oo0-madison-0oo

[oo0-madison-0oo]

Was today productive? Yes.

Was today wonderful? Not really.

Will tomorrow be better? Maybe.

That is why I press on.

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Sunday brunch <3

I have work today. I also hope to plan for the week!

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Another day, another grind, another lunch.

Today was a research day, and I made progress. I'm pleased!

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I found it!!!

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Another Day, Another Grind

Today is going to be a great, long day.

The plan:

1. Finish PHYS 585 homework.

2. Do CH6 POLS assignments and readings

3. Go shopping with a friend.

4. Do one finance course module.

I'm getting the day going as I type.

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Grind of the day...

1. Went to work and worked on POLS 306.

2. Library-Particle Physics Lecture slides

Later:

1. I will finish more POLS 306 work.

2. I will start my overdue physics homework...

I still haven't found my planner. I am beginning to think I should simply buy a new one. I'm the person who always has their planner, so life has been... difficult.

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I accidentally put off a SIX PAGE PAPER until the DAY IT WAS DUE. I forgot it existed 🫠

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I finished that damn paper, though!

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It was a twelve hour day. I'm reaally sleepy.

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A Costar app note to self.

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Graduate Program Acceptance and Rejection

I did it! My second choice school has offered me admission into their PhD program. I'm so excited to get moving. I have to finish this semester strong and get a summer job so that I can afford to move. Other than that I'll be sailing smoothly.

Some turbulence in my personal life kept me under a boot until the end of Spring Break. Tomorrow is the Monday back, and I feel confident and light for the first time in nearly a year. I'll be just fine, I think.

The academic journey and the posts continue.

[oo0-madison-0oo]

I just submitted another application!

I feel so weird about it!

One more left before I feel safe relaxing!

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💚🎁🎄 Christmas Day 🎄🎁💚

Well... here we are. This is the final "checkpoint" of the year.

I have a VERY festive workstation setup today. I know I'll want to work on grad apps today, so I set up next to the tree to boost morale. Next Christmas, I know I won't be working on applications at the very least. I'm very thankful to be pursuing another degree.

My mom always asks for me to make her something for Christmas because I loved to draw in high school. I made an oil pastel window drawing. The light illuminates the scratched-out snowflakes and highlights. I don't do much art so I'm pretty proud of it! Peanut Butter (cat) kept me company as I finished it this morning.

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🎄Christmas Eve🎄

I tried not to work, but I couldn't help myself.

I ended up working on my research and two graduate school applications. I did about 4 hours' worth. I feel good about it, and it didn't feel forced.

Christmas is boring at my house, so I had nothing better to do. I got some wonderful food and played with cats. A very chill Christmas Eve indeed.

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My grades this semester!

To preface this, I am unapologetically proud! I work three jobs and have a turbulent personal life. I am posting this to share what realistic good grades can look like. I don't need all As. I am not going to medical school, and I'm not interested in any PhD programs that expect robotically perfect students.

Senior Seminar in Physics: A+

Enjoyment of Theater: B-

Quantum Mechanics A+

Hip-hop and Social Movements: B

Philosophy: Love, Sex, and Sexuality: B

I worked hard to remind myself often that physics is my major, so I should pour into those classes wholeheartedly and leave extra energy for the others. That really paid off for me.

I also learned to be less critical when I cannot meet a deadline. I am learning to accept my flaws as a human. This has been a healthy shift of mindset, and I am better for it. My anxiety level has been more manageable this past semester.

Next semester is the last semester of my undergraduate degree. I will finish strong. I am sure of it. ♡♡♡♡♡♡

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We took a trip in the midst of PhD program applications, and the anxiety I normally get from things like this was delayed. I'm home and submitting them now. There are no words for the way I feel paralyzed but inspired by the process. The stomachache is keeping me in bed, but I'm thinking about all the things to add to my statements before I send them. Whether I get in or not, I'm in for big changes. I just hope I can keep doing what I've always loved to do. I feel privileged as a first-generation student to finish my degree. Let's see where I end up...

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As a full-time student with three jobs, it can be hard for me to take time to relax. This is my favorite moment from fall, back when there were still leaves.

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The research program was rough, but I became better than I have ever been. The fall semester just ended. <3 I'm thankful I've made it this far.

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