Friday, May 25, 2018

Summer Series: Back to School (again)

We are excited to kick off our summer series of blogs about going back to school (again), which will focus on students who have taken some time off prior to returning for graduate school. These students worked in a variety of fields and jobs and bring an interesting perspective for those who are considering making the plunge of going back to school. 



For this series we will cover the following topics:
How did you decide to go back?
How did you prepare to apply to graduate school?
How has it felt to be a student again?
What recommendations do you have for surviving graduate school?
Would you do it all over again? 
And finally, what advice do you have for those considering going back to school?




We hope you will find our experience to be helpful! So without further ado the first part of our series will cover how students made the decision to go back to school…

How did you decide to go back?

I think there were several opportunities that came together and brought me to the decision to go back.  I had been volunteering at a hospital and found it was incredibly professionally satisfying.  A group of cancer genetic counselors in the hospital system was very welcoming and gave me the chance to shadow them in action.  The more I read about the genetic counseling profession, and the University of Pittsburgh genetic counseling program and the Medical Center specifically, the more enthusiastic I became about applying.  I had a very specific end goal in mind and Robin and Andrea and Candy gave me the opportunity make it a reality.  When I spoke with Andrea over the phone about accepting the offer to study here I found that I didn’t need to think about my decision.  A “Yes, thank you!” burst out and I felt as if the decision was so perfect it made itself. – Sarah Brunker

After college, I planned on working a few years and then going back to school for something specific that was not genetic counseling. But I learned quickly that while I had a good idea of what was interested in, I had no ideahow I wanted that interest to manifest itself in a career. At least, it was not what I had originally thought. I tried out quite a few things and honed in on what qualities I prioritize most in a career, as well as my life in general. When I learned about genetic counseling, it was kind of “ah hah” moment. I shadowed a few genetic counselors. From there, I really had no second thoughts as I prepared to apply to programs, because I knew it was the next step to get there.
—Caitlin Russell 



During my undergraduate program, I was able to secure an internship at a biotech company. This opportunity turned into a full-time work position, which allowed me to gain invaluable professional experience. It was during this time, I realized I wanted more from my career than just science. I was missing the connection with people and I knew genetic counseling would offer both of these things. I decided to take a leap of faith and began strengthening my resume in order to apply to programs. It was a year long process for me but I knew the sacrifice would be well worth it! —Alyssa Azevedo




I knew I wanted to go back to school, because I knew I didn’t love what I was doing at the time. I also knew I didn’t want to come back to school unless it was for something I knew I could see myself being involved in for the rest of my life. I already had a graduate degree and realized that it wasn’t the career path for me so I knew I didn’t want a degree just to get one, but one that would take me where I wanted to go. Once I found genetic counseling I felt like it might be a good choice, but I wasn’t sure I would be able to ‘hack it’.  Luckily, I had a very supportive environment to do my prerequisite classes, which really helped me know that going back to school was the right choice for me. I also spent a lot of time discussing going back to school with my husband, who agreed that life is better when you love your job. He encouraged me to read a textbook about genetic counseling (thinking if I could make it through the textbook and still be interested that is a pretty good sign) and I made it through the green book and loved it. --Natasha Robin Berman



I had always planned to pursue education beyond a four-year degree, but didn’t feel ready to commit to more schooling after finishing up a B.S. degree in Biology, and a Chemistry minor. A few years after graduation, while working as a cytogenetic tech in a clinical genetics lab, I discovered genetic counseling. I loved my job, so it was hard to leave, but when I had mastered my position as a cyto tech, and begun to feel like it was no longer helping me grow, I knew it was time to go back to school- and genetic counseling was calling my name. –Charlotte Skinner




 



Honestly this was more of an ease back into being a student.  After undergrad, I joined Teach for America to become a middle school science teacher.  After several years in the classroom, I had to decide whether to continue teaching or return to research.  As a sort of middle ground, I took a leave of absence from my position and pursued a research Masters program in the UK. The accelerated program allowed me to really “try on” being a researcher. – Kelsey Bohnert

Friday, May 11, 2018




Springtime Shenanigans:

The top ten things #PittGC students look forward to in the spring!


Although the weather in Pittsburgh has been nothing more than temperamental this year, it is finally starting to feel a bit like spring. So it’s time for our students to get outside and enjoy some sunshine...or stay in when it decides to rain (or even snow!).
A view of the cathedral of learning #HailtoPitt

  1.     Mt. Washington. On a clear day, going to Mt. Washington is a breathtaking sight. Seeing the city helps you appreciate where the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers meet. Not to mention, downtown looks gorgeous as well and you can take the Monongahela Incline!

The view! 


2.     Lumberjaxes. A good way to get some stress out, or have some fun, is axe throwing! You may even find yourself picking up a new hobby.

Just taking a study break and a stroll (Frick Park)
3.     A stroll through the park. With Schenley, Highland, and Frick parks, it’s easy to find a spot to go for a quiet, afternoon stroll. When you’re admiring the woods of Schenley Park or skirting the reservoir at Highland, you can forget you’re in the city.



4.     Phipps Conservatory. Right now, there is a butterfly room at the conservatory. In addition to seeing the beautiful blooms, you can watch these colorful creatures flit about without worrying they’ll fly out of your sight forever.








5.     Get a tea or a coffee. Don’t forget that your favorite cafe most likely offers cold versions of that Japanese Sencha you like so much! Cold brew season is upon us, and with hotter days spring-ing into Pittsburgh, it can certainly be needed. Plus, it’s important to stay hydrated


6.     Teatime. If it’s not enough to just grab a quick drink, there are some tea houses that have teatime once a week - so put on your teatime best and get ready for finger sandwiches.
                                                                                                                                               
7. Baseball anyone? Pittsburgh has sports for everyone all year round. This time of year is the perfect time to catch a game at PNC Park. You can watch the game and try out the “Tastes of Pittsburgh” (the food court at PNC Park) which includes famous Pittsburgh eateries like Primanti brothers, Mrs. T’s Pierogies and more traditional baseball food.





Spring means baseball season has started!




8.  The Roberto Clemente Museum. The legacy of baseball great Roberto Clemente can be found in a retired fire station near downtown area, it boasts an impressive amount of memorabilia, awards and photos of a Pittsburgh baseball hero. Clemente was born in Puerto Rico and used his baseball prowess to escape poverty. Clemente would go on to  have numerous awards and he was also posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (the first Latin American and Caribbean player to do so). He was also known for his philanthropic endeavors (such as earthquake relief missions). 
Roberto Clemente Museum (care of their website)

9.     Farmers market. It’s that time of year again, by the end of May the farmers markets will be back and amazing fresh fruit and vggies will be in your grasp. Many of our students love the Squirrel Hill farmers market, it is a great way to spend a Sunday morning.



10.  Dance in the park! Free weekly dance sessions in Schenley Plaza on Wednesdays starting May 30 through the rest of the summer. They start at seven and cover everything from Balkan dance to the waltz and the argentine tango!