#PhD students need your prayers

[francesderwent]

yesterday I said out loud for the first time that I’m dropping out of school. and today a parishioner came by the office and asked in passing if I was still working on my doctorate, and when I told her no she said she’d dropped out of her doctoral program too, and we talked about higher ed and how leaving was all about letting go of pride and how difficult it is to mourn that, and then she encouraged me not to totally give up on teaching and to find adjunct work someday. and I just. Jesus is near to me. He knows. He’s taking care of me.

[jsmainblog]

not alone - spencer reid જ⁀➴ᡣ𐭩

requests are always open <3

spencer reid x lonely!reader

summary: reader is a university student and hits up bars as a product of feeling isolated/blown off from their friends. but this time they meet a very peculiar person who they spend the night with

a/n: okay don't judge this i'm not the best at writing smut this could be really bad

warnings: 18+, oral (f receiving), p in the v, not overly graphic but its still there yk

❤️‍🔥smut

Here you were again stumbling into another bar. It now seemed like a weekly occurence, which seemed a little sad. I mean if you told someone you end up in a bar at least once a week they'd think you'd have some serious drinking issues, or you were depressed, or both. These vists to bars where mainly fuelled by your friends, they were either busy studying or with their boyfriends, sometimes even leaving days to go back home when college got a bit much. So as you seated yourself at the bar you had the usual expectation of how this night was going to go, a drink and people watching probably and sulking, yeah definitely sulking.

You see the usuals at the bar. A family man slumped over his drink morosely, groups of girlfriends getting drinks and celebrating, asshole men hitting on women, two co workers drinking and laughing. Watching these people made your heart ache a little. How you so desperately wished for a little human connection right now. Any connection would do you wouldn't care, a friend, a stranger, even idle talk with bartender. You even wouldn't mind a little bit of physical connection. Your eyes scan the bar until the landed on him. This guy who sat alone sipping on a drink thoughtfully, he looked meek almost. You could tell he was the kind of guy who'd get bossed around alot by women, especially if they give him a bit of attention. So with a hesitant push to stand up you make your way over to him.

"Hi. You mind if I sit?" you question. You see his face properly for the first time.He was young, shockingly younger than you thought with big round brown eyes and soft pink lips. Why, he's got to be around your age maybe 24? 25?.

"Uh no, no I don't mind, don't mind at all." he stutters. You can see the flustered look on his face obviously indicative that he dosen't get approached alot.

"So whats your name"

"Spencer Reid. I-uhm whats your's?"

"Y/n. So what college do you go to?" you inquire. Maybe this could be your chance to befriend someone to lean on when your friends unsurprisingly blow you off once again.

"College? No I don't go to college, I uhm work for the BAU full time at the FBI." he states. Well that shocked you a bit. This young, lanky looking guy who looked like he couldn't lift anything heavier than a chair was in the FBI? You have got to be joking.

"Don't you have to have a degree for that? And your like what? 24? 25? Degrees take a long time so I'm not understanding how that lines up. Unless your a genius or something."

"I have an iq of 187, an eidetic memory and can read 20,000 words per minute" he rambles, but he notices you shoot him a 'get to the point look'. "Yes I am a genius. And to answer your question yes you need a degree, sometimes even a PHD or a B.A."

You look at him baffled, you could've deducted he was smart from his nerd get up but this smart? Wow how were you supposed to keep up?

"Wait so how old are you?" you inquire

"24"

"Oh same" you say which brings a smile to his face. A very sweet handsome smile. Oh my god are you seriously rambling about some genius you met in a bar less then 10 minutes ago?

"So whats you degree in?" You ask

"Well i have multiple degrees. I have 3 PhD's in chemistry, math and engineering and I have two B.A's in psychology and sociology. So I'm assuming you're a uni student whats your degree in? "

"History."

"Oh yeah?" he says intrigued

"Yeah." you echo like a prayer. This Spencer guy was clearly flustering you a tad and massively impressing you.

So it was even more of a shock to the system when you are clumsily unlocking your apartment dorm with his arms wrapped around you from behind sucking on your neck. The two of you still tipsy crash your lips into one anothers as soon as the door closes. You didn't have a lot of time to think but you could tell where this was going. Now Spencer is a attractive genius you met at a bar 2 hours ago, how well is he going to go during sex? The horrifying thought of him being a virgin crosses your mind as well. You wouldn't usually take a chance on a guy like Spencer but you were lonely and now well a little needy. By the time you two are stumbling into your bedroom practically glued to each other you've accepted Spencer may not satisfy you at all. You were kind of okay with that. At least you were with someone and not sulking alone in your room which you usually do at this hour.

You sit back on the beg tugging on his tie signalling for him to come with you.

"Have you had sex before?" you breathe into his lips. He laughs softly. Why was he laughing? Was he nervous? Did he think your ridiculous for asking such a question?

"Yes I have. Why don't think I can satisfy you baby?" The term of endearment flusters you once again. 'I can't believe you are getting so nervous around a guy who probably plays crosswords in his free time' you say mentally scolding yourself.

You spend so much time talking to yourself in your head you don't even notice the lower half of you is naked and he's eating you out like a man starved eliciting little moans from you. Oh so he's good. You were a little annoyed about his awkwardness falsely led you to thinking he would suck. But you were so wrong. You can't even focus on the pleasure he's giving you because your just thinking about him. How.. No, no not perfect he is. Okay well maybe he's a little perfect. No hookup had ever treated you so gently before. His hand's cradled the backs of his thighs tracing little comforting patterns. You had to admit it gave you a little whiplash. Here he was being all gentle and soothing while his head was practically smooshed into the junction of your thighs. Your hand combs through his mousy hair tugging at the strands. No hookup had ever even bothered on foreplay ever, or was so generous. Your general conclusions about hookups is that 80% of the time it was more about them than you. But, it seems Spencer Reid was an anomaly. When you feel the familiar feeling of warmth and tingles wash over you he kisses your legs softly.

