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AP-LS Student Committee
  • About
    • 2022-2023 Student Committee
    • Get Involved >
      • Elections
    • FAQs
    • Membership
  • Conferences
    • AP-LS 2023 >
      • Fun Run
      • Student Presentation Awards
    • APA 2022
    • Student Presentation Awardees
  • Resources
    • Webinars & Videos
    • Funding & Awards >
      • Grants Database
    • Education & Training >
      • Training Survey
      • Clinical Internship Database
      • Legal Resources
    • Postdoctoral positions >
      • Research
      • Clinical
    • Pets of AP-LS
  • The Intersection: A Blog
  • Career Corner

The Intersection: A Blog

Get to Know your Student Committee: Samantha Holdren

11/29/2020

 
We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

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Samantha Holdren
Clinical Liaison
2020-2021

Samantha is a fifth-year Ph.D. student in Clinical Psychology at Sam Houston State University

Why psychology and the law?

I watched Silence of the Lambs too many times as a child... But seriously, I originally wanted to be an attorney because I was interested in criminal law. After taking a required Psychology 101 course in my first year of undergrad, I realized I was more interested in the psychological aspects of criminal behavior than I was the legal elements. Though I knew I could make a difference in either capacity, I felt pursuing a career in forensic psychology would allow me to help marginalized populations in a unique, meaningful way. Working in an inpatient acute psychiatric medical center, volunteering as a sexual assault crisis counselor, and engaging in neuropsychologocal research studying impulsivity and criminal offending all solidified this interest.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - because it is the best show, ever. Period. Fresh Prince of Bel Air - because it's a classic and Will Smith is a national treasure. The Simpsons - Because it is the longest running TV show with 690 episode to choose from.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Yes

Explain your hot take about hotdogs
A sandwich is some sort of filling in between two pieces of bread, so TECHNICALLY a hot dog is in fact a sandwich.

What is a quote you like and who said it?
“We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.” – Mahatma Gandhi

What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
In-N-Out. I'm from California so... This is basically mandatory.

What is your favorite city and why?
Venice, Italy. The city is just magical and unlike any other in the world. I love that it is on the water, the canals, the romance, and the people.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do?
Become a veterinarian and open an animal rescue.

Get to Know your Student Committee: Stephanie A. Cardenas

11/29/2020

 
We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

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Stephanie A. Cardenas
Campus Representative coordinator
2020-2021

Stephanie is a fifth-year Ph.D. student in Experimental Psychology and Law at John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Why psychology and the law?
It's meaningful, it's interesting, and it's fulfilling. I can't imagine being happier doing anything else.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
1. The Umbrella Academy (Season 1)— amazing soundtrack, off-beat, dark humor
2. Community — great diverse ensemble, whacky plot lines, what's not to love?
3. Avatar: The Last Airbender — delightful characters, great life lessons

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Yes
Explain your hot take about hotdogs
I mean, if it quacks like a duck...
What is a quote you like and who said it?
"Blessed are the forgetful: for they get the better even of their blunders" - Nietzsche
What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
Mokja — their kimchi fried rice is 🔥
What is your favorite city and why?
New York City—I appreciate the diversity of experiences and people. Great food and music scene.
If you were not in graduate school what would you do?
A dilettante living in a tiny home

Get to Know your Student Committee: Kamar Tazi

11/29/2020

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We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

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Kamar Tazi
secretary
2020-2021

My name is Kamar Tazi and I am a first-year Clinical Psychology PhD student at the University of North Texas.
Why psychology and the law?
I grew up in a family of activists and found my passion in social justice. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in psychology but struggled to combine activism and psychology. I have been fortunate enough to work with and under clinicians who've made a difference in the lives of folks involved with the justice system, and these experiences showed me the ways that clinical work can stem from social justice. I knew this was the field for me.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
My current favorite shows to rewatch are Grey's Anatomy, Law and Order SVU, and New Girl. This is a good mix of my favorite shows and I would definitely watch them over and over again for the rest of my life, especially since they are all different.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
No

Explain your hot take about hotdogs
Hot dogs are not sandwiches because, although you can change the toppings, a hot dog never changes. Sandwiches can be made of anything but hot dogs can't.

What is a quote you like and who said it?
"Each and every protest is a wave that moves us beyond the stagnant waters of servitude and oppression toward the shoes of self-respect" -LaShonda Katrice Barnett in my favorite book, Jam on the Vine.

What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
The best sushi place near UNT is I Love Sushi. I highly recommend it.

