Strangers with a similar voice

This weekend, I was able to present my research at a national conference in Philadelphia. And what is my research you might ask? My research examines mentoring for black, female undergraduate students by black, female professors at predominantly white institutions. I was able to present my findings with my mentor at the Research on Women & Education. It was a great experience to get my 'feet wet' and to observe the work of other scholars in their field, but to network as well. 

Honestly, part of the work of a graduate student is to present their work, and by work I mean research. Even if that work is not related to your thesis. It is highly recommended and encouraged. Professors are impressed with students who are able to present at national conferences. So, please present: The earlier, the better. Trust me. 

Ten/Ten/Ten

Dancing & Ice skating was on the agenda for last night. I had so much fun with friends trying to ice skate and for those of you who don't already know, I have little to no ice skating skills, but being on the ice was fun. Dancing was also ridiculously fun that we did not want to leave the dance floor. Despite all the fun we were having on the dance floor, there was one thing hanging at the back of our minds. The dance club that we went to is a favorite my undergrads. As a grad students, our interaction with undergrads now takes on a different approach. Most of us have teaching assistantships, where we teach undergrads, and the idea of bumping into one of our students raises our anxiety level a little bit. 

For instance, here you are dancing to one of our favorite hits and you suddenly turn around to see your student acting 'crazy' on the dance floor. Question: what do you do as a graduate student: keep dancing, pretending not to see this student? turn around? move to a different spot? or leave the dance floor?

This is our dilemma! I mean knowing who you're dancing with takes on another level...random dancing can't work anymore... talk about awkwardness...

Our goal is to stay far away from places such as these...although as a grad students we can blend in with the under grads, but it just doesn't cut it anymore...

A Graduate School Affair!

Yet another update on what's going on in Grad School!

Last night was soooo much fun! As a grad student, you can lost in your department, never seeing other graduate students from other departments. This is why the Graduate Students' Association (GSA) exists: to provide the opportunity for other graduate students to meet other graduate schools from other departments. For example, the graduate school organized a bowling night that I attended with a friend from our department.

At the bowling alley we met other graduate students who were in the Psychology, Botany, Microbiology, and Zoology departments. We had such a fun time. My bowling was not that great (I believe I bowled like 6 gutters that night), but I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard and so long.

I encourage graduate students to step out of their bubbles, and meet other graduate students. There is so much more to graduate school than just academics  y'all.