We had orientation last Thursday. My program director gave us some tips to stay sane throughout the next few years. Figured it wouldn't hurt to share them:
1. Believe in yourself.
2. Set your mental compass. Write down 5 reasons you are putting yourself through grad school, so that you can refer back to those reasons when you feel like giving up.
3. Get on task and stay on task. Plan a routine/schedule. Stay on that schedule, execute your plan, change the plan as needed and give yourself grace when needed.
4. Maintain rigorous study habits. Read. Take notes. Use the library.
5. Collaborate with your peers. Collaboration is an essentail work skill. Take advantage of group work to hone in on your own skills. Support one another.
6. Practice: Assignments, transcripts, therapy, evaluation, reports, interviews.
7. Listen.
8. Communication early and often. Participate and engage yourself. Ask questions and avoid using social communication in classes.
9. Keep the big picture in mind! Take care of yourself. If you run, keep running. If you go to church, keep going. Don't deprive yourself of the things you love.
10. Celebrate! Celebrate getting into grad school and every milestone along the way.
