3 Things I Learned During My First Year in a PhD Program

Starting a PhD program can be very nerve-wracking. I remember coming in with a completely different mentality than I have now. With the end of my first year approaching, I thought it would be helpful to think about how much I've changed since I started my program, and what was beneficial to me (hint: it was also just a lot of coffee).

1. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need!

When I first started, I was only offered a partial funding package and a part time job. I accepted with the mentality that nothing is set in stone and changes can be made. Fast forward to the end of my first year and now for the rest of my program I will be TAing with full funding! This is all because I just simply reached out to the head of graduate funding for my school and asked if any TAing positions would be opening up for next year. At first I was told no and was disappointed, but because I reached out, I was the first person they had in mind. Two weeks later a position ended up opening and was offered to me.

2. Reach out to professors if you want to gain experience!

Because my program is heavily research based, any experience I can get with analyzing or collecting data is necessary. Professors most of the time always have a project they have started that is collecting dust because they don't have time to look at the data. If you have a professor with the same interests as you, it never hurts to send them an e-mail asking if they have any projects they need help with. Even if they don't, they'll most likely keep you in mind for any future projects. Having those connections not only will give you more experience, but helps with future job positions when you need references as well.

3. Everyone is in this together!

Connecting with your colleagues is extremely important. Not to sound high and mighty, but it's really hard to understand what being in a PhD program is like unless you're in one. It's almost like having a full time job and a part time job at the same time. Without my close friend in my program, I would be more of a stressball than I already am. It's great to have someone not only to vent to but also be able to sit with and get work done. We started bi-weekly meetings just for an hour for everyone in our program to relax, de-stress, and also connect with each other.

What I Bought to Update my Spring Wadrobe

So each season (though potentially unnecessary) I love to incorporate a few new pieces each season. Here's are some fun, inexpensive pieces that can not only work for the spring/summer, but transition well into fall! 

First up were these loafers from Target. While a pretty obvious dupe for the Gucci loafers, I've been eyeing a nicer pair of slip on shoes that can be dressed up or down. I was initially going to purchase from ASOS, but at $50 it was more than I wanted to spend on a trendy item. The Target version also come in wide width (hallelujah) and for the price I couldn't pass them out. I also like to buy "cheaper" versions before splurging on a better quality pair to see if I actually get use out of them.

Jenela Loafer $24.99

Last summer I purchased a short sleeve denim dress from Old Navy and wore it at least once if not twice a week. I figured because I wore that one so much, I could incorporate a newer version into my wardrobe. I wanted something that was a lighter wash and came across this one. I love this shape dress and knew it would go with everything. I'm hoping to get as much wear out of this one this summer. I also like that with the thin material, I can throw a shirt or dress over it to change it into a skirt and give it a whole new look. Denim dresses also translate great into the fall/winter.

Sleeveless V-Neck Shift Dress $32.99 (On sale for $15!)

My final addition was a new purse. All of my purses are black and for summer I wanted to get something that would still go with everything but not be as boring as a black bag. I browsed around for a while online and finally decided on getting was very out of my comfort zone, but I realized because I wear so many neutral colors, it would actually end up matching with everything. I randomly strolled into H&M before work one day and came across this gorgeous red crossbody bag. First of all I love how this looks very "designer", but only cost $18. I first was going to gravitate towards a neutral tan, but decided to get red on a whim and I am obsessed. It's the perfect pop of color that won't break the bank!

Red Shoulder Bag $17.99

The Skincare Product that Changed the Game

Good Genes, Sephora (1oz for $105, 1.7oz for $158)

When I first heard about chemical exfoliants... I shuddered. Chemicals on my skin? Of course I then realized that everything is a chemical at heart. In comes Good Genes. Sunday Riley packaging alone has always intrigued me and being surrounded by customers purchasing this product at Sephora regularly, I was curious. As someone who had used St. Ives apricot scrub in the past as a face exfoliant, I was due for an upgrade. Because of the high price point, I picked up two initially as a 100 pt perk at Sephora so I wouldn't have to spend money but also had enough to see if there were results. Well I blew through those quickly and was hooked! At first I thought, okay it's just the lactic acid and tried The Ordinary's version, but after seeing no results I knew Good Genes was different. This is the most expensive beauty product I've every bought for myself but was worth every penny. Ever since using it my skin has been more glowy, even, and takes in moisturizer better than ever before. I incorporated this into my skincare routine (which I will be doing a post on... but Good Genes needed it's own spotlight) every other night after toner and then follow up with the Fresh Rose face mask for extra hydration (Sunday Riley recommends using the Luna Oil... but I can't comment on how effective that is). I highly recommend this product if you have the budget for it! Sephora also sells it in a set with the Ceramic Slip cleanser for $28, as well as a set with the Luna Oil for $85 if you want to try both but don't want to drop over $100 on one product.

I'm back!

Okay so... it's been two years. Since my last post I've gotten my masters degree, starting a PhD program, quit my terrible job, went back to blonde, and changed a lot overall. With all that going on, I had no time to blog, but I still have that creative bug. So that leads me to starting this again. I'm not sure what I'm going to post or how often, but I still want to continue this. I can say it will definitely include recipes, more coffee shops... and maybe an outfit or two. I can't wait to bring this back and have a creative outlet again!