Why I <3 My PhD Program

I've been in my PhD program for just over 3 semesters now. Last year was a huge transition for me and it took a while to adjust to being a student again and living in a new part of the country. But what made the transition go more smoothly were the other students in my program.

We had our PhD applicant interviews last week. As I was getting to know each of the applicants, I thought about what it was like to be in that position two years ago. It's a bit of a leap of faith to pick up and start a new life in a new city where you know no one, which is what many of us do for graduate school.

I feel really lucky to have found a program where I've been able to form great friendships. Very often, the support I get (and give) to my peers (some of whom are in the photo) is what has helped me through the inevitable rough spots of progressing through a graduate program.