jessica_kansas

HA! I'm on PC too! I just finished my third round of treatments and am facing possible lung mets (may name is Jess on the site if you want to try to find me). There really is no reason to turn back in my opinion. Life is difficult but you have to keep going - whether you're supporting your partner and their parents from long distance, or trying to maintain your own place in the graduate school. As far as the department is concerned, they will find out when they need to know. Right now it is uncertain - but all cancers are uncertain. My program also knew I had cancer before I got accepted but didn't know about my current treatments - and won't until they need to know! Good luck to all making these tough decisions. Also, I'm open for chatting as well if you want to message me

This is actually the primary reason I started this thread. Academic politics are a whole different world. Networking and being as friendly and active as possible is the only thing I've seen so far. There's also a lot that goes along with getting the job done and being a post doc, etc. I'm kind of clueless and don't want to get lost!

I actually got the fellowship. I'm wondering if I'm boasting by talking about it :/ Also, I will be studying environmental degradation of nanomaterial (nanotubes). I will try to do a little more with it but that's where I'm at right now. I have an engineering and environmental studies undergrad so I don't really claim JUST ONE area, but if so it would be geo, because I love the earth and its systems.

Thanks I've been reading tons of books and I will add this to my list. One that was helpful was "Getting Get What you Came For" which was pretty negative but also realistic in creating relationships with faculty and advisers. What I do need is now to cope with differences b/w my family and myself and of course my peers. I've decided not to really get into what I do with my family because they don't completely understand. Half of them didn't really pay attention in HS chemistry so it isn't something that I can expand upon over Thanksgiving dinner. My parents never went too much farther than factory work and some basic education although my recent dedication to school has actually encouraged THEM to get some sort of education. I have been reading up on my research field too so I think that will help. Although the PASD that is in another forum topic might get a hold over me before I get to grad school! I have to work on getting that ally group started ASAP b/c I'll need since I think my school might be really competitive. I'm hoping to be able to teach my peers something as well as learn from them!

I found it tough to get through college and despite this I was determined to finish. I know there are quite a few hurdles getting a PhD now as well as a fewer population of those that I can relate to. I would like to hear from those that are not first generation college students, but ARE first gen. PhD. I sometimes wonder if I'm using the wrong etiquette or am not preparing myself enough for what's about to happen. If there is something I should know before I start graduate school next year at a prestigious university with a prestigious fellowship, PLEASE, do tell me! Thanks, much appreciation. Jessica

Hi all, I will be a new biogeochemistry student at Purdue. I am also afraid that everyone will be smarter than me... :/ Quick question: Does anyone know the rate of acceptance for the Purdue Doctoral Fellowship? I was just curious about funding. Thanks!