Student Spotlight: Pymatuning Retreat

 

This past weekend we got to join students and faculty from the Human Genetics department for some outdoor fun at the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology! Each fall the department hosts this retreat for students, faculty, and staff to come together as the new academic year begins. Generally this retreat goes from Friday to Sunday, with guests staying in the cabins and dorms at the ecology lab overnight. Every year a theme or topic in the field of genetics is chosen, and there are presentations given by guests and professors on that selected topic. After the studious activities, there is always time for kayaking, games, and smores by the fire!

For the past two years, though, the Pymatuning retreat has looked a bit different. Last year the event was held over Zoom, as were most things during the height of the pandemic. My classmates and I were bummed that we weren’t able to partake in the normal retreat experience that year. However, we were excited to learn that this year we could have a (modified) in-person retreat! Due to Covid, the overnight options were limited, but many people simply drove up for the day. In addition, we were not able to bring in a guest speaker this year, so the retreat was purely focused on getting to know each other and having fun outdoors! Given how isolating the pandemic has been for many people, this focus on socializing seemed quite fitting. Our Saturday was filled with boat trips, volleyball, corn hole, and exhibitions to see the famous giant carp! Luckily the weather cooperated, and we were able to spend the entire day outside in the sun. This was the first time in my career as a graduate student at Pitt that I was able to not only see my own classmates offline, but to finally meet faculty and students from other degree programs face to face! Though our experience has been far from normal, I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we are so grateful to have had this opportunity to spend time with our wonderful department!

 

-Savannah Binion

Student Spotlight: Balancing Classes, Rotations, and Thesis

 

The start of the semester can be a busy time with figuring out classes and getting into a new routine. It can be even more stressful when adding clinical rotations to your schedule. I find it helpful to have certain days designated for clinic or class to help my mind focus. Some days you might have clinic in the morning and class in the afternoon, so it is important to be flexible and stay on top of assignments. I also find it beneficial to write down due dates ahead of time in order to stay on top of things. Planning to finish assignments before the due date also provides a built in extension. I find it very helpful to have a designated time to work on certain assignments. You can also have study dates with classmates as a designated time to go over assignments and get moral support when stressed. Study dates also allow you to catch up with friends and get clarification on assignments or class topics. Balancing classes and rotations is a challenge for everyone, so don’t be afraid to lean on your classmates and ask for tips that have helped them.

 

              The most important thing to remember is you are not alone in feeling stressed. Staying organized, being flexible, and communicating are important characteristics to have to make you as successful as possible. There are resources and service to help with mental health and writing assignments. The Disability Resources and Services is available to help provide accommodations. The writing center is available to help with class assignments and thesis projects. Your clinical site supervisors, program directors, and professors are also great support systems and can provide additional resources.

-Haley Soller