You're Not the Only One
There are students around you who are also struggling in academia.
Hello and welcome to The Encouragement Beacon! In this series, I share encouragement for graduate students as they continue their academic journey. Every Friday, you’ll receive a free note that cheers you on. That way, even if you don’t receive encouragement from anyone else, you’ll at least hear it from me!
Pursuing a graduate degree is an isolating experience.
Some of your non-academic loved ones think it’s “just” school and don’t understand how difficult it is to balance reading articles, writing papers, conducting research, applying to funding, managing power dynamic relationships, etc.
Meanwhile some of your peers seem like they’re a perfect fit for the academic life—researching for 50 hours a week, leading discussions on class readings, citing several other scholars like they’re a built-in Wikipedia.
It’s common to feel lost and think everyone else has support and confidence to navigate academia except you.
The reality is, the ivory tower pressures people to present an illusion of little to no errors, endless abundant energy, and lack of boundaries.
Everyone is scrambling to look like they have their shit together. Maybe they’re not struggling in the same exact way as you, but their personal limitations are hidden just like yours.
There are others who are having difficulty…
writing their papers
understanding the argument in an article
confronting their advisor
knowing where to start in preparing for their qualifying/comprehensive exams
finding the motivation to finish their dissertation/thesis proposal
You may not see or know anyone struggling, and that’s by design. There’s little space in the ivory tower where you can feel safe to share with each other how you’re actually doing.
Even though some people are unable to admit it, hold onto the truth that there are others trying to survive academia. You’re not the only one struggling. Remember you’re not alone and keep going. I see you, I hear you, and I crawl with you. You will get to the finish line!
Checking in with y’all, how are you doing? Let me know in the comments!
Know someone who could use some encouragement? Pass this note to them!