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sickofthecold

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  • Location
    new york
  • Application Season
    2015 Fall
  • Program
    phd english

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  1. Unrelatedly, I do think it's interesting that people tend to bring up the negatives — noise, mess, time commitment — when you mention being interested in getting a parrot. Those things are definitely true, even of my little tiel, but they're also true of dogs, and people tend to be much more encouraging about them. (I've seen a few threads here about getting dogs in grad school, for example, and people were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the idea.) I wonder if it's because birds are so physically small (most of them, anyway) that people don't expect them to be the same kind of commitment that a larger pet is.
  2. MangoSmoothie, I appreciate the concern, but rest assured — I've done probably over a thousand hours of research, visited and held and interacted with different types of parrots, and talked to friends extensively about the pros and cons of the species and subspecies they own. I'm well familiar with the websites, forums and Facebook groups. I've also tamed and cared for a few cockatiels, although I know they're not as demanding as other species. (Highly recommend it, by the way! They are pretty much the least demanding birds. They are also not too loud. My tiel, who I've had for 20 years, is uncaged and shares communal living space, but she pretty much plays by herself, with the exception of perching on us at mealtimes.) I ask for recommendations because 1) I love them all and find it hard to choose one above the others! and 2) I haven't started grad school yet and am basically asking for advice, from those who've been there, on how much free time it's realistic to assume I will be able to give and which species others have successfully cared for. That's why pyrrhura conures (green-cheeked, black-capped, crimson-bellied, etc. — personality-wise, even breeders say they are indistinguishable) and pionuses appeal — I don't think I'd be able to commit to a cockatoo or a grey, much as I wish I could! Btw, Quakers also have a special corner of my heart, but they're illegal in California, where I'm moving for my PhD, because escaped pets have bred there and become an invasive species. The noise is a concern, too, because I'm fairly certain I'll be in an apartment for the foreseeable future. Ballwura, again, I appreciate the concern, but I do know what I'm getting into and I do want a parrot, not a canary! I know many people buy birds impulsively and then don't want to dedicate the proper amount of time, but given how long my enthusiasm for them has already lasted, I don't think I'm at risk of neglecting or regretting a larger bird. I'm a bird person !
  3. I know this is a niche interest at best, but has anyone here had a pet parrot in grad school? If so, any tips, breed recommendations, etc.? I'm about to start a PhD in California and I've wanted a parrot since I can remember. (I'm staying with my parents for the summer and we have a 20ish, very cute cockatiel, but I have something like a conure or a pionus in mind.) I'd love to hear you guys' experiences!
  4. I totally agree with the above poster, and I would add that if you approach this in a very open and honest way with your recommenders — preferably in person — they may turn out to be a great source of advice on programs you should look into for the next cycle, grants you can apply for, etc. It sounds to me like you fast-tracked yourself unnecessarily and just simply didn't have the time to do the absurd amount of prep and research that it takes to choose "best fit" programs. You were basically doing two jobs (I can't imagine applying in the middle of a condensed masters'). But cut yourself a break! You're doing an awesome job finishing your MA and there is absolutely nothing wrong with not going straight to a PhD program 3 months later. Also, most likely your recommenders will not drastically rewrite their letters for you; at most they'll update them or tweak them before the next application cycle. I wouldn't be shy about asking them to re-submit them (or submit them to a greater number of schools). They're used to doing this kind of stuff; it's part of the job, and while it's a minor hassle, I'm sure they also find it flattering I would, however, look for part-time or freelance work or something you can put on your resume during your gap year. Even if it's just "self-employed" or "tutor" or something. I'm told that unexplained periods of unemployment can be a red flag. It's scary but you're thinking straight. Good luck!!
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