What I Learned During My First Semester of Grad School
Hello, everyone!
One of my intentions this semester in grad school (and really my whole duration during school) is to make sure I make time for myself. This is important to me because my second semester of grad school starts soon as of this post, and as I was reflecting on last semester...there is A LOT-- I am going to do differently.
For reference, my first semester of grad school was Fall 2024, and I did a horrible job maintaining my self-care, and I knew NOTHING of what to expect. So much so (the girlies will understand) I did not have my cycle for three months straight...The amount of stress and anxiety I let get to me was unacceptable. Therefore, going into this semester (and every semester forward), I will remember these tidbits so I don't have a repeat of my first semester.
What the First Semester of Grad School Taught Me
Be Organized
This is obvious, but some of my friends in grad school admit they didn't need a planner or agenda in undergrad or even high school, but they learned quickly, and I did too, you need SOMETHING--anything in grad school to keep track of everything. Graduate school, you'll soon discover, is not just school. You may have a graduate assistantship (job on campus), you may become a teaching assistantship, you may be juggling a full-time job along with your courses, you may have children-- the list goes on. Or, you're like me, you have multiple titles and responsibilities. You will need something to help you stay organized. To help me, I use Google Calendar. I hope to have a video explaining how I use Google Calendar and why it's beneficial, but I love how it syncs to my phone, laptop, iPad, pretty much everything! I used to be a die-hard physical planner girly, but y'all---I was so busy. I felt I had no time to write my schedule on paper. It was faster and more convenient for me to type and access it via the app. Google Calendar is also free, so try it out if you don't have something to help you manage your schedule.
Set Boundaries
Although with your planner, you can keep track of your projects, assignments, meetings, and readings @_@, you'll want to keep track of outings with the friends you make and study sessions with your cohort. With that, make sure you set boundaries. It's totally OK to say no. Do not feel obligated to attend every single event, bar, dinner, etc. If you know you need more time reading those books or typing that paper, skip out! If your friends/cohort are as understanding as they say they are, you can always go to the next event or social gathering. Just ensure you aren't always saying no because they'll probably start uninviting you completely.
Limit your Screen Time
If you're new to grad school, you may discover you don't have time---- for anything. But let me ask you to do something. Go to your phone's settings and go to your screen time. What does it say? Even if it's just one hour for the entire week (impressive!) or eleven hours of screen time PER DAY...(yes, I am ashamed) YOU HAVE TIME. The thing is, you have to make the time. Replace your screen time with reading those books before the seminar's next class. Do research on your paper due in three weeks for two of those hours you'd usually spend scrolling on TikTok after dinner (don't forget to eat!). Study practicum flashcards on your phone when waiting in line at lunch or commuting. Any little bit you take away from scrolling goes an absolute long way. Do not underestimate it.
You're More than a Student
This may be strange because some college students do not even realize they are doing this but do not put your worth in academia. You are more than a student. I tell my own students this all the time, because I see it and went through this half my first semester in grad school. Putting your worth in academia can ruin you--very quickly. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and hinder your self-esteem. An example of this can come in different ways. This could look like you talking down on yourself or being negative because you made a B instead of an A and the end of the semester, you failed that paper, or you didn't get the constructive feedback you wanted during a peer review. You are not dumb, less intelligent than the other students, or a failure. You are more than a student. You are going to make bad grades or not get the grade you hoped at some point during your academic journey, but this does not define you. Who are you outside of school? A good friend? A wonderful parent? An aspiring enterpenuer? Make sure you remember these things, because you are more than a student. Do not put your worth in academia.
Make the Most of the Experience / Say Yes.
I heard that grad school can be a "once in a lifetime"-ish experience. You're in graduate school. (Hopefully) you chose to continue to learn about your field of study and become a master in it. Also, the perks of grad school are that you (should) only be taking courses related to your interest. With that said, graduate school may offer you experiences you can't get anywhere else because you're a student again. For example, I will be attending the biggest writing conference in the nation, AWP, this year, and I know that is only possible through my program. I would not be going if I was not offered the funding. Another example is my program has the opportunity to meet bestselling authors and editors in the publishing industry to gain insight and network with them. What could this look like for you in your program? Make the most of these experiences! Say yes to every and anything that you can, while you can, before it's too late. I'm already, at the time of this post, going into my second semester of grad school. Time will fly! Apply for those grants, request travel funding to that conference, and attend those special events to meet great people within your field!
Did this help you? If you're a fellow grad student, do you agree with this? What did you learn during your first semester or year of graduate school? Share your thoughts down below, and make sure you heart the post at the bottom! Make sure you connect with me on my social media sites, and I'll talk to you in the next post!
With love,
Kyndra :)
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