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artist_lily

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Everything posted by artist_lily

  1. Emphatically seconded on the Harner book. I'm already attending, and my research methods prof (a very eminent, old-guard medieval scholar) recommended this book to us immediately. It's a must-have. Good call, poco_puffs!
  2. Penn State is supposed to have one of the best Rhet/Comp programs in the country. I would definitely recommend checking out their Web site and program!
  3. AWESOME. As a life-long practicing Catholic, I do think Mother Mary would approve -- this is our FUTURE, after all!
  4. Haha! Love this idea -- if you come up with something, make sure to let us here on GradCafe know; a WWJD-type "reminder" bracelet for grad school is DEFINITELY something I could get behind. As it is, I've got notes-to-self galore, but I'm sure nothing -- nothing! -- will stick once I'm (to borrow a Sedaris phrase) "engulfed in [grad school's] flames"
  5. I definitely empathize with your concern regarding not being a T.A., joro; it's almost impossible not to compare yourself with others in your incoming cohort and to question where you stand. I got into my program off the waitlist -- and worse yet, judging from the Facebook statuses of my incoming cohort, everyone else in my cohort seems to have already met each other at recruitment weekend (yep, the recruitment weekend I wasn't invited to!). Talk about awkward... I hear it in my head already: "Who's THAT girl, and where did she come from? Oh, she must have been a runner-up..." Is it me, or does grad school bring out all the insecurities that could ever possibly exist in one person?
  6. Love this thread! Good call on starting it, poco_puffs. I think I'm going to steal a couple of yours to add onto: 1. Try to complete at least 75% of the assigned reading. (Can I be completely honest and say that it makes me feel a LOT better that this is one of your -- that is, poco_puff's -- goals, too? I recently read in a graduate student guide something to the effect of that if you ever, ever skimped on a reading assignment in undergrad, you should not be considering grad school in the humanities. That sent me for a nosedive -- sometimes doing it all really ISN'T humanly possible. I'm relieved to hear that I'm not the only literature student who occasionally finds it hard to keep up!) 2. Attend as many happy hours, study sessions, lunch hang-outs, and department socials as I'm lucky enough to garner an invite to. I have a tendency to recede into myself, and I'm hoping that I can avoid that this year (the coming six years?). 3. Like coyabean, I want to focus on the end-goal, rather than letting trivial concerns like departmental politics, intracohort gossip, and external negative voices interfere with my work. I don't want to have a one-track only mind, but really, what am I there for? And what am I doing? 4. Remember that I deserve to be in the program and that no matter how inferior I personally think my work is, it's been validated by several scholars whom I truly respect and whom I strive to emulate. Because if anything's going to kill me this coming year, it's the self-confidence thing... I've never had very much of it, and it's hard to imagine it improving (or even staying level) when I consider the mighty talent by which I'm going to be surrounded. Whew! Now to copy these down and post them in a place where I won't forget them come the first day of orientation...
  7. I have the same sort of nerves plaguing me right now, suspechosa; I have to say, it's nice to see that I'm not alone... even though I wish we both felt totally confident and prepared for these sorts of forced social get-togethers! What I've done to help me "psych up" for orientation is bought two highly-rated "socializing" books: one's called "Conversationally Speaking," and the other is "How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks..." I'm currently in the process of reading both of these in order to help me feel more confident for when August rolls around; while I don't think these books will entirely do the trick, they ARE helping to ease my nerves and give me some ideas of how to start conversations with people (so that I'm not the wallflower across the room -- my usual role ). As for Facebook, my cohort has all friended each other on the site and are writing back and forth occasionally. While I realize social networking isn't your thing (and who can blame you?), I would recommend getting involved, even if it is reluctantly. People in my cohort have been sharing valuable information regarding orientation, housing, and teaching via the site, and though I'm not too involved in "talking" with the other incoming students, it will, I think, make it easier to meet people at orientation. That being said, I think the advantage of social networking in this case is only temporary; I imagine that once we all get to campus and there's no longer a need to share that kind of information (or socialize via an Internet platform), the edge will go away. Do what you feel is right for you, and remember that once you get there, everyone will see you for the intelligent, kind person you are -- after all, you got in because you DESERVE to be there!