"Your being so good for me." he mumbles more to himself then you and you smile at his praise. He positions himself over you ridding himself of his clothes and the rest of yours between kisses.

"Seems like I got you all smiley huh sweetheart" he teases which earns him a nod and he chuckles leaning into give you a gentle kiss. The way he made you feel when he was inside you was like heaven on earth. Not only did he make you feel physically good, but he made you feel good about yourself. Confident, safe, perhaps even a little loved?

"Yeah that's it. Your being so good for me angel. There we go. Feels good huh? Better than you expected?" he murmurs gently. You roll your eyes at his little surge of confidence but nod a little as your hands tangle together.

"You're so beautiful" you blurt starry eyed before whining.

"Thank you, I should be saying that to you, you know but looks like you beat me to it." he laughs. Before you knew it that wave crashed over you again a little harder this time leading to you moaning his name a little louder than you would've liked. His movements sped up, he himself whining and groaning loudly before squeaking. His release leaking into the latex sheath. You were right about one thing he was a little submissive after all. He slowly guides himself out with a soft pop, discarding the now sticky latex and pulling his boxers on. You try to sit up but his hand guides you to gently lay back down.

"Stay there, let me go get something to clean you up angel. It's the least I can do for you." he whispers pressing a kiss to your cheek before wandering off to the bathroom. You lay there and sticky satisfied mess. Without Spencer you felt a little cold and empty, but he made you feel more at ease and safer then you'd ever felt before which astounded you. He comes back with a warm wet cloth wiping down your intimate areas and sweat all while murmuring sweet words of praise and compliments.

"Do you want to stay here tonight?" you mumble quietly.

"Yeah if that's okay with you my apartments a little far from here. Just.. if I leave before you wake up I'm sorry but my work's pretty demanding. "

"No thats all good." you say as he pulls you to settle in his arms.

"Thank you" he whispers into your hair.

"For what?"

"For letting me see you like that." you smile at his sickenly sweet sentence. 'Is this guy real?' You think to yourself as you drifted into sleep enveloped by his arms.

The next morning your bed's empty but your not too torn up about it because Spencer warned you the night before. You sigh rubbing your face as you sit up and spot a note on your bedside table.

"Y/n I'm sorry that I had to leave I got called in on a case. I really enjoyed what we did last night and again I want to thank you. In fact, I liked it so much I wanna see you again. Maybe this time with a little more clothes on so we can get to know each other a bit better. Anyways heres my number and I hope we can get coffee or something along those lines its really your choice . But hopefully sometime soon :)" - Spencer

You smile at the note giddily. Maybe this was the start of something great?

[extremelyblackandwhite]

pairing: dad!bucky barnes x au pair!reader

warnings: age gap (reader is 10 years younger than bucky), smut (18+, dni if under 18)

summary: bucky and y/n discuss sadie’s future.

masterlist

She couldn’t believe some asshole had spilled coffee all over her dress and hadn’t even apologised. What was she supposed to do now? She had an interview to attend with someone whose secretary had made him sound like someone who made the dad from Sound of Music seem like the most relaxed man to ever walk the Earth. Yet, here she was about to walk into an interview to be an au pair with coffee stains all over her only interview-appropriate dress. She really needed this job, her tenancy was running out on her home and every single home in New York seemed to be occupied and she was quickly running out of money. If she didn’t get this job, she would be sleeping in the university library, eating whatever free samples she could find in student fairs. 

She mentally prayed to whatever gods roamed the skies, hell, the universe - wherever God was - for this man not to notice her stained dress, although the moment she opened the door and the man’s eyes immediately went to the dark spot on her white dress, she knew her prayers went unanswered. 

       - Hi, I’m Y/N. - she extended her hand towards his, attempting to block the stain as if he hadn’t seen it already. The man, Sergeant Barnes, was taken aback by the motion, looking at her hand as if she had offered him an offensive comment rather than her hand. - Your secretary said you’d be expecting me.

He cleared his throat, not really saying or doing anything other than pointing to the chair in front of what she guessed was his desk. She looked down at her shoes like a petulant child, feeling like she wasn’t getting the job. They always say to make the best impression - something she was sure she had now failed. 

      - You’re studying at NYU ... - he started.

      - Columbia. - she corrected him. - I’m in grad school and I promise I usually don’t look like this. I was trying to get some coffee and this guy spilled his all over me. Blotting didn’t seem to work ...

      - I didn’t ask any of that, Miss Y/N. 

      - I know but if you were to call NYU and ask if I go there they wouldn’t know anything about me. I’m really involved in student life at Columbia, I am part of the school paper, I was top of my undergraduate class and I shadowed Dr. Hill’s during early childhood psychology research last year. I also babysat for most of my teenage years. 

      - I didn’t ask any of that but glad to know you’re a very good student. 

      - Your secretary said you’d also be interested in someone who could tutor your daughter later on and I tutored in high school and my sister only knows maths because I drilled it into her. - she chuckled, nervously but he remained still, looking at her with the best poker face he could muster. - Look, I know you already don’t like me because I have coffee all over myself but you have a 2 year old, right? You must know the feeling of someone throwing stuff at you, maybe not coffee but ink or cereal. 

     - My daughter threw her whole orange juice in my face. Twice.

     - Oh ...

     - She’s going through a phase. Terrible twos. 

PRESENT DAY

     - I told you so. - Y/N spoke from the living room as Bucky attempted to take the remaining spaghetti noodles from his hair. - You gave her the plate before the knife and fork. That’s just an invitation for her eating with your hands and beginning a food fight. 

     - Says the au pair who is currently not doing any au pair work. - he grabbed a clean tea towel, trying to soak up as much tomato sauce from his hair as he could before hopping on a shower. - What are you doing?

    - Have you forgotten I have a PhD to finish possibly in the next 2 years? Data wrangling. 

