Hello there! How is it going?
It has been a minute since I published. A recent conversation with one of my lab mates reminded me about the blog. I have been in the middle of troubleshooting an experiment, lots of writing, and preparing for a meeting which is a part of my degree requirements (Keep me in your prayers please). However, taking some time off blogging hasn’t ever stopped me from making mistakes and learning. Is there ever a time you stop learning? Nope. I thought to share some of my musings at this time as a graduate student.
1. God is on your team.
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
1 Thessalonian 5:24 (KJV)
Recently, I had my Ph.D. committee formed with the advice of my PI (Principal Investigator)!! This part is very crucial to the success of my grad school journey. A lot goes into who I would love to have as a part of the team and I soon realized careful thoughts and consideration had to go into the selection process. The committee members could work together to help a student achieve their academic and research goals as they contribute their expertise to help the clueless early career student. However, it is not enough to have the best, most experienced professors on your side alone, God should not be left out. The journey is far and having the one person who loves you most and works with your best interest in mind is the way to go. I don’t know which teams are important to you at the moment my friend, this example is mine right now, but whatever the list says, let God be number one for you. You can NEVER go wrong with that decision.
2. Break up your tasks into S.M.A.R.T. goals.
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 (KJV)
No doubt, I am learning the hard way in this department. As grad students, we may wish to take on too much than we can chew with the intention of getting things done as quickly as possible. Yes, you will get them done by God’s grace but no, you can’t get them done at once. One major lesson at this time for me is setting specific, manageable, achievable, realistic, time-bound goals which to summarize is the tiny daily tasks that would add up towards that major objective of your project. No one is a superman/woman. We are real people with real-life situations going on, we may need to extend grace to ourselves by taking up tasks bit by bit.
3. Prioritize unapologetically.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2 (KJV)
You know what is important to you and why. Don’t misplace your priorities no matter how hard that is. Yes, the system may not afford you to have clear-cut priorities that you can stick with. Setting healthy boundaries is a singular wonderful habit you may build as a grad student to make sense of things (you may not trust me, but I suggest you try it). However, these boundaries are blurred by situations, we cross the lines sometimes, I have had to be in the lab on weekends many times to take care of things and the same goes with my husband but we still hold on to what stays important to us as a family. Where there are no priorities, you may start changing your colors every time to fit the different environment and lose yourself in the midst of that. Don’t be afraid to prioritize.
4. Failing is not that bad.
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psalms 42:5(NIV)
As Christians, we are not immune to failure. Ultimately, failure is not our destiny because it is not part of God’s plans for us. It is best to expect failure in the process, this reflects our limitations as human beings, teaches us humility, and draws us closer to our God. I recommend we fail at things to have a good balance in our faith and life….it’s not that hard. I have been troubleshooting an experiment and repeating it multiple times. Here is it, I have learned a great deal in this process because with each conclusion on every experiment I draw an inference sometimes a logical hypothesis that gives more ideas of how to test for the next setup. When you fail, reflect on the lessons and how you can make good out of them (yes, I get upset and feel that my motivation battery is drained too). You are not defined by your failures as a student or even as a person. It is well.
I have more lessons to share but I think I have indulged you enough with this blog. We’ll keep cycling back to our musings and lessons and that is okay. I hope you are having a great semester so far. Until next time…❤
Special note: Would you give your life to Jesus Christ? He is the way, the truth and the life. If yes, please pray the prayers below:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your death and resurrection for the salvation of my soul. Please forgive all my sins. I choose you today to follow and to obey. May your love and the holy spirit lead and guide my purpose for your glory. Thank you, my Lord and savior. Amen!
Grace and blessings,
Olushola.
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