Wednesday, September 19th, 2012...2:34 pm

If I Was Myself One Year Ago: Or Otherwise Less Philosophical Advice

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Hey folks. Have you noticed something in the air? One hint: it ain’t heat. Yes, it is that seasonly chill (as opposed to chilli seasoning) that reminds us that here in Toronto we spend most of our days wishing for warmth – and before we know it, those hot, humid days of summer we complained about are over. Yes my friends, this is where we lament the end of summer and find ourselves falling again into the new student year.

Some of you reading are probably just starting your grad school experience. Others are coming off a “studious” summer that had more to do with the best patio to “read” at, than rigorous research in a stuffy library. For all of us, perhaps conditioned by years of education, the smell of autumn means certain things. For me, it means coming to terms with getting my palm off the pint glass, my head back in the game, and getting my butt back in the library.

Need to secure one of these seats at Laidlaw Library (University College).

 

I am lucky to be able to continue as the Grad Blogger this year (IN FACT THIS IS MY 42nd POST — WHICH IS BONKERS!!), now in my second year of the Master of Teaching program. Free of a lot of the anxieties of last year (at least now I kinda know what I’m getting into) I thought I’d share a bit of insight I’ve gained in the last year:

  1. You are not the dumbest person in your classes (it takes a genius to be dumb and make it to grad school). It is okay to ask questions, it is okay to ask for definitions, it is okay to ask for clarification. Many grad programs have students from a wide variety of academic backgrounds. Just because you don’t know a specific term doesn’t mean you don’t already understand it (perhaps using different jargon), or you are unable to understand it with an explanation. Ask for clarification early and be honest with your professors, advisors and colleagues– you will help yourself and others.
  2.  Medical and dental coverage is yearly. USE IT NOW. You may not have coverage the next time you’re looking for a good tooth cleaning.
  3. Apply for OGS, SSHRC and NSERC (even though the process seems overwhelming right now). It is WELL worth the $15,000+ dollas you may make from it later. Make sure to check with your department for current/specific deadlines.
  4. There are more libraries than big boring ol’ Robarts! Get out on campus and explore to find your perfect study spot!
  5. There are more options that come out of grad school than staying within the academic system. You are not bound to stay in the post-secondary system unless you want to!
  6. It is still, if not more, totally acceptable to procrastinate (see below).
  7. You will survive.

All the best with the new year dear readers! And good luck! — but you’re so smart, you don’t need it).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8iOQ9zWP6A

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