We're still tingling from the afterglow of that event!
It was a two parter - First we went through a thorough vinyasa flow with Hannah Kissinger (2nd Year Microbiology Graduate Student). We stretched out all the places we hold onto our stress (shoulders, hands, neck, lower back) and even worked up a sweat!
The last part we dimmed the lights and focused on our mind- Connie Marmolejo our Mental Health Educator from the Well @UCR was able to join and talk to us about our mental stresses.
Questions like:
PI:
Are you ever afraid to go to your lab or office to avoid your P.I.? How do they affect your self-worth?
Have your PI or department helped or played down any issues you’ve brought to their attention?
When you have an issue do you feel empowered to find a solution or to seek help?
What qualities do you think your advisor or PI values in you, personally and at work?
Career:
Have you started networking or exploring your options after your degree? Can you describe how you feel when thinking about this issue?
Family:
How does your PhD effect your time with family? Do you feel you may be giving up a desire for starting a family for an intensive career? (women and men)
How has a PhD effected your ability to find a partner or maintain a relationship?
It was invigorating to realize that we are all experiencing similar moments in our lives. We all found ourselves nodding and agreeing with struggles everyone was going through, or have been through. We realized how important it was to continue this conversation as we go through our independent programs- it'll be difficult, but now knowing we are not alone is what helps us keep going.
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