I am almost at the finish line, two years and two months after starting graduate school. From the day I started my master’s program, I fantasized about this moment, but now that I am here, I find myself reflecting on the last two years. While there are plenty of joyous memories, such as travelling to … [Read more…]
Just like that, a two-year journey has come to an end, and what a journey it has been. This is not just a graduation post; it’s a bold step forward, the closing of one chapter, and the opening of another. What started as a diploma program unexpectedly transitioned into a master’s degree pathway, and today, … [Read more…]
Initially, I thought writing this particular blog would be the easiest piece I’d have to complete. But alas, I find myself deeply reflecting on my two-year graduate school experience at Memorial University, wondering – where exactly do I begin? Like many international graduate students at Memorial, studying at this prestigious institution demands a good level … [Read more…]
This past week, I had my biannual existential crisis. What am I doing with my life? Am I prepared to move away to pursue a doctorate? Is the student debt worth it? What about leaving my family and friends? Should I quit my job? What if I just got a job and bought a house? … [Read more…]
I am a queer graduate student passionate about behavioural neuroendocrinology-the study of how hormones in the brain influence behaviour. From the start of my academic journey, I have admired my professors’ dedication, fully aware of how competitive and challenging it is to secure such prestigious positions—positions that I hope to hold one day. In the … [Read more…]
Have you ever wondered if studying abroad is truly worth the stress? Applying, traveling to an unknown place, and facing the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming. Saying goodbyes to family and searching for greener pastures—only to wonder if it’s truly greener on the other side—can be emotionally challenging. There’s also the loneliness of … [Read more…]
Snow days were some of the best days growing up. I remember hearing the phone ring early in the morning, a sure sign that my mother would knock on my door and tell me to go back to sleep. I would excitedly bring the heavy comforter up over my ears and rest. Snow days were … [Read more…]
As someone passionate about learning, connecting with new people, and expanding my horizons, I’ve always been drawn to opportunities that challenge and inspire me. This passion led me to pursue a Master’s degree, a decision deeply rooted in my love for the environment and my commitment to addressing climate change. With a background in biology … [Read more…]
What exactly is intersectionality, you might be wondering? Intersectionality is a sociological framework used to understand the social and political identities of an individual and a group when discussing race, class, gender, sexuality, and, most recently, disability. This theoretical framework stems from critical race theory and feminist studies in the 90s to describe how these … [Read more…]
Territory Acknowledgement The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is situated in the traditional territory of various Indigenous groups, and I respectfully acknowledge the diverse histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit who have called this place home since time immemorial. Introduction Before undergraduate studies, I was unaware of the diverse Indigenous history … [Read more…]