    - You know, I have data analysts ...

    - I know. - she interrupted him. - Details of your utter incompetence at coding languages do not interest me. 

    - In my defense, when I was your ...

    - You’re 10 years older than me. - she interrupted him once more, her glasses slightly sliding off the bridge of her nose. - Data science is relatively new but not that new. Go shower before you start growing tomatoes on your head. 

Bucky merely chuckled at the idea before taking to the shower. Soon Sadie would turn three and hopefully she would stop throwing every single item of food at him when cutlery wasn’t in place - though Y/N thought it was more likely she would continue to do so until she no longer found it funny. Bucky chose to be more positive, besides, he didn’t like thinking about the future. In two years he’d have to find someone to fill her shoes and he didn’t think it was possible to find someone as good as she was. 

On the other hand, Y/N seldom found herself with time to wonder about what life would look like after Sadie. She wanted to continue on working in academia and some of her tutors had suggested she become a junior lecturer at the university, however she preferred not do dwell on the future, specially when she still had to defend her thesis. She also didn’t want to think of not being able to see Sadie. She had become attached to her, she was proud of her achievements and to think she would just become a murky memory in the 2 year old’s brain made her heart hurt. 

    - You want something to eat? - Bucky returned from the bathroom, dressed in the loungewear which she did not dwell looking at due to the fact it made her an unhinged woman. 

    - We just had dinner. 

    - We’re grown ups. Don’t you want some ice cream? - he joked. - C’mon, I’ve hide some from Sadie. 

    - I have to finish this data analysis tonight, James. If I don’t, I might as well quit and become Columbia’s biggest disappointment. 

     - You think you will become Columbia’s biggest disappointment when Casey Affleck went there?

     - At least he finished his degree. - she looked up from her laptop. - I’m gonna have to move in with my parents. 

    - You can live with me and Sadie. I’d much rather you have the girl talks with her. 

    - Oh so I get to live here and have to have all the complicated talks with Sadie? 

    - Okay. I’ll have birds and the bees, you get puberty, bras, periods, boys, actually scratch that, no boys until she’s 35.

    - 35?

    - You’re right. 85. Actually, make sure she waits until I’m dead. 

    - Won’t be too long. - she joked. - Now stop distracting me. I have work to do and as far as I know you’ve only hired me to babysit Sadie and not you. 

Bucky sat next to her, his eyes wandering to what she was doing before wandering back. He considered himself a smart man, business savy, but Y/N was smart smart. The kind of smart women who could probably take his business from under him and he wouldn’t even notice.  

   - You’re getting Sadie tomorrow? I know you have work at Columbia in the morning so I’m dropping her off but I can’t pick her up. 

   - Yeah, it’s on the calendar. - she pointed to the fridge on the kitchen with a pinned up calendar. - Stop talking, you’re distracting me.

   - You know ... I can have my data team give you a hand. - she finally looked up from her laptop. - I’m sure one of the managers would be thrilled to get on my good side. 

   - I can do it myself. - she replied, returning back to look at her laptop as if he had offended her. 

    - I know, but you don’t have to. 

She gave him a split second look, a world of words and feelings in the bright eyes which he was used to seeing everyday, before going back to her laptop. Bucky sighed, not knowing how else to continue the conversation without further upsetting her. 

    - If you’re too busy at Columbia, we can discuss how many free days you get a week. 

    - I’m fine, Sergeant Barnes. 

    - I can take Sadie to the office for one of the weekdays and then you can do your work by yourself. 

    - I can handle my work, Sergeant Barnes. It’s fine. 

    - You look stressed, Y/N. I won’t take any of your pay if that’s what you’re worried about. C’mon, Y/N, you’re not gonna do any good work if you’re stressed. Please. 

She sighed, closing her laptop and stared at him. If she wasn’t staring at him as if he was the most unimpressive man alive, he would’ve high fived himself. Yet, the look on her face and the tears which were starting to pool in her eyes were sufficient to have him immediately forget any single sense of funniness about the situation. 

   - I am trying. - she sighed, hoping he hadn’t noticed the tears welling up, yet even the sigh came in interrupted breathes. - I really am trying and I can do it myself. 

    - Just because you can doesn’t mean you have to. I want to help you.

    - You hired me to help you not the other way around. - she shut her eyes, trying to somehow store the idea of her thesis away. - I’m just tired and overreacting. 

     - You can talk to me. - he moved his chair closer to hers. 

     - I just told you I’m tired and overreacting. It’s nothing special. - she rested her forehead on her hand. - Doing a PhD is hard work. 

     - I wouldn’t know. Didn’t do one. 

     - Maybe you should. You could become Dr. Sergeant Barnes. 

     - Too many achievements. - he joked. - I hope your academic vein rubs off on Sadie. I think she’s a pretty smart kid. 

     - She is but currently I think that she wants to be a ballerina. Although, last week she wanted to be an astronaut. 

      - No can do. No astronauting, I would miss her too much. 

      - What did you want to be when you were younger? - she questioned, a loving look gracing her features.

      - I wanted to be a super hero then I wanted to be an accountant. 

      - An accountant? - she chuckled. - No way. What kid wants to be an accountant?

     - My uncle was an accountant and I thought he was the coolest. What about you? Wait, let me guess. 

     - Go on. - she crossed her arms. 

     - A princess? 

     - Ugh, stereotypical much?

     - President Barbie? 

     - You’re joking but my parents bought me President Barbie when I was a kid, and Doctor Barbie as well. I didn’t like President Barbie’s outfit as much so I stuck to science. 

     - Always wanted to be a psychologist?

     - I am not a psychologist, Barnes. I am a scientist.

     - A psychologist scientist.

     - Stop. - she chuckled. - I’m sure Sadie will be fine. She takes after you.

     - She actually takes after her mother sometimes. - he shrugged. - Anna was really smart, bit feisty. Sadie reminds me of her sometimes. 

