I am a firm believer in the idea that we are all social creatures, whether you are introverted or extroverted. To pursue a degree in a place thousands of miles from home can be daunting. For many students, like myself, who come here for an education, a community often provides respite from the rigors of academic work. Support systems for graduate students can vary; they can include peers, mentors or even your advisor. They form the pillars that support both our personal and professional trajectories and contribute immensely to our overall well-being. Let me list a few of my own:

Peers and Friends

The most important among these to me is the company of friends; they make my life much easier and more fun. From celebrating my successes and providing the much-needed assistance in my intellectual pursuits, to giving me company when I am down or even playing games at the Rec Center, friends are the most critical part of my life here. That’s why I choose to keep them close. I broke my jaw last year and was not able to eat or drink anything for nearly three months. Without the support of this amazing group of people, life would have been very difficult.

Mentors

Mentors bring their own share of experiences which helps me traverse the mine-scape of professional work. They help me form the right connections, offer research support and guide me in my personal life when I need it the most. Mentors can include people who have graduated with the same degree, upperclassmen students in your lab and your advisor.