The most difficult part of finishing grad school is leaving the people I’ve befriended. These people, my cohort and labmates, have made this experience something that I’ll look back on fondly. It would have been nearly unbearable without them. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve accomplished more than I set out to. And after 2 years of research, and 4 years as an undergrad, it’s time for something new.

The biggest cheesy catchphrase lesson that I most frequently experienced would be that saying, the more you know, the less you know. I felt this way a lot. I’ve interacted with a lot grad students and maybe 5% of them I would describe as arrogant. There are many moments where we’re all lacking confidence, and overwhelmed by all the knowledge we don’t have. Some handle this well, some not so much. That transition from being a senior undergrad (feeling like you’ve conquered the curriculum), to a first year grad student (being at the absolute bottom of the academic food chain) is sharp and disorienting. But mostly I feel lucky. I got to work in a department full of top researchers. I learned a lot thanks to them.

I’m leaving having visited England and Austria for the first time, presented at multiple conferences, published a couple papers, and helped teach a few classes. It’s easy to say I feel fortunate. But more than any of these previously listed accomplishments (you can see I’m getting very sentimental here), I’ll miss the academic discussions and shared stories about advisors and reviewers, had over beer and coffee with labmates and colleagues.

Most importantly, I feel lucky enough to call many of these people I’ve interacted with my friends. It was a pleasure getting to know them.

In the end, I’m satisfied. I never thought I’d get a master’s degree. In high school I was the kid who was completely happy getting very average grades, focusing more on sports, video games, and friends. I remember saying to my mom, “Yeah I could get A’s, but I’d rather have a life.” Well mom, things have changed a bit. I’ve changed a bit. Hopefully in a good and balanced way.