     - You never told me Sadie’s mum’s name. I thought her name would be something like Jessica or Melanie. 

     - Do you base your name assumptions on romcom villains?

     - Anna sounds like such a tame name. Not like someone who would just leave her child on her father’s doorstep. 

     - She never really wanted a kid. I don’t blame her too much either, she was really bright when we were together, anyway. I do hope that’s all that Sadie takes from her. 

     - She looks like you. - Y/N added. - Except for the reddish blonde hair, I’m guessing that’s Anna?

     - Actually, that’s from my mother. My mum’s grandmother had red hair, that’s why she’s spoiled rotten. 

     - You’re gonna do fine, Bucky. - she held his hand. - You’re a good dad and she’s gonna turn out just fine. 

     - You’re gonna do fine too, Y/N. I am looking forward to calling you Dr. Y/N. 

     - Dr. Y/N and Sergeant Barnes.

    - Dr. Y/N and Sergeant Barnes. - he bit the inside of his lip before smiling at her. - What a team.

    - Even though you hated me when you first met me. 

    - Whatever you say, Y/N. Whatever you say.

[stanlees-stuff]

Lovely supporter, I hope this message finds you and your family in good health and high spirits.

This is Eman Zaqout a Biotechnologist and PhD student from Gaza. I've started a fundraising campaign and urgently need your help to spread it to the world, after losing my house and my job in the genocide in Gaza and living in a life that you can't bear watch it behind screens.

I hope you can take a look at my campaign on the pinned post on my profile, and help us by donating or sharing our campaign to reach the largest number of supporters.

Thank you for your continuous help for the Palestinian cause until freedom is achieved.

Please know that our campaign is verified by @90-ghost, @aces-and-angels

Hi Eman! I'm really sorry about what your going through and hope you and your family are safe

I can't really do much but i send my thoughts and prayers to you and everyone in Gaza

Also yall i checked and yeah this is legit so please send support however you can

Anyways bye :]

[medig]

A Tale of Woe, Ep. 26: Pause for Station Identification

In light of our first story, "A Tale of Woe", now being 25 episodes, the following is a summary of what the characters have been up to until now. These were originally written for the other platform. Technically this is spoilers, but not much has actually happened that could get spoiled.

Claire

[Claire in her new "favorite" outfit]

["Corporate Claire", file photo from shortly before her admission to the hospital]

She is 23 years old and worked a low level office job (possibly a receptionist or a Human Resources functionary) until all her recent troubles began. She currently is involuntarily held in a secure mental health facility, possibly by mistake. She is quiet, shy, and nervous about anyone including doctors invading her privacy and her body. Her exact reasons for being there are unknown but we do know her psychiatrist has prescribed a deliberate program of ensuring that medical personnel invade the privacy of Claire’s body quite frequently. She is given daily rectal temperatures and her psych medications are administered as suppositories rather than pills. There is no medical reason for doing this, it is being done purely for the psychological effect. She also receives complete weekly physical examinations and enemas as needed for constipation, which she frequently suffers from. Claire is humiliated by these treatments.

Unlike most patients, Claire does not have "panty privileges". The fact that the hospital even has a name for this concept, shows what kind of a place it is. Claire must always wear hospital gowns - never her own clothes, not even pajamas, with nothing at all on under it. Most patients are allowed to wear pajamas and bathrobes, this is a form of "therapy" reserved for certain special patients.

Please keep poor Claire in your thoughts and prayers.

Mystique

[Mystique is allowed to wear a bathrobe, when she's been good]

[File photo, undated, from sometime before admission]

This one calls herself "Myst", short for "Mystique", as in the X-Men character. Her legal name is Misty. She is Claire's only friend in the mental hospital, and is around the same age. We also do not know the exact circumstances of her arrival, but before being sent here she was a PhD student studying psychology. Left to her own devices she dresses in a punk-goth-alternative style and presents an image of toughness. In the hospital, her wardrobe is considerably more limited though she still is allowed to use her own cosmetics products. When she first arrived, she was very ill behaved and often had to be restrained by the staff. She has somewhat calmed down, especially now that she has taken on a protective role with respect to poor Claire.

When she arrived she had a phobia of injections, and the staff often had to use force to get them into her. Of course, being the kind of place it is, the hospital gives all of her medications as injections, even those that are normally oral. She has since gotten used to it, but she still plays this up for the staff to keep them busy.

She has some experience in the kink world and this combined with her interest in psychology has her (with some justification) convinced that almost everything the hospital does to her and the other patients is just the sexual sadism of the doctors running unchecked. She is, however, not above engaging in secretive bdsm play (in both top and bottom roles) with the staff in exchange for favors and special treatment, though the amount of leverage she actually gained this way is pretty small. Most especially, she has not succeeded in using it to obtain release from the hospital.

Myst claims to be from a "rich" family, though she appears to be estranged from them. In spite of this, she occasionally speaks in some unidentified blue collar American dialect. We can only assume this is a deliberate affectation by her.

Claire's Doctor

This doctor’s name is being withheld to avoid offending any real doctors of the same name. There are many doctors involved in the hospital where Claire and Mystique are imprisoned, but he is the one most directly in charge of their treatment. He is an arrogant and cruel man who takes advantage of the power he holds over his patients, in particular the young, attractive, female patients. He is currently in a highly unethical, illegal, and coercive “relationship” with Mystique that she clearly regards as transactional. It’s unclear what benefits she receives from it, personally, though she has been seen to use whatever limited influence it affords her to slightly lower Claire’s sufferings. The doctor strongly desires to have the same sort of relationship with Claire, who refuses to speak to him at all. Claire is quite scared of him, while Mystique regards him more with disdain and contempt than fear. He is prone to fits of tyrannical rage over Claire’s refusals. In spite of his ridiculous nature, he remains a serious problem for his patients as he seemingly has arbitrary power to prescribe unhelpful and unnecessary and possibly harmful “therapies” such as restricting Claire’s diet in a manner designed to promote constipation (to provide a pretext for frequent enemas). The other doctors, nurses, and assorted hospital employees are either too checked out to notice his antics, or participate in them with varying degrees of pleasure, indicative of a mostly corrupt institution of which this individual is only one part.

