10 Lessons I’ve Learned So Far in Graduate School - Gabrielle Gauldin

Starting graduate school can introduce a whirlwind of emotions, including nervousness, excitement, fear, and everything in between. It signifies a significant milestone of achievement and personal growth. Leading up to the start of grad school, we often form expectations about what our journey may look like, and here, I share ten things that I’ve learned since starting in the genetic counseling program in the fall.

1. Your cohort will become family

○    Leaving home might feel challenging, but the people you expected to be mere classmates will quickly become your #1 support system. This unique bond we formed as a cohort not only eased the transition moving to a new state and starting graduate school but has made it truly special.

2. Your perspectives will be challenged, and this is a good thing.

○  Your perspectives will undoubtedly be challenged in this time of change, and that's healthy. Genetic counseling is a field that is constantly evolving. Embrace the opportunity to learn from peers, professors, and patients, knowing that your views will grow along the way.

3. Time management may look different.

○  Effective time management is a crucial skill in graduate school, and it's never too late to develop good habits. Graduate school may require a different approach than undergrad, with added responsibilities both in and out of the classroom. Learning to prioritize according to your needs and lifestyle is key. It’s equally as important to recognize when to step back and take a break.

4. Experiencing a sense of identity loss may happen.

○  During my undergraduate years, I had multiple outlets and activities that helped to shape my identity. However, upon transitioning to grad school, I felt disconnected from that sense of self I had created over the previous four years. It's important to take the time to rediscover what brings fulfillment and restores that sense of identity for you.

5. A positive attitude is essential.

○  While every day might not be easy, knowing you're actively pursuing your goals can be a powerful motivator. Remember, you’re one step closer to becoming a genetic counselor.

6. It’s a time to collaborate.

○  You're no longer competing for spots in the program; instead, you're working alongside future colleagues. Grad school is a time to embrace the opportunity to learn from and support each other.

7. Listen to advice, but don’t forget to trust yourself.

○  While guidance from others can be helpful, remember that ultimately, you know what's best for you.   

8. Just because you’re a grad student doesn’t mean you can’t get involved in campus life.

○  When applying to genetic counseling programs, I really valued schools that had a vibrant undergraduate community. Being a grad student doesn't mean you have to miss out on the campus life. Whether it's through work positions, attending events, or joining activities, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with students in different disciplines.

9. It’s time to let go of being perfectionists when it comes to grades.

○  Hearing from program leadership that grades don’t matter can be a difficult thing to convince yourself of. Focus on learning for the sake of helping future patients, rather than fixating on what score you’ll earn.

10. Everyone’s journey to genetic counseling school looks different, and it should be celebrated.

○  In our genetic counseling program, every student’s journey leading up to grad school is uniquely their own, which brings a variety of experiences and perspectives to our cohort. By embracing our differences, we create a positive learning environment where we can all learn from each other's strengths and grow together.

The Grad School Rollercoaster: Navigating Rejections and Celebrating Success - Courtney McGuire

If you’ve gone through the application process for GC school, you’ll know the rollercoaster of stress and emotions that everyone experiences. From gaining advocacy experience and checking off pre-req’s, to putting the final touches on your application materials, it can feel like you’re running a marathon for months on end. As someone who applied multiple cycles, I can share I did not find the process any less exhausting the second time even though I had a better idea of what to expect and how to prepare.

After not matching the first cycle I applied, I was devastated. I had spent so much time and energy applying to schools, connecting with program leadership and current students, and writing and re-writing my personal statements and CV. I had been assured by numerous professionals in my life I had developed a strong application which made it that much harder to accept I hadn’t matched.

I have always been a problem-solver and tend to push my feelings to the back burner. While my initial instinct was to formulate a plan for the next application cycle, I also recognized I would have to deal with my disappointment before it grew into additional anxiety about the next application cycle.

Taking the year between application cycles to get as much exposure to genetic counseling as possible allowed me to better articulate how sure I was (and still am) that this is the best career path for me. I was more confident writing my personal statement and answering application questions the second time around. I was more collected in interviews, feeling I was better able to express my personality and desires to program leadership. I was definitely still nervous about matching, but I was much more confident than the first cycle I applied.

When Match Day came and I learned I had matched at Pitt, I cried. I called my husband, my mom, and ran around my dad’s shop letting everyone know. I was ecstatic, even if a bit overwhelmed. After almost two years of preparation, I would get to go to school for my dream career.

There’s no way around it - getting rejected sucks… But there’s always something to learn. Knowing my classmates as well as I do now, I believe these are the people I was meant to go on this journey with, and as hard as not matching was the first time around, I could not be more grateful to be here now.

For me, navigating rejection is broken down into a few steps. Take the time to experience your feelings - it’s ok to be upset, sad, and even angry. Just don’t stop there; let your feelings fuel your desire to move on, however you choose to. Whether it’s applying a second time, taking a gap year to relax and explore, or moving on to something else, there’s always something to take away from a failure. Remind yourself why you’re doing this. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially from the people who know you best. You are important and skilled and worthy; you just have to figure out how to showcase that to others. Enjoy the journey - it makes the success that much sweeter.