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cylon.descendant

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Posts posted by cylon.descendant

  1. This may seem like a dumb question, but as a first-time TA, I don't know what the norm is. Do TAs buy the books for the course they're teaching just like they do for the courses they are taking? Or are the required texts provided to TAs? I know I can find out from my TA adviser but I thought I would ask here first so I know what to expect.

     

    Thanks!

  2. Hi,

    I will be moving to Victoria in about a month and won't know anyone there. I didn't find any discussions about UVic in here so I thought I would start one up. Anyone else going to be going to school in Victoria, or even Vancouver?

    I'm excited to live in Victoria as I've heard only good things about it, although, being from the landlocked prairies, I do have this worry in the back of my mind about the whole city getting submerged in a tsunami!

  3. Thanks for the advice everyone. I also think Teagirl's suggestion of having a kind of personal goal/challenge to meet new people is a good idea. I think if I make that commitment to myself I will be more likely to do things that might be slightly stretching my comfort zone in order to meet new people. I really think the first few weeks will make or break me (because if I start off totally in my shell it will be that much harder to break it down the road), so I guess I'll just have to make myself get to know some people right off the bat.

    And thanks for the meetup.com suggestion. I hadn't thought of something like that, but it could really help me, especially if I am having a hard time getting to know people in person.

  4. I wasn't saying I didn't see your point at all Arcanen, but you don't seem to want to acknowledge that it isn't the only way of looking at the issue. I was trying to be honest and diplomatic, but I feel like you're judging and scolding me for explaining my situation and perspective. I'm not hiding behind the fact that I'm an introvert; I'm aware of that fact and trying to take steps to make sure it doesn't stop me from having a great experience in grad school. I have lived in my own apartment for four years and I really love it and know it works for me, so I'm planning to continue with that type of arrangement. I'm sure there would be some great things about university residence, even for me, but I know it isn't the best choice I could make either. 

     

    You created a topic to ask how to deal with your shyness and how to fit in a new city and school. Unfortunately, you have other circumstances (i.e. your cat) that make living in a residential community, the ideal solution to your issue, not possible. I fully recognise that since this is the case, you (and others who have made similar arrangements) don't want to be acknowledging that your social situation will be difficult and more limited than it would otherwise be, such is human nature. This doesn't change how things are.

     

    I'm not trying to lie to myself about this. I get that it might be easier to meet many people in residence. I just don't really find that to be a major selling point. Honestly, I'm not worried about creating a big safety net of friends (because I have always thrived by having a few people I'm close to rather than many that I'm friendly with but distanced from). I care about being able to have a conversation with the people in my classes, being able to talk to my professors outside of class without having a heart attack, and in doing these things, hopefully being able to connect with a couple people that I can become closer with. Honestly, if my cat were the only thing that made residence not an option for me, I wouldn't keep refuting your posts (and your assumptions about me). 

    It's great that you want to take the time to open some minds to university residence because, you're right, it's something people should consider instead of just writing off. That still doesn't mean it works for EVERYONE, though, and it certainly doesn't mean that those of us it doesn't work for are "lying to ourselves about why something makes us uncomfortable." For me, my apartment is a haven away from my social life, somewhere I can go to relax and cuddle with my cat when I know that reading a book will make me feel more connected to the world than hanging out with friends would. I've known a lot of people who've lived in residence (albeit mostly undergrads), and I know that even if you have your own suite there, it will always be in the middle of that social community. I don't want that and it's not because I'm afraid to go out of my comfort zone. Let's just leave it at that, okay??

    If anyone is interested in diversifying this conversation, I would love to hear some more opinions! I know there is a lot more to the issue of meeting people than just living arrangements. Any current grad students have experiences to share, good or bad? Anyone else with the same kinds of worries?

  5. I do appreciate the suggestion of stepping out of my comfort zone and living in a residential school, and (if not for the cat issue) would agree that maybe I shouldn't immediately write off that option. However, I know that for me, and people like me, it would not be the most fitting option and it doesn't just have to do with a comfort zone. Being introverted means you generally lose energy from being around groups of people and feel more energized when you are able to spend time alone. This doesn't mean you don't need human contact, but it does mean that you need space and alone time to thrive. For me, the kind of pushing myself out of my comfort zone I need to do is more like making the effort to get to know students in my classes, or someone I run into in the library, or someone at a concert, etc.

    There's nothing wrong with being introverted, and there's nothing better about being extroverted. They're just two different ways of being, and I think you're confusing trying to force oneself into extroversion for "going out of your comfort zone."

