Feb 1, 20213 min
Updated: Mar 30, 2023
(Image courtesy of Wix.com)
(Dr. Ehasz and me at UCF's Homecoming Spirit Splash,2019)
a. Before embarking on your graduate school odyssey, it essential to objectively assess yourself. You should understand your strengths and weakness to further yourself as a student and a person. The thing you can do is rephrase strengths and weaknesses as pros and growth areas. This vocabulary change will allow you to see an area of weakness as opportunities for growth. There are many online free tests to see your Meyer Briggs, Enneagram, and more. These tests can help you learn your innate pro and growth areas. Furthermore, it can help you become a better communicator as you know how others rationalize decisions.
a. To maintain a semblance of a life outside of school, it is important to strategize your week and be proactive on assignments and readings. For me, I make a to-do-list every night and print it out so I can see what you need the next day. A person can then organize this list via class subject or due date. At the beginning of the week, try to do most of your assigned readings for the week. By finishing working ahead, you will make you feel more prepared for class lectures and allow you to have some free time on the weekends.
a. Due to COVID-19, my graduate program is currently on Zoom. Between Zoom class times, projects, and homework assignments, I always stare at my computer screen. Staring at a computer all day can lead to Digital eye strain or Computer Vision Syndrome (Sheppard & Wolffsohn, 2018). Some of the DES symptoms include headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision (Sheppard & Wolffsohn, 2018). In addition, Computer vision syndrome can cause circadian rhythm issues as it can cause insomnia (McMillan, 2018). Blue Lenses Glasses relieve eye pain and discomfort, reduce the risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration, and helps you sleep better (For Eyes Blog, 2019)
My cohort consists of some of the most eloquent, intelligent, and passionate people I know. Everyone brings a new perspective on various issues ranging from environmentalism to human trafficking. The cohort understands the pressures and worries you are feeling better than anyone else. It is imperative to make sure that people in your cohort are okay. They know your perspective better than anyone else.
For more information about my graduate school cohort, go to http://hussman.unc.edu/ma/students.