What is your favorite city and why?
It isn't technically a city, but Akureyri, Iceland is beautiful. Everything about the town is so peaceful and the coffee is amazing. I would visit again any day.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do?
If I weren't in graduate school, I would be a chef!

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Get to Know your Student Committee: Haley Potts

11/29/2020

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We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

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Haley Potts
Chair-Elect
2020-2021

Haley is a third-year Ph.D. student in clinical psychology (with a concentration in psychology and law) at the University of Alabama

Why psychology and the law?

At my tiny liberal arts college, I majored in anthropology and gender studies. It turns out, there weren't many places hiring feminist wannabe anthropologists (who knew?!?!). So, I had to pivot. I almost applied to law school (both of my parents are attorneys), but that path never felt quite right. Forensic psychology emerged as a natural combination of my interests in the law and in the social sciences.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Look, I know my answer here should include one "smart" show, but that would be a lie. I prefer low effort programming. My comfort shows are Snapped, The Office, and Parks and Rec.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Maybe

Explain your hot take about hotdogs
Can't it be both?

What is a quote you like and who said it?
"When in Rome, do as you done in Milledgeville." --Flannery O'Connor

What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
Surin of Thailand

What is your favorite city and why?
Atlanta, because my nephew lives there.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do?

A preschool teacher. After college, I spent a year teaching English in Barcelona. My class of toddlers was hysterical. The curriculum I taught centered around a monkey puppet, but someone eventually lost the puppet. So, when we began each class with a song called "where's monkey?," all of these tiny humans would run around the room searching in futility for a stuffed monkey they would never find. It still makes me giggle.

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Get to Know your Student Committee: Sarah Fishel

11/29/2020

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We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

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Sarah Fishel
law liaison
2020-2021

Sarah is a fifth year joint J.D./Ph.D. student at Drexel University

Why psychology and the law?

I've always been less interesting in what people do and more interested in why, which lead me to the study of psychology. A general interest in crime, coupled with some amazing experiences in my undergrad (a freshmen seminar on opportunity gaps in the US coupled with the founding of a mentoring program between my school and a local juvenile detention center) solidified my interest in the intersection of these two topics. The more I learn, the more passionate I become about each, both, all the above! I am very fortunate to be able to pursue this passion, and grateful for the privilege.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

1) The Great British Baking Show – When I'm looking for classic comfort, this is what I watch. Its got great food, creativity, and the most collaborative group of competitors I think I've ever seen. An all-around "feel good" pick.

2) The Amazing Race/The World’s Toughest Race/Planet Earth – This pick should really be more of a genre that encompasses beautiful shots of different places all around the world. I love learning about different cultures and watching people really stretch themselves (myself and my partner have already decided who would be driving and who would be navigating if we did the Amazing Race). These are my picks for when I need to vicariously leave my desk and my various writing/research projects behind!

3) Just Mercy – I had a hard time with this last pick because I was thinking of all of the amazing TV shows and movies that have centered around (in)justice and there’s so many. I was leaning towards TV shows because of the simple fact they’re longer so can be played on a lengthier loop,

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
No

Explain your hot take about hotdogs

In answering this question, I first put "yes" because hot dogs are similar in makeup to meatball subs. Then, I put "maybe" because some people might think of subs as a non-sandwich item. Eventually I settled on "no" because something just feels wrong about calling a hot dog a sandwich.

What is a quote you like and who said it?
Do your best, and you will be the best - my mom

What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
Beiler's Donuts - truly legendary.

What is your favorite city and why?
Galway, Ireland. I was fortunate enough to study abroad there during my undergraduate career and absolutely fell in love. The people are absolutely charming and welcoming, and I loved the mix of small town charm and city experiences, such as the presence of the college, restaurants, and other activities. I am hoping to go back to visit at some point in the future!

If you were not in graduate school what would you do?

There are a couple things I’d probably do. First is something that has to do with animals – maybe animal rescue or designing enrichment for animals in captivity. Growing up I always wanted to spend as much time with animals as possible, and that hasn’t changed much as I’ve grown up. I’ve also always thought that I would enjoy being a party planner – I love organization and family gatherings, and even before learning about psychology I was great at mediating family conflict. It would be great if I specialized in destination weddings, because then I could also get some great travelling in!
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Get to Know your Student Committee: Cecilia Allan

11/29/2020

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We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