Liz

Liz is in her mid 30s, works as a software engineer, and is Claire’s older (half) sister. With Claire’s parents both deceased, Liz serves as the next of kin with respect Claire’s hospitalization. Liz is blissfully unaware of what kind of a place her sister is really being held in, sincerely believing that Claire is receiving competent care for serious mental health issues. When she visits Claire in the hospital, the staff put on a sort of Potemkin village of a clean, orderly environment to fool the public and patients’ families. The hospital has obvious motivation to keep this delusion going, but Claire is also afraid to tell her anything, sure that no one would believe the things that happen in here. Liz is a sci fi and fantasy reader. She is somewhat clumsy but likes to exercise a lot, resulting in occasional injuries requiring casts and/or crutches, as seen in this file photo.

Mary

Mary is Claire's ancestor who was born in 1875 and may have been imprisoned in the same hospital for a period in the 1890s. We don't know much about her. She is seen in flashbacks and dreams that Claire experiences, in which she temporarily shifts into Mary's time. Claire firmly believes these experiences to be real, and is convinced that learning more about Mary will help her to leave the hospital.

Julie and Mike

Seen in flashbacks, Julie was Claire's mother who died when Claire was 8 years old, along with Claire's father, Mike. Julie was an avid cosplayer and video gamer in the mid 1990's. In 1998 she married the significantly older man Mike, thus becoming Liz's stepmother. Based on some of her costume choices we assume that she named her daughter Claire after the Resident Evil series character.

Biscuit Junior

He is a beagle that belongs to Liz, Claire, or both. He is allowed to visit in the hospital.

Susan and Becky

Myst has these two sisters, twins, that may be about 29 years old. They have done nothing in this story so far, this is just to remind you of their existence in case they show up. They are seen here in file photos of their own medical exams. Don't ask how we got them.

Myst does not seem to get along with her family, as evidenced by the fact that none of them have attempted to visit her in the hospital during the time of the story. She has mentioned her parents not believing her when she tried to tell them about the abuse she experiences. The twins may share this delusion, or they may not have even been told about it.

[dykerightsmp3]

Lovely supporter, I hope this message finds you and your family in good health and high spirits.

This is Eman Zaqout a Biotechnologist and PhD student from Gaza. I've started a fundraising campaign and urgently need your help to spread it to the world, after losing my house and my job in the genocide in Gaza and living in a life that you can't bear watch it behind screens.

I hope you can take a look at my campaign on the pinned post on my profile, and help us by donating or sharing our campaign to reach the largest number of supporters.

Thank you for your continuous help for the Palestinian cause until freedom is achieved.

Please know that our campaign is verified by @90-ghost, @aces-and-angels

Boosting and donating. Keeping you and your family in my prayers, and hoping you're able to start your study in Malaysia as soon as possible.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Please pray for the Namsik and Eun Yang family—especially for their son Minsol (photo 1, in his Dad’s arms), who was born with serious heart defects and has undergone multiple surgeries. He is six years old, and as his body grows, this brave boy is still facing more surgeries in the future. Next week they hope to go to Ann Arbor again to find out what the next step is medically for their son and when the next surgery is needed. God has been testing this seminary family greatly (Namsik is a PhD student at Puritan Reformed), and given them great grace to press on looking to Christ in all their trials, but sometimes the trials are just overwhelming. They frequently stop in to see me for a time of prayer, and would covet your prayers as well. - Pastor Joel R. Beeke

[hyperfang6900]

Lovely supporter, I hope this message finds you and your family in good health and high spirits.

This is Eman Zaqout a Biotechnologist and PhD student from Gaza. I've started a fundraising campaign and urgently need your help to spread it to the world, after losing my house and my job in the genocide in Gaza and living in a life that you can't bear watch it behind screens.

I hope you can take a look at my campaign on the pinned post on my profile, and help us by donating or sharing our campaign to reach the largest number of supporters.

Thank you for your continuous help for the Palestinian cause until freedom is achieved.

Please know that our campaign is verified by @90-ghost, @aces-and-angels

my thoughts and prayers are with you. if you guys can, please please please consider supporting. 🖤🤍💚❤️

[curtiscroachblog]

Prayer (2)

Word for Today written by Bob and Debby Gass

Thursday 6th February 2025

'Men always ought to pray and not lose heart.' Luke 18:1 NKJV

A PhD student at Princeton University once walked into Albert Einstein's office and asked, 'What is there left in the world for original dissertation research?' The brilliant scientist replied, 'Find out about prayer.' Einstein wasn't the only person who was curious about prayer. Jesus taught about it, and the reason was because the disciples asked him to. They may not have desired to write dissertations on it, but they wanted to know how to pray. It's the only time in the Bible where one person clearly teaches another person how to pray, and all because of a request from the disciples. 'Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray"' (Luke 11:1 NIV).

The disciples had been observing Jesus as he prayed. Apparently, the way he prayed was so distinct from the way they prayed that they said, 'Show us how to pray the way you pray.' Before Jesus fed the multitude supernaturally, or selected his twelve disciples, or calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, he took time to pray. And the results of his prayers were so amazing that the disciples said, 'Lord, teach us to pray.'

Prayer is not primarily about telling God what you need; it's about getting closer to God. As one pastor writes: 'It's almost as if God is saying, "Don't bring me your shopping list. I already know what's on it. We will deal with that later. Bring me your heart. Bring me your love. Bring me your undivided attention."' Prayer is not mainly about getting things from the Lord; it's about spending time with the Lord.