  8. Awesome! Thanks so much for posting this. New shoes, here I come!
  9. Wow! Is there a catch somewhere, joro? Have you already gotten money back? I used Bing cashback before, but at that time all the places I shopped at seemed to offer around 5-10% cashback. Now 40% on Endless?! When I went to the Endless Web site, it even let me add Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses to my bag and showed a prospective 40% refund! It seems to good to be true -- but since it's Bing and Microsoft (and Endless), I know it must be. Right?
  10. Great article, poco_puffs; thanks so much for sharing! I particularly liked the reassurance that even if you're dressed overly professionally on the first day, the worst that they'll think of you is that you're committed and serious. I mean, how true can that be? Of course we're simply going to look committed and serious. Or at least that's what I think until the voices in my head start saying, "Yeah right! They're going to think you look like a ridiculously nerdy professorial wanna-be who doesn't understand the grad school climate!" Yikes. And I thought the application process was the hard part!
  11. Good point. Walking to campus, or even from one end of campus to the other, can be hard on feet (and on heels), depending on how often you're doing it. Now that you mention it, I may purchase some cute flats or comfy shoes to wear not even on the days with nasty weather, but just for every day, in order to avoid the discomfort or need to re-heel shoes regularly (like a previous poster, for whatever reason I seem to be really hard on my shoes). As for makeup -- and specifically make-up that one can purchase fairly inexpensively at Target or Walmart -- I've had good luck with L'oreal Infallible Foundation. It claims to last the whole day, and in my experience that's been fairly accurate (though I do do a bit of a touch-up at the end of the day if I'm going out for drinks or dinner). And no fear if you're not used to wearing much make-up: in my opinion, this foundation isn't heavy at all, but in spite of that, it does a great job of concealing imperfections. Also look out for Maybelline -- there are a couple good foundations in their line (I particularly like the Instant Age Rewind... not that I need it at 25, but I think it does the best job out of all the Maybellines I've tried! ). I haven't ever had any luck with CoverGirl -- too orangey in my experience. Good luck!
  12. Thanks so much for the helpful replies, ladies (and gentleman) I definitely feel more at ease knowing that others are curious about these same issues, and I think the advice to dress as you would for an admissions visit is probably just about perfect for the first day. The "uniform" of the female grad students at Cornell is also an excellent suggestion, as it's stylish without being overdone -- and I think I might even be able to pull it off! Suppose I need to go shopping for some cute flats now (maybe peep-toe ones like yours, choidy)... Regarding matcha's question about winter footwear, I would second joro's comment: buy some practical winter boots, and change once you get into the building. If you're going to class in your department's building, you're likely going to have an office (or at least a cubby) in that very same building where you will be able to store your "outdoor" footwear. I have a close friend/colleague who taught me this principle well: she would wear Wellingtons or other similarly unattractive boots while in transit on rainy and snowy days, only to change into absolutely gorgeous, but reasonable, high heels the second she stepped into our building. No one ever knew the difference... in fact, I think there were many who wondered how she managed to pull off such style in the midst of such nasty weather! That being said, I'm still going to invest in a pair of semi-cute-but-practical boots to get me through those days when changing footwear mid-morning just isn't an option (i.e., days on which I'm teaching and won't have a place to store my wet boots), but I think all in all, buying a pair of "outdoor" boots and a pair of "cute-but-practical" boots, in addition to your regular heels and nice flats, should address most all winter footwear needs. Hope this helps!
