Hello everyone! This is probably my third “Welcome” message here in the Graduate Students’ Blog, and they are usually pretty similar. The idea is to prepare you for what’s about to come during grad school, give advice that you wish you could follow yourself, and remind you to enjoy every second of this journey. The 2020 “Welcome” however, has been the most challenging so far. How to continue or even begin your grad studies in a pandemic? How to be prepared for this?
In one of my first posts, I discussed the importance of “always asking”, which I think is something more important than ever now that our communications are done, 90% of the time, virtually. However, in this current situation, asking is as important as making sure you understand (or don’t understand) the information given. Yes, it is overwhelming…for you, for your professors, for the School of Graduate Studies, for MUN, for everybody. No one has a PhD in “learning and teaching during COVID-19”. Oh, and so many words! So many emails! So much time looking at your screen, and your eyes hurt! It is very easy to have some information lost on the way, and that’s why it’s extremely important, to check, re-check, and re-re-check if what you need is not covered somewhere else before asking. I tend to really understand things only when I write them down, so I have been using that strategy. Finding what works for you, for your plan, and for your schedule makes all the difference, in my opinion. If you have no idea, just try different things! Also, kindness is never out of fashion, and is something extremely important to keep in mind now that different people are coping differently with these new circumstances.
I also have mentioned the whole aspect of “enjoying the graduate studies journey”, and putting yourself out there. Although we are physically disconnected, I feel we are now more connected than ever! In chemistry, it’s crazy to see the amount of webinars being held every day, about the most various topics! From professional development discussions to very specific lectures…it doesn’t matter if you are in Brazil, China, Japan, Egypt, or 2 blocks away from where I am right now: there is an opportunity for you to learn and connect with other people. And I believe this is something (maybe the only thing?) positive that came out of this very sad situation. The fact that you don’t have to be there to be there (?), might actually bring some different opportunities your way, and it’s up to you to open your mind and embrace them.
I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned in any of my “Welcomes or WE ARE B-A-C-Ks”, but another positive aspect of working from home is having time to get a pet! Although my buddy Cigano has appeared in several virtual meetings without being invited, he always makes me laugh and reminds me to take a break, enjoy the wind, the sun, the snow, life, my family, my friends, nice food, and a comfortable bed!
To a wonderful beginning of semester!
Muito obrigada,
Juliana