[francesderwent]

might fuck around and quit my academic program, might break down crying, only time will tell

[9jaboizgistworld-blog]

How to Apply for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide for African Students

Have you ever dreamed of pursuing a graduate degree at a world-class institution in Canada but found the costs overwhelming? You’re not alone. Scholarships like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) provide incredible opportunities for international students, including those from Africa, to study in Canada without the financial burden. Named after Major-General Georges P. Vanier, the first francophone Governor General of Canada, this prestigious scholarship is aimed at attracting and retaining top-tier PhD students who demonstrate both leadership skills and academic excellence. If you’re a student from Nigeria or any other African country looking for financial aid to study abroad, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship might just be the answer to your prayers. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the cost, application process, and eligibility requirements to tips on how to increase your chances of being awarded this life-changing scholarship.

Overview of Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are aimed at highly qualified doctoral students pursuing their studies at Canadian universities. Established in 2008, the scholarship is designed to help Canada compete as a global leader in research and higher education. Key Points to Know: - The scholarship provides $50,000 annually for up to three years during doctoral studies. - The fields of research supported include health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. - The program attracts both Canadian and international doctoral students. This means you can apply as an international student from Nigeria or any other African country. The Vanier CGS is highly competitive and awarded based on three equally weighted criteria: academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.

Scholarship Coverage

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is one of the most generous awards available to PhD students, and it covers essential expenses for the duration of your studies. Here’s what the Vanier Scholarship covers: - Annual Stipend: $50,000 per year, for up to three years, covering tuition fees and living expenses. - Research and Travel Costs: Some programs may include additional funding for research and travel related to your studies. - No Additional Fees: Unlike other scholarships that may cover only partial costs, the Vanier CGS ensures you can focus entirely on your research without financial distractions. For a student coming from a country like Nigeria, where exchange rates can be a barrier, this funding provides substantial relief, allowing you to focus on excelling in your studies.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, applicants must meet several important criteria. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need to qualify: - Nomination by a Canadian Institution: You must be nominated by a Canadian university that has been granted a Vanier CGS allocation. - First Doctoral Degree: This scholarship is for students pursuing their first doctoral degree (or combined MA/PhD or MD/PhD). If you already have a PhD, you are ineligible. - Leadership and Academic Excellence: The Vanier Scholarship places a strong emphasis on leadership skills as well as academic excellence. This could include demonstrated leadership within your community, school, or workplace. - Research Potential: You’ll need a clear research plan, showcasing your potential to contribute significantly to your field of study. - Minimum Academic Standard: Your academic history must show high performance—generally, a GPA of 3.5 or higher. - Citizenship: The Vanier CGS is open to both Canadian citizens and international students, including students from African countries like Nigeria.

Required Documents

When applying for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, you’ll need to prepare and submit the following documents: - Academic Transcripts: Ensure you submit certified copies of all academic records, including undergraduate and any graduate-level studies. - Letters of Reference: Two or three recommendation letters from academic or professional sources who can vouch for your leadership, academic excellence, and research potential. - Research Proposal: A clear, concise, and well-thought-out research plan, emphasizing how your research will contribute to the broader academic community. - Personal Leadership Statement: This is your chance to showcase your leadership qualities. Talk about how you’ve made a difference in your community, led teams, or taken initiatives that demonstrate your potential for leadership in the future.

How to Apply for Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Applying for the Vanier CGS can be a daunting process, but by breaking it down step by step, we’ll make it manageable for you. - Research Eligible Institutions: First, you need to find a Canadian institution that is eligible to nominate you for the Vanier CGS. Each university has a quota of nominations they can submit, so choosing the right university is key. - Contact Supervisors: Before applying, reach out to potential supervisors in your chosen field of study at these institutions. Having a supportive supervisor who is willing to nominate you can strengthen your application. - Prepare Your Documents: Begin collecting your required documents well in advance. This includes transcripts, letters of reference, your research proposal, and leadership statement. - Submit Your Application to the University: You don’t apply for the Vanier CGS directly. Instead, you apply through the Canadian institution that will nominate you. Be sure to meet the university’s internal deadlines, which are often earlier than the official Vanier CGS deadline. - Await Results: Once the university submits your nomination, your application will be reviewed by a committee. Results are usually announced several months later, so be patient!

Application Deadlines

Deadlines are crucial in the Vanier CGS application process. While the exact deadline may vary slightly each year, typically applications close in November. - Internal University Deadlines: Each university sets its own deadline, often a few weeks before the official Vanier CGS deadline. Be sure to check the specific dates with the institution where you plan to apply.

A Success Story from Africa

Let’s look at the journey of Amaka, a student from Nigeria, who was awarded the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship in 2022. Amaka had always excelled academically, but her family could not afford the costs of studying abroad. After conducting extensive research on fully funded scholarships, she decided to apply for the Vanier CGS. Amaka was initially intimidated by the application process, especially the leadership component. However, she had led several community-based projects during her undergraduate years and used those experiences to build a strong leadership statement. After being nominated by a Canadian university, Amaka was awarded the scholarship, covering all her expenses for a PhD in Environmental Science. Today, Amaka is finishing her doctoral research, fully funded by the Vanier CGS. Her story shows that students from Nigeria and other African countries can achieve their academic dreams with the right approach and preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