    I do get that for someone who isn't significantly introverted, it's hard to understand that it's not something you can or should change about yourself. But, the kind of advice I'm looking for is more about how to push myself to actually talk to and get to know the people I'm around in school or other activities I'm involved in. You mention that those in residential communities tend to know and be friends with a much greater range of people, but that's not what I want or need. I thrive off of having a smaller circle of people that I know and trust and that's all I'm looking for.

    Either way, I do appreciate everyone's input and the fact that people have taken the time to give their two cents to try and help others out!

  6. Thanks so much for all of the advice! It's nice to know that there are other people in a similar situation, and to know that they have managed.

     

    As far as living in residence goes, this really isn't an option for me. First of all, because I have a cat and leaving him behind is definitely off the table. But regardless of that, it just wouldn't be at all feasible for me as a person. I am very introverted so if I don't have alone time and a space that is totally my own and private, I actually feel more lonely and disconnected. I know this seems counterintuitive, but I'm sure any other introvert would immediately understand what I mean. And that's not a choice or something I need to change about myself, it's just a part of who I am and I'm perfectly okay with it. I couldn't deal with living in a giant hall of people with hardly any privacy in my undergrad, and I can't deal with it now. In fact, even having a roommate is not an option for me, as I really value having my own safe space and know it is necessary for my mental well-being.That being said, one sentiment I do agree with in Arcanen's post is that I do need to put myself in situations where I am going to be able to meet people. For me, though, a better option would be groups and organizations, or maybe even a job with a small time commitment. It definitely is a danger that instead of going out of my comfort zone, I will just hole myself up in my apartment when I'm not at school. I know I need to make sure I don't allow myself to do that.

     

    Veggiez, you are very right... I think the way I handle the first few weeks will really set the tone for me, so making sure I get to know a few people off the bat will probably be a big help! 

     

    I'm glad I'm not the only one worried about meeting people at grad school... it makes me a little less nervous to approach others as I know that at least some of them will probably be feeling the same way I do!

  7. As September creeps closer and the reality of moving to a new city to start my Graduate degree sinks in, I find myself worrying about how I'm going to settle into the city/school socially. I do have a SO but he will not be moving with me (instead we're hoping he'll be able to work in some decently long visits). I don't know anyone in the city I'll be going to and I haven't met anyone in my program.

    The reason I'm worried is because I'm very shy, especially in certain circumstances. If I'm confident in the material, I can give a great speech or presentation, but as soon as it comes to something like striking up a conversation with the person sitting next to me, I'm hopeless. Either I never work up the courage to start or join a conversation, or when I do I'm so nervous that I end up looking like a fool. That being said, when I'm around people I know and am comfortable with, I am very confident, so it's not like it's impossible for me to relate to people.

    I just know that in my undergrad degree, I didn't become friends with anyone in my classes. The closest was one or maybe two people from groups I volunteered with that became decent acquaintances/mild friends (but we never had frequent contact). I'm worried that if the same thing happens in grad school, I'll be totally isolated (except for my cat) because I won't have my community of family/friends nearby.

    Is there anyone out there, maybe with similar social anxiety and shyness, who has any advice/insight/experiences to share?

  8. Mandarin.orange, thanks so much for all this information about your experiences! I can just see myself now, chasing my cat around security after he squirms out of my arms... Haha. It sounds like it will be stressful and worrisome to fly with a cat, but it's good to know that there are people out there who have done it and had things turn out okay! And good advice with the flying nonstop. I think it would be worth the cash to save the cat the extra stress! 

     

    It's nice to know there are other grad students out there trying to do their best to accommodate their pets! I could never leave my little guy behind :)

  9. I'm in pretty much the same position as the OP. My university will be about a 12-14 hour drive away and I will be bringing my cat (and a UHaul with furniture) with me. I'm hoping to avoid stopping overnight if I can, just to avoid the extra UHaul charges. I will of course stop for breaks with my cat, though. 

     

    One bit of advice I would give is to try and get your cat used to car rides in the next couple of months. My parents live about 40 minutes away from me and I will often visit them for a couple nights on my days off work, so I take my cat with me. The first trip or two, he yowled a couple times and was a little nervous. However, he has since become very used to car rides and even enjoys them. I have a little (hard-shell) carrier that I take him in and usually as soon as I start driving he curls up and naps. The only time he gets mad now is when the car is stopped! 

