JenMR

I'm doing my MA in medical anthropology and have really enjoyed the process so far. At my university, going straight from a BA into a PhD isn't an option, so this seemed like the natural route for me. I'm thinking of my MA as a good stepping stone toward a PhD. Personally, I'm not sure how I would've coped going straight from a BA to a PhD considering the significant differences between an MA and a BA because both entail a very different engagement and application of anthropological knowledge. I kind of think an MA thesis would be good prep for developing a dissertation. My theory and methods classes were really fantastic and I've found them useful in thinking through methodological approaches to my own research. I have no experience with combined MA/PhD, but I have heard a faculty members in my dept. talk about the value of doing an MA as a separate program before a PhD. Not sure if this helps! Good luck making your decision!

Skiergirl24, I'm really sorry you're going through all of this! I agree with matcha. Can you make sure to take some time for yourself everyday? Do you have a friend, either someone you know through the department, or maybe someone who's removed from the situation to just vent to about this over a coffee or tea? Or maybe even a bike ride or a walk? Having a friend that you can even cry to about all of this might help. Sometimes it's just nice to have someone else validate how you feel. This might be hard to do, but could you book a massage or something to help to you a little bit? The city I live in has a school of massage therapy, where people can book hr long massages for about $21. Is there something similar that you could do for yourself? I think it could be easily justified with the stress that you're going through right now! Would it help you to have someone intervene on your behalf to start sorting out this situation? Do you have someone in your department that you can speak to about this situation? Your dept. chair? Or does your university have an ombudsperson, who may be able to facilitate or moderate discussion with your committee to start effectively working through your thesis?

I don't have experience taking time off as a grad student, but I did take a year and a half off when I was doing my BA. I had planned of never going back to school again because, by the time I left, I was absolutely miserable. Just a few thoughts and questions: Does your university have a counseling centre where you might feel comfortable speaking with someone about what options are available to you? Or even a graduate advising centre? What is your relationship like with your supervisor(s)? Could you speak to them about how you're feeling right now? Would you consider taking a semester off instead of a year? That might allow you to take a break away from everything without making it too difficult to jump back in if you decide to. Does your department offer a co-op program to students? Maybe working would get you far enough away from your department, but still allow you to do work that you would hopefully enjoy. Are you close to other students in your department? One of the things I realized is that once I started talking to other grad students in my department, there was a lot of commiseration on the frustration/exhaustion/anxiety we felt going through this program. It was nice to be able to talk to people about going through all of this together and to know that I wasn't the only one. It's also just nice to get together with people and hang out. It's hard being on your own and surrounding yourself with other people in a similar situation can sometimes help to alleviate some anxiety. For what it's worth, I don't think there is any shame in deciding to leave a program that is causing you panic attacks. It is a hard decision to make and that, in and of itself, takes a lot of guts. I hope whatever one you do make works for you in the end. Good luck!

Thanks for correcting me, Snasser. I found out that the payments were monthly once I spoke to one of the scholarship officers about it, but forgot that I had posted a comment about getting bi-weekly payments. No idea why I thought that!

I take a tea towel and wrap it around the glass part of the press. I just make sure to fold the towel in half before wrapping it around and then I tuck the ends into the handle to make sure it doesn't slip. It keeps it hotter much longer! I know you can also get french press cozies, like tea cozies. But, I can't justify buying one when the tea towel works so well.

My first two years were the same as Unlikely Grad--I screwed them up too. I think I was sitting at a B- average. When I applied for my MA program, my department was mostly interested in my last two full-time years as an undergrad and even at that, they were more interested in the courses that were applicable to the program. I know that reference letters are a big part of the application package. So, if you have good solid references who are willing to speak positively on your behalf, that will definitely help. I had one semester where I was seriously ill and that ended up lowering my GPA pretty significantly in my third year. That ended up affecting my cumulative GPA. I was unable to comment on it in my letter of intent, so I asked one of my references to mention it in her letter instead. In some ways, I think that was more helpful, since it didn't come across as me attempting to excuse my illness (which, I think would be totally okay anyway!), but rather it was acknowledged by a faculty member who knew me and could comment on how I was able to overcome it and excel in my courses afterward. I'm not sure if it would be appropriate for your situation, but could you ask one of your references to make a statement about your cumulative GPA and why it's at 2.4? Maybe having one of them explain that it was a different program and that your interest in Political Science is reflected in the excellent grades you achieved in your current course work will help the selection committees better understand your circumstances.

I spoke to my grad scholarship officer last Thursday. She told me that I'd be getting my monthly allocation for May and June in one cheque, since I asked the funding to start in May. Unfortunately, she also told me that I won't be getting that cheque until around mid-June. I'm guessing it's because forms need to be sent to SSHRC , which then need to be processed, etc.

Ulrich Schnauss is fantastic! I'm listening to him on myspace. Good office music!

That is ridiculously helpful!! I downloaded Leechblock on my laptop and office computer. Thanks!

gift horse

I tried giving up coffee and failed miserably! It's getting to the point where I need at least three cups to start feeling productive (and human). I never was a coffee drinker until I got into my upper level undergrad courses and now I can't even start my day without it. Although, I can always tell when I've had too much. I get really anxious and, oddly enough, my gag reflex kicks into overdrive. Anxiety and an overactive gag reflex are really not the best combination. Huh. I tried soy milk with coffee and found that it separates from the coffee after a few minutes. Have you had that problem? If I'm looking for an alternative to plain old sugar and milk, I add a packet of hot chocolate. It's my poor student's version of a mocha. It gets the job done!

Amazing Grace

race track

race car

fuzzylogician, that's a fantastic list! I can't work at home either. Generally, in the office I work in, I'm surrounded by friends, which can be a bit distracting at times. At other times, it's been the only thing that's helped me manage an overwhelming workload! Scheduling breaks and staying off the internet are two things that I need to work on. Thanks for your comments! Jae B., I really love the Spirited Away sound track! Have you ever listened to Olafur Arnalds? He's like Sigur Ros, only more mellow and really great to listen to if you need some background music.