1. What is the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS)?The Vanier CGS is a prestigious scholarship program designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by supporting those who demonstrate strong leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and health-related fields.2. Who is eligible for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship?To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria: Be pursuing your first doctoral degree (including joint undergraduate/graduate programs such as MD/PhD, DVM/PhD, JD/PhD). Be nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota. Intend to pursue, in the summer or the academic year following the announcement of results, full-time doctoral studies at the nominating institution. Demonstrate excellence in academic achievement, research potential, and leadership.3. How much is the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship worth?The Vanier CGS offers $50,000 per year for up to three years during doctoral studies. This amount is designed to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.4. Can international students apply for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships?Yes, both Canadian and international students are eligible to apply for the Vanier CGS. Applicants must, however, be nominated by a Canadian institution that has received a Vanier CGS quota.5. What is the application process for the Vanier CGS?The application process includes the following steps: You must be nominated by a Canadian institution that has a Vanier CGS quota. You will need to submit your application, including letters of recommendation, a research proposal, transcripts, and evidence of leadership qualities. The institution will assess your application and submit nominations to the Vanier CGS program.6. How do I demonstrate leadership for the Vanier Scholarship?Leadership for the Vanier CGS includes both academic and non-academic experiences. Applicants are encouraged to highlight their involvement in community services, mentoring, governance activities, or entrepreneurship initiatives that demonstrate their potential for leadership in their chosen field.7. What is the deadline for applying for the Vanier CGS?The application deadlines vary depending on the institution. Typically, institutions must submit nominations to the Vanier CGS program by early November, and applicants are advised to submit their materials to the institution several weeks earlier. Always check with your institution for their internal deadline.8. Can I apply for other scholarships along with the Vanier CGS?Yes, you can apply for other scholarships. However, if awarded the Vanier CGS, you may be limited in receiving additional funding from some sources, depending on the policies of the funding agency or institution.9. Can I defer my Vanier CGS if I need a break from my studies?Under certain circumstances, such as illness, maternity or parental leave, or family emergencies, you may be able to defer your scholarship for a period. However, you must request approval from the Vanier CGS administrators.10. How competitive is the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship?The Vanier CGS is extremely competitive. Only the most outstanding candidates, in terms of academic performance, research potential, and leadership experience, are selected. Annually, only about 166 scholarships are awarded.11. Is there any preference given to specific fields of study?No, the Vanier CGS supports a broad range of fields including social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and health sciences. All disciplines are considered equally based on the applicant’s academic excellence and research potential.12. What documents are required for the Vanier CGS application?The required documents typically include: Completed online application form. Research proposal. Letters of recommendation. Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. A personal statement demonstrating leadership experience and future potential.13. How can I improve my chances of winning a Vanier CGS?To improve your chances: Focus on demonstrating your leadership experience both inside and outside of academia. Clearly define the impact and potential of your research in your proposal. Ensure your letters of recommendation are strong and emphasize your strengths. Apply through an institution that is familiar with the Vanier CGS nomination process and has a history of successful nominations.14. Can I apply for a Vanier CGS if I am already enrolled in a PhD program?Yes, but you must be in the early stages of your PhD. Specifically, you must have completed no more than 20 months of doctoral studies as of May 1 in the year of the competition.15. Where can I find more information about the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship?For more details, visit the official Vanier CGS website at www.vanier.gc.ca, or contact the graduate studies department at your Canadian institution.

Conclusion

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships represent an incredible opportunity for talented and driven students from Nigeria and Africa to pursue their doctoral studies in Canada. With its generous funding, prestigious reputation, and focus on leadership and research, this scholarship can be your ticket to academic success abroad. If you’re ready to apply, start by researching eligible institutions and preparing your application well ahead of the deadline. Who knows—this could be the opportunity that changes your life! Start your journey today by contacting potential Canadian universities and securing your nomination. Apply Here. Read the full article

[kokushibosbestie]

Lovely supporter, I hope this message finds you and your family in good health and high spirits.

This is Eman Zaqout a Biotechnologist and PhD student from Gaza. I've started a fundraising campaign and urgently need your help to spread it to the world, after losing my house and my job in the genocide in Gaza and living in a life that you can't bear watch it behind screens.

I hope you can take a look at my campaign on the pinned post on my profile, and help us by donating or sharing our campaign to reach the largest number of supporters.

Thank you for your continuous help for the Palestinian cause until freedom is achieved.

Please know that our campaign is verified by @90-ghost, @aces-and-angels

Hi Eman. I'm sorry but I can't do much for you. I will reblog this so that people see it though!

But once again, to all of you, I don't want any kind of donation asks or things like this because I CANNOT help or donate, though I wish I could. I hate having to tell people that I can't do anything about it, especially when it comes from people who are struggling in Gaza right now.

So, the next ask about Gaza or donations I get, I will be blocking that blog and ignoring the ask, as much as I hate it.

Thank you, I'm sending all my love and prayers. 💕🙏

[strawberrymilkshakeprice]

Lovely supporter, I hope this message finds you and your family in good health and high spirits.

This is Eman Zaqout a Biotechnologist and PhD student from Gaza. I've started a fundraising campaign and urgently need your help to spread it to the world, after losing my house and my job in the genocide in Gaza and living in a life that you can't bear watch it behind screens.

I hope you can take a look at my campaign on the pinned post on my profile, and help us by donating or sharing our campaign to reach the largest number of supporters.

Thank you for your continuous help for the Palestinian cause until freedom is achieved.

Please know that our campaign is verified by @90-ghost, @aces-and-angels

PLEASE REBLOG THIS AND HELP!!!! I hope ur doing ok you’ll be in my prayers 🙏🏻

[renuin]

Lovely supporter, I hope this message finds you and your family in good health and high spirits. This is Eman Zaqout a Biotechnologist and PhD student from Gaza. I've started a fundraising campaign and urgently need your help to spread it to the world, after losing my house and my job in the genocide in Gaza and living in a life that you can't bear watch it behind screens. I hope you can take a look at my campaign on the pinned post on my profile, and help us by donating or sharing our campaign to reach the largest number of supporters. Thank you for your continuous help for the Palestinian cause until freedom is achieved. Please know that our campaign is verified by @90-ghost, @aces-and-angels

i'll go ahead and repost it i'll keep you in my prayers 🕊️

[solatgif]

TGIF: Roundup for April 14, 2023

Should Every Church be Multiethnic? SOLA Editorial Board member Daniel K. Eng interviewed Rick Hardison, lead pastor of Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church, who completed a PhD with his dissertation called, “A Theological Critique of the Multiethnic Church Movement.”

