  Why not make this the year that you learn how to knit or tap dance or even join a roller derby team?  You'll be giving yourself the opportunity to grow as an individual and expanding your social circle in the process.
     
    I won't lie and say that any of this is easy or that I'm not at all scared about making things work this fall, but I try to look at it as the incredible opportunity it is.  After a few months I've also come to be very grateful that things ended when they did.  I have had time to pick up the pieces, and I most of the beurocracy will have been handled before I leave the state.  Better that it happened last August than in the middle of preparing for qualifying exams or getting ready to defend my thesis.
  19. Upvote
    Ely got a reaction from callista in Starting grad school after a really difficult break up?   
    You have my sympathies.  My 7-year marriage ended without warning in August of last year.  As if the divorce process itself isn't stressfull enough, I suddenly found myself being a single parent to a teenager and having to work full time to afford my last year of undergrad. 
     
    Grad school is my bright spot.  It's my fresh start.  I'll have a new apartment with all new furniture (cheaper than moving my existing things half-way across the country).  I'll be at a school I love, doing work that I love, and I won't have to deal with the fear of bumping into my ex-husband every time I leave the house.  My son is excited about the move, and while he has to leave behind friends, he sees it as a fresh start as well.   
     
    My advice is to look into activities in the area around your grad school.  What better time to get out and try something new?  You'll need a break from studies anyway.  Why not make this the year that you learn how to knit or tap dance or even join a roller derby team?  You'll be giving yourself the opportunity to grow as an individual and expanding your social circle in the process.
     
    I won't lie and say that any of this is easy or that I'm not at all scared about making things work this fall, but I try to look at it as the incredible opportunity it is.  After a few months I've also come to be very grateful that things ended when they did.  I have had time to pick up the pieces, and I most of the beurocracy will have been handled before I leave the state.  Better that it happened last August than in the middle of preparing for qualifying exams or getting ready to defend my thesis.
  20. Upvote
    Ely got a reaction from Cookie in Starting grad school after a really difficult break up?   
    You have my sympathies.  My 7-year marriage ended without warning in August of last year.  As if the divorce process itself isn't stressfull enough, I suddenly found myself being a single parent to a teenager and having to work full time to afford my last year of undergrad. 
     
    Grad school is my bright spot.  It's my fresh start.  I'll have a new apartment with all new furniture (cheaper than moving my existing things half-way across the country).  I'll be at a school I love, doing work that I love, and I won't have to deal with the fear of bumping into my ex-husband every time I leave the house.  My son is excited about the move, and while he has to leave behind friends, he sees it as a fresh start as well.   
     
    My advice is to look into activities in the area around your grad school.  What better time to get out and try something new?  You'll need a break from studies anyway.  Why not make this the year that you learn how to knit or tap dance or even join a roller derby team?  You'll be giving yourself the opportunity to grow as an individual and expanding your social circle in the process.
     
    I won't lie and say that any of this is easy or that I'm not at all scared about making things work this fall, but I try to look at it as the incredible opportunity it is.  After a few months I've also come to be very grateful that things ended when they did.  I have had time to pick up the pieces, and I most of the beurocracy will have been handled before I leave the state.  Better that it happened last August than in the middle of preparing for qualifying exams or getting ready to defend my thesis.
  21. Upvote
    Ely got a reaction from pears in Starting grad school after a really difficult break up?   
    You have my sympathies.  My 7-year marriage ended without warning in August of last year.  As if the divorce process itself isn't stressfull enough, I suddenly found myself being a single parent to a teenager and having to work full time to afford my last year of undergrad. 
     
    Grad school is my bright spot.  It's my fresh start.  I'll have a new apartment with all new furniture (cheaper than moving my existing things half-way across the country).  I'll be at a school I love, doing work that I love, and I won't have to deal with the fear of bumping into my ex-husband every time I leave the house.  My son is excited about the move, and while he has to leave behind friends, he sees it as a fresh start as well.   
     
    My advice is to look into activities in the area around your grad school.  What better time to get out and try something new?  You'll need a break from studies anyway.  Why not make this the year that you learn how to knit or tap dance or even join a roller derby team?  You'll be giving yourself the opportunity to grow as an individual and expanding your social circle in the process.
     
    I won't lie and say that any of this is easy or that I'm not at all scared about making things work this fall, but I try to look at it as the incredible opportunity it is.  After a few months I've also come to be very grateful that things ended when they did.  I have had time to pick up the pieces, and I most of the beurocracy will have been handled before I leave the state.  Better that it happened last August than in the middle of preparing for qualifying exams or getting ready to defend my thesis.
  22. Upvote
    Ely got a reaction from ion_exchanger in Starting grad school after a really difficult break up?   
    You have my sympathies.  My 7-year marriage ended without warning in August of last year.  As if the divorce process itself isn't stressfull enough, I suddenly found myself being a single parent to a teenager and having to work full time to afford my last year of undergrad. 
     
    Grad school is my bright spot.  It's my fresh start.  I'll have a new apartment with all new furniture (cheaper than moving my existing things half-way across the country).  I'll be at a school I love, doing work that I love, and I won't have to deal with the fear of bumping into my ex-husband every time I leave the house.  My son is excited about the move, and while he has to leave behind friends, he sees it as a fresh start as well.   
     
    My advice is to look into activities in the area around your grad school.  What better time to get out and try something new?  You'll need a break from studies anyway.  Why not make this the year that you learn how to knit or tap dance or even join a roller derby team?  You'll be giving yourself the opportunity to grow as an individual and expanding your social circle in the process.
     
    I won't lie and say that any of this is easy or that I'm not at all scared about making things work this fall, but I try to look at it as the incredible opportunity it is.  After a few months I've also come to be very grateful that things ended when they did.  I have had time to pick up the pieces, and I most of the beurocracy will have been handled before I leave the state.  Better that it happened last August than in the middle of preparing for qualifying exams or getting ready to defend my thesis.
  23. Upvote
    Ely got a reaction from RubyBright in Starting grad school after a really difficult break up?   
    You have my sympathies.  My 7-year marriage ended without warning in August of last year.  As if the divorce process itself isn't stressfull enough, I suddenly found myself being a single parent to a teenager and having to work full time to afford my last year of undergrad. 
     
    Grad school is my bright spot.  It's my fresh start.  I'll have a new apartment with all new furniture (cheaper than moving my existing things half-way across the country).  I'll be at a school I love, doing work that I love, and I won't have to deal with the fear of bumping into my ex-husband every time I leave the house.  My son is excited about the move, and while he has to leave behind friends, he sees it as a fresh start as well.   
     
    My advice is to look into activities in the area around your grad school.  What better time to get out and try something new?  You'll need a break from studies anyway.  Why not make this the year that you learn how to knit or tap dance or even join a roller derby team?  You'll be giving yourself the opportunity to grow as an individual and expanding your social circle in the process.
     
    I won't lie and say that any of this is easy or that I'm not at all scared about making things work this fall, but I try to look at it as the incredible opportunity it is.  After a few months I've also come to be very grateful that things ended when they did.  I have had time to pick up the pieces, and I most of the beurocracy will have been handled before I leave the state.  Better that it happened last August than in the middle of preparing for qualifying exams or getting ready to defend my thesis.
  24. Upvote
    Ely reacted to MonkeyDr in business cards?   
    Cool cards!
  25. Upvote
    Ely reacted to MonkeyDr in business cards?   
    I've had mixed reviews on this. Seems like grad students think this is a great idea but non-grad students don't. I really wouldn't want to risk as coming across too full of myself. Afterall, I am just a student. 
     
    What do you all think? 
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