On Friday, I got to attend my writing group for the first time all summer. I was so excited to go, but hesitant to share my work. However, I was pleasantly surprised and received such good feedback. This feedback fueled my energy and drive to continue writing. I came home after writing group excited and motivated to write for the first time in a while! Never under-estimate the power of a good group and feedback.
After writing group, I got to enjoy the company of my group at dinner. While there, a colleague said something that didn't seem important at the time but has become more and more relevant as this weekend continued. She said, "In grad school, you have to worry about yourself. You can't be overly concerned with what other people are doing or you will go crazy."
I could not agree more. Grad school can become very cut-throat and competitive. I am often amazed at the audacity of things people say and do - although, I try to remind myself that we are all under a great deal of stress and that affects our judgment. In grad school, what you put into the process is what you get out of the process and everyone has different goals. If I tried to do everything that I saw the people around me doing, I would die of exhaustion.
I have found that collaborating with others gives you more opportunities while splitting the work load. However, it is also a good idea to have a few things that are just your own. Not only does this maintain your sanity, but it allows you to separate competition.
Fuel your fire. Get feedback. Talk to your support group. Worry about yourself. :)
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