We also shared Renee Zou’s article: What Comes to Mind When You Think of Heaven? And I reviewed Sam D. Kim’s new book: From Doubt to Faith: Book Review of “A Holy Haunting.”

This newsletter is one of the many ways you can keep in touch with us. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more, check out my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group and TGIF Playlist on Spotify. You can reach me on Twitter and Instagram.

Aaron Lee, Editorial Curator

Enter to win this excellent book! Read my review. Thanks to Sam D. Kim for providing this book for our giveaway, in partnership with my newsletters for @diveindigdeep and FCBC Walnut.

Articles From Around The Web

Ricky Njoto: Three Things Jonathan Edwards Teaches Us about Holy Communion

“By far the most important aspect of Holy Communion, for Edwards, lies in the present. After all, just as Christ was present physically in the Last Supper 2,000 years ago, he is also present spiritually at every Lord’s Supper today. For Edwards, the Holy Communion is a physical sign of a spiritual reality: that Christians are joined together in Christ.”

Tim Challies: Banksy and Beauty from Ashes

God takes what has been purposefully destroyed, what has been willfully ruined, what has been blown up by our own acts of sabotage, and he works upon it until it is a beautiful and precious work of art.

Related: Learning and Writing about God and the Church: An Interview with Tim Challies by Aaron Lee

Curtis Yee: Asian American Theologian: Our ‘Culture’ Is Not to Blame

“When it comes to the community’s response to trauma and anxiety, Daniel D. Lee calls for a closer look at the dynamics of racism and the migrant experience.”

The SOLA College Writing Cohort is our new writing cohort for college-age students to receive mentorship and training as young Christian writers. Editorial Board member Soojin Park will personally be leading this initiative, and she is very excited at the prospect of nurturing the next generation of Asian American thinkers and writers who will help encourage and edify the Church!

Books, Podcasts, Music, And More

Sam Choi: Prayer and Fasting

This message was given as a part of the Bethlehem College and Seminary spring 2023 chapel series on Prayer.

Off the Pulpit Podcast: The Wives Takeover

In this episode, the wives takeover and chat about all things pastor wife life and women in the church.

Aaron Lee: Related Works

Book reviews: Words of the Resurrected by Robert J. Nash, All About Bible Animals (Kids Book) by Simona Piscionera. Listen to our TGIF playlist on Spotify. Join my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group.

Check out the new edition of our SOLA Network Magazine! Download it for free and share it with your friends as a great way to be introduced to the work we do at SOLA Network.

Featured This Week On SOLA Network

Aaron Lee: From Doubt to Faith: Book Review of “A Holy Haunting”

What is faith and where does it come from? Is faith just a whim? Or is there something deeper? In A Holy Haunting, Sam D. Kim shows “why faith isn’t a leap but a series of staggers from one safe place to another.”

Renee Zou: What Comes to Mind When You Think of Heaven?

Fellow Christian, we are destined for the new heavens and the new earth. God is longing to bring us home. Are we longing for the same?

Daniel K. Eng: Should Every Church be Multiethnic? (Part 2): An Interview with Rick Hardison

Whether there is a mandate to be a part of a multiethnic church, approaching people with their heart languages to bridge cultural gaps, the relationship between contextualization and unity, the need for multiethnic and ethnic-specific churches, serving the people living in your church’s proximity, and the difficulties of being an ethnic-specific church.

Daniel K. Eng: Should Every Church be Multiethnic? (Part 1): An Interview with Rick Hardison

Where we get the idea of the “multiethnic mandate,” what the Bible does (or doesn’t) say about multiethnic churches, how to think about ethnic church “divisions,” and the stories of the Tower of Babel and Pentecost.

TGIF: Roundup for April 7, 2023

Gods and Gangsters / These 3 Japanese Christian Women Changed Their Country / Narco Saints’ Drug-Dealing Pastor / Moving to a New Place with Irene Sun / Gateway Chapel: Hanley Liu

General disclaimer: Our link roundups are not endorsements of the positions or lives of the authors.

[trollocks-in-my-bollocks]

I submitted it but

1. At what cost????

2. I just want to do the research then sew soft prehistoric animal toys for my godkids, that is my calling who the hell invented publish&perish without providing any training in writing??? Honestly AO3 was one of the biggest help for me to learn to structure my thoughts in English. Jesus I've spent my 20's angsting about not being a great academic writer (=I was ok but not as good as native speakers, my mother tongue is an Uralic language for God's sake) and it damaged my self esteem as an early c. scientist and now that it's working I'm just.... angry. But constructively angry or at least I hope so. At the last conference in May I walked up to young Polish PhD and MSc students to reassure them that I had fully understood everything and what a great job they were doing and talked to someone's supervisor to hype her up but she only nodded knowingly and fully got what I was about. We lack self-confidence because the way we use English to communicate our work is the first thing that editors and reviewers latch onto when they are lazy to read the science part. Maybe you are not as loud or eloquent as native speakers but you are brilliant and the thing you are dedicating your years matter, even if it'll never have a US-sized Twitter echo because e.g you work in Asia or S-America. If I want to know about Romanian floods and wildfires I need to remember to google it... while it's happening 500 kilometers from where I live. I find it sort of tragic that I live next to Baltic countries but even my national media presents more about US climate change related disasters than what is happening over there. Climate related disasters in the US suck and thoughts and prayers but the US is just... really loud. The same problems are present all over the world but it's still the first thing we hear about and this is not my field but isn't this extremely contraproductive when tackling global problems? We should let scientists publish at least in the 5 most frequent languages because English as the only accepted language of science communication is creating a huge bias.

“it’s all very smooth now, I just need to upload the files”

*opens guide for authors.pdf*

AAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAARRRGghhgdfjkldxghgké