This past month...Februgatory, as it's called here, has been a roller coaster ride. In the beginning of the month, a school I applied to that I figured was too good for the likes of me contacted me for an interview. Moving courses around, arranging to go, pushing back anxiety and imposter syndrome, I traveled there and fell in love with everything about the program. Flying back home was painful as I pondered whether or not they would accept me. One week and unexpectedly early phone call later, I was offered admission. It is both surreal and exciting, and brings with it new stressors––figuring out relocation, housing, and how to make friends––that are both terrific and terrifying. I'm incredibly excited.
You see, this was my third cycle of applying to PhD programs. Each year, I would get waitlisted, or get interviewed, but never quite make the cut. Waiting felt awful. Adjuncting felt lonely. Being away from people smarter than myself felt like my critical thinking was shriveling away.
Those of you still waiting: don't give up hope just yet; do something that makes you happy and find things to look forward to, even if it's calling a friend at the end of a long day.
Those of you rejected: that's all right. This is not a reflection of you, your intelligence, or your academic potential, even though your identity may be intertwined with being a successful researcher . Stay resilient and know there is a flourishing community of encouragement on these forums.
Those of you accepted: congratulations, and I hope your program is as lovely as you imagine it. Stay determined.
Cat_Robutt got a reaction from med latte for a status update, This past month...Februgatory, as it's called here, has been a roller coaster ride. I