  13. Thanks so much for starting this thread, OP! I, too, was closely following the other similarly-themed thread, but like you, found it geared more towards the men and was hoping to find something that spoke to me as a female incoming graduate student. That being said, like other posters have noted, Express, Gap, Ann Taylor, and NY&Company have some great finds, regardless of whether you're looking for neutrals or some flattering colors to brighten up everyday outfits. I, too, have been doing the majority of my shopping there lately and have managed to pick up some great pencil skirts and sweaters for this coming fall (as I am also a high school English teacher, they double in that regard -- score!). As I've been buying this professional wear, however, I've started to wonder: Are female grad students truly expected to be wearing heels and pencil skirts to class every day? Or are these "professional" outfits more for teaching and perhaps conferences or presentations? I have always thought of the graduate student life as a bit of a bohemian/artsy jeans-and-a-cool-sweater type existence, and I'm worried that I am going to look completely out of place if I show up on the first day of orientation in my (reasonable-height) heels and slim skirt (despite the fact that, like Victorian Tess, dressing up is kind of my thing). What are you all planning to wear on the "first day" and thereafter? Are you going to wear professional attire exclusively, and on the first day of orientation at that? Or do you plan on being more casual and only breaking out the cardigans and skirts when there's a special occasion on the horizon? *As a side note, I didn't have a chance to visit my program, so part of my uncertainty stems from the fact that I have NO IDEA what current graduate students there dress like. If anyone has any experience in this regard, that would be really helpful, too. (Somehow these questions make me feel like it's freshman year of high school all over again... )
  14. I've never seen a site with reviews of graduate programs, per se, but I did find collegeprowler.com helpful for obtaining general information about different universities (and towns) that I was considering. Though the site is geared toward the undergraduate crowd, making some of the reviews or 'grades' irrelevant to us as graduate students, it nevertheless has some terrific first-hand information on things like parking, weather, and the local atmosphere (again, just leave out the reviews submitted by and designed for the beer-guzzling undergrads). Hope this helps, and best of luck in your application process!
  15. Hi all, As the application process winds downs, how are all of you going about thanking your advisors and mentors for their help during this difficult year? I handwrote thank-you notes to all of mine after they had submitted their LORs and have just recently followed up with them via e-mail regarding where I'll be going, but I'm unsure as to whether a second "hard-copy" thank-you note is in order (likely) or whether giving them a small token of appreciation (chocolates or something similar) would be appropriate. (I've read on other forums that gifts for LOR writers are generally discouraged; as it's now after the fact, however -- I'll likely never be needing their endorsement again -- and as I have fairly close relationships with 2/3 of mine, I'm wondering if this situation is any different.) Any suggestions or tips? What are others doing? I feel so hesitant to let the whole thing go by without any further acknowledgement of all they've done for me, but at the same time, don't want to appear too over-the-top! Thoughts would be very much appreciated!
  16. Or Penn State? I have my fingers (and toes) crossed so tightly over here, it's starting to hurt...!!
  17. Tell me about it I applied to the MA in Literary Studies program and, like you, have yet to hear anything back. Luckily I already have a couple other offers I'm totally in love with, but seriously, what the heck are they doing over there? Let's just close this whole thing out already and be DONE with it all!
  18. Thanks so much for sharing what you've heard about the fellowship selection process, Minniepup. I would imagine I'm out of the running, too, but I suppose it can't hurt to keep up a bit of hope. That being said, even without any additional fellowship money, I feel that Florida's funding is pretty generous (I don't know what the Ph.D. funding looks like, obviously, but the MA funding is more than competitive with similar programs I applied to) and believe it would be possible to live satisfactorily (if not entirely comfortably) on the stipend the department provides. Let's keep our fingers crossed together for additional top-ups anyway, though! Regarding the living situation, I am definitely in favour of starting such a strand to find potential roommates among the incoming cohort of graduate English students. Have you had any more luck looking for apartments? I suppose my search is a bit on hold for now, as I'm still waiting to hear on funding decisions from a couple more schools where I've been accepted, as well as to hear back period (something! anything!) from another couple of schools. Still, I will definitely keep in mind your caution against certain apartment complexes as being rife with undergrads (not a living situation I would want!) if I decide on Florida, something that is looking more and more likely -- and something I'm very excited about. Thanks so much for sharing this information regarding the complexes! PS -- If you wouldn't mind sharing info regarding the Ph.D. program funding, I would love to hear from you! One major incentive for me in choosing Florida for the MA program is the opportunity to easily continue on to the Ph.D.; accordingly, I am very interested in hearing how the funding situation looks like for Ph.D. students. Please let me know if you'd be comfortable sharing, whether via this forum or private message; if not, I understand that, too, and thank you anyway for considering it!