     

    What I'm more worried about is if I fly home for Christmas... I don't like the idea of taking my cat on a plane with me, even in the passenger area (which is the only way I'd consider it). Even for a short flight, you still have to factor in time waiting at the gate, going through security, etc. And what if my cat has to use the litter or something? Obviously I wouldn't feed him right before we leave or anything, but you never know. If anyone has experience travelling with pets on a plane, I'd be interested to hear!

  10. I'm in Alberta and got a letter in the mail a couple days ago at my parents. I was out of town so I had to wait till today to open it (excruciating!) but I have been lucky enough to receive the award. Congrats to all that have and good luck to those waiting to hear!!

  11. For those of you who have heard, have you received your letters in the mail or have you found out through your school? I haven't seen anything on the twitter feed about the results being announced but am getting too anxious for my own good. A big congratulations to those of you who were successful, by the way!!

  12. I'm getting so antsy about this! I really want to find out whether or not I'm getting this grant. Not only because it would be very exciting to get it, but also because I really need to know what my financial situation will be when I start in September. I'm in the process of looking for apartments near my university and don't even know what my price range is! I just want to know one way or the other already...

  13. @exocet

    Thanks for the info about the city and neighbourhoods! It's helpful to know which ones will be convenient and which won't. Now I'm just hoping I don't have too much trouble finding a place!

  14. Just wondering if there are any students from (or going to) the University of Victoria's English program. I will be going there in  September and would love to have a little insight from anyone attending. It would also be nice to hear from some students who will be newbs like me at Uvic in the fall!

  15. I believe rankings are valuable if used responsibly, but (while I don't know which rankings you refer to) I would disregard any between-countries rankings entirely, especially for grad school.

     

    At most you could compare where each one ranks in their own country, but even that is dubious. Best to compare what PIs you'd work with, and where alumni end up.

    Just want to second this point. Many American schools are more prestigious, but in terms of the quality of education, Canadian schools often have more challenging programs. I am inclined to go for quality over prestige, but it depends to what degree your school will affect your career options afterwards.

  16. I had the exact same problem choosing between schools. I had a few offers but was stuck between two. One was extremely student-friendly, small department and classes, and the people I was in contact with there were just so nice and helpful. The other was a bit bigger (though not huge), didn't have the same extremely friendly attitude, but offered a lot of classes I was super interested in and is a well-respected program.

     

    I ended up going for the slightly bigger school (UVic by the way) because in the end I felt like they had more to offer me in terms of class content and they are a mid-sized program so it isn't going to be totally impersonal. It was really difficult to say no to the other school, though, because I just got such a great feeling from them. 

     

    What helped me to feel more comfortable in making my decision was that I was able to contact a current MA student at UVic and hear a student's perspective on the program. I would recommend looking through your department website for a student to contact (there might be a student representative), or emailing the Graduate Adviser there and asking them to put you in contact with a student. They can help give you a better idea of what the program is really like and help you see if it's going to be a good fit for you.

     

    In the end, only you can really decide which program is going to fit your life and goals the best. As my mom told me, go with your gut! Good luck with your decision... I know it can be an excruciating position to be in, but if you're torn between two schools I'm sure whatever your choice, you'll be in a good program!

  17. Hi everyone,

     

    I recently accepted UVic's offer and will be heading off to do my MA there in September. I'm wondering if anyone has advice and info about living in Victoria. I am from Alberta so I know a little about the city and have been there when I was younger, but I'm a little lost in terms of where to live. Ideally, I would like a place that is close to the University (whether walking distance or on a good bus route, as I'm not sure I will have my car there), and maybe not too far from downtown. Affordability is a big must, as I'm sure all you grad students know. I'm not the kind of person that goes out on the town a lot, but I don't want to be isolated, either. 

     

    If anyone who lives or has lived there has any helpful info about different neighborhoods, price ranges ,etc., that would be awesome! 

  18. I wish they would be a little more specific than "spring 2013." I am so anxious to find out the results! I've heard so many different dates thrown around - from late March to late-May. I just wish I had a better idea of what to expect! And it will be nice to know how much I need to worry about saving up before heading off to school in September. Has anyone applied for a Master's SSHRC in the past, or known someone who has? Any idea when people were notified about the results? 

     

    On another note, I'm curious if anyone knows much about the SSHRC MA scholarship for past years. When I was talking to a prof about grad school in September-ish, he brought up the SSHRC grant and seemed to think it was about $30 grand. Has the amount gone down in recent years due to budget cuts? I'll be happy to receive it either way, but I'm just curious if the amount has changed or if my prof was maybe just thinking of the doctoral version of the grant. 

     

    Good luck everyone!

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