  19. As far as I know, all terminal MA admits are fully funded; the English DGS, Dr. Wegner, explicitly wrote in his e-mail to me that all incoming MA students receive a tuition waiver, full health insurance, and a stipend tied to part-time teaching or research. In that regard, then (and for many other reasons!) I would definitely recommend the program. Best of luck!
  20. Thanks so much for the heads up re: the apartment search Web site, jr268010! I'll definitely take a look; I'm excited to find out what options there are available for housing in Gainesville, and this sounds like a great place to start. Thanks again for sharing it!
  21. Quick question: Anyone know anything about fellowships (or additional top-ups) at UF? I applied for the Kirkland fellowship but don't think I got it, as nothing about it was mentioned in my admissions e-mail. Or perhaps they haven't made decisions yet? One can always hope, right? If anyone has any ideas or info about such additional funds at UF, I would love it if you wouldn't mind sharing! Thanks so much!
  22. Hi Minniepup, Thanks for posting, and congrats on your admit to the doctoral program at UF! I wish I had answers to your questions, but as a recent admit to the UF program myself, I'm pretty much in the same boat -- still exploring housing options, public transport around the campus, et cetera. As you said, however, the rental rates around UF seem to be pretty reasonable, though I'm not sure what is considered typical for grad student housing there. Hopefully we'll be able to garner some of this info through current grad students themselves, as I've just received the mass mailing from the EGO at UF and have a feeling that they'd be willing to help us out in this regard. As for me, if I move to Florida, I would think about doing a shared apartment, though I'd love for it to be with another grad student (and even better, an English grad student!). Perhaps we can get a forum going for finding English department roommates! That being said, from what I can find, it looks like you can get a studio apartment for roughly the same as what it would cost to live with a roommate in a regular apartment, and so I could easily see myself going either way. Anyway, if you come up with any good housing information, please do share here! I'll be on the lookout, too, and be sure to post anything I find out here for the benefit of the community. Again, many congratulations on your admit -- should we both accept the offer, I have a feeling we'll be seeing lots of each other (I do Victorian lit as well)!
  23. Waitlisted at your top choice? Congratulations!! I would have killed to get my application even READ at my top choice (I'm sure it was tossed in the reject pile as soon as they saw it!). Best of luck to you as you await the Florida decision... and be sure to keep us posted here in the FL community -- it would be great to have another around!! Keeping my fingers crossed for you!!
  24. Hi Swagato -- no apologies needed; you're always welcome to interrupt! I'm not sure how the admits/waitlists are working this year at Florida, but Dr. Wegner did say in his e-mail to me that he typically calls or e-mails all "top" admitted students, and as I just received the e-mail this past Thursday, I would anticipate that means there are more to come (perhaps those right below the "top," though I can't imagine how I would be anywhere near it). FWIW, he also said in his e-mail that he's headed to Ireland today for spring break, so I'd imagine he'll be pretty unreachable for the next week or so. So don't give up hope if you don't hear back from him soon... I think there's more to come! Best of luck to you... maybe we'll find ourselves there together next year!
  25. Great to hear from another Florida admit; thanks for posting! I'm excited about the tracks, too -- I think the program has a great structure, and I've also heard that the graduate English "community," so to speak, is wonderful. What track are you thinking of completing? Right now, I'm torn between the Feminisms track and focusing on a specific time period (I typically study Victorianism and Modernism). Was wondering if you might also share what kind of housing you've found; so far, I've found the Web site of one real estate company that seems to offer many, many student apartments, ranging from $650 upwards (I think rental office was called Primark). Have you found anything cheaper? I'm a bit confused about the grad student housing available through the university; I didn't that that the Res Life Web site was super clear, but as I only glanced at it for a few minutes, I might be missing something obvious. All the best! artist_lily
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