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Cecilia Allan
Communications Officer 2020-2021
Cecilia is a first year Ph.D. student in Clinical psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Why psychology and the law?
First of all, it is clearly the most interesting interdisciplinary field in psychology! I also think it is one of the most important. My interest in psych and law first emerged in high school. I had a few friends with mental illnesses who became involved in the legal system and I saw how much it hurt their ability to move forward. This led me to question why the legal system treats individuals with diagnoses this way, and I began to explore how I could contribute to changing those responses.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Friends, New Girl, and The Office (minus Scott's Tots... too cringe). All of these are great fluffy distractions - and they get funnier every time I re-watch.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Maybe

Explain your hot take about hotdogs

I would say it depends on where you are. In America: Absolutely not. You use a bun specifically designed for the hotdog. It is CALLED a hotdog bun and it is used for nothing other than eating hotdogs (at least it shouldn't be). However, in Australia, they use regular sliced bread as the bun for hotdogs - that could pass as a sandwich.

What is a quote you like and who said it?
"Ask not what disease the person has, but rather what person the disease has.” - Sir. William Osler

What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
Unfortunately I have never been to campus (COVID...). I'm going to guess it will be some place with cheap pizza (& garlic knots).

What is your favorite city and why?
Nashville - love the live music scene there!

If you were not in graduate school what would you do?

Event planning.
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Get to Know your Student Committee: I-An (Amy) Su

11/29/2020

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We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

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I-An (Amy) Su
Experimental Liaison 2020-2021
I-An is a second-year Ph.D. student in Developmental Psychology at Cornell University

Why psychology and the law?

As a lawyer who loves human behaviors, psychology and law is a perfect fit for me.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

Grey's Anatomy, Harry Potter (books; hope this answer count; if this does not count, then Criminal Minds), I cannot think of the third one.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Maybe

Explain your hot take about hotdogs
I don't like hotdogs

What is a quote you like and who said it?
"Do your best, and you will be the best."
- My mom

What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
Wings over Ithaca, best chicken wings and tender in Ithaca - a must try.

What is your favorite city and why?
Seattle; Pike Place Market, the Crab Pot Seattle, islands, and it is not a rainy city at all.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do?

A lawyer; if not, hopefully, a writer.

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Graduate School and Parenting

9/12/2020

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By Haley Potts (2020-2021 Chair-Elect)

Graduate school in psychology and/or law is a challenging time for anyone. Your schedule is full, your inbox is overflowing, and your to-do list is never-ending. It’s tempting to fall into an “I’ll do that after grad school” trap, as personal goals (e.g., developing healthy routines, learning a language, or even starting a family) take a backseat to research, coursework, and internships. Summed up in platitudes like “self-care “and “work/life balance,” we know that these sorts of meaningful life choices are what make us full and happy human beings; so, can we really wait these three to seven years (or more!) before we start living?

I wanted to know what parenthood might look like for graduate students, a population that is disproportionately female, overwhelmed, and at or beyond the average child-bearing age (i.e., late twenties to early thirties). So, I asked two psychology and law graduate students to explain how they balance the joys and chaos of parenthood with that of graduate school. A big thank you to Claire and Anna for their honesty and wisdom!

* Claire, Clinical PhD law and psychology student, two children (ages 34 and 28), and one grandchild (age 2)

* Anna, Experimental PhD law and psychology student, two children (ages 3.5 and 11 months)

Finally, make sure to check out @PandemicParent on Twitter, a science-based COVID parenting resource developed by two parents and professionals in law and psychology (Drs. Lindsay Malloy and Amanda Zelechoski).

What are the benefits of having children while in graduate school? Any disadvantages?

Anna: Children, in general, help you take perspective. They remind you of what’s important in life and force you to prioritize those things. They are not flexible or understanding. So, in a moment when you need to choose between an interesting webinar and baking with your toddler, or between a symposium and family dinner, they force you to choose. And I assure you, when you’re sitting in an ER in the late hours of a Sunday night, that research paper you were supposed to complete or that data waiting to be analyzed is the least important thing in your life. Important as it is, it isn’t nearly as essential as your real world, your commitment to your family or your responsibilities as a spouse and parent building a home. Don’t get me wrong – I assign enormous value to the work I do. And in some ways, my children are the very reason I do it – to create more kindness and justice in the world they will occupy. I do what I do so that one day I can tell them that their mother saw injustice and moved heaven and earth to do something about it.

But in the end of the day, my children remind me that my tombstone will not list my academic publications. It will not list the committees in which I participated, or the guest lectures I’ve been invited to teach. But it might reveal that I was a loving, patient, kind parent who loved my children more than life itself. I’m reminded that maybe our part in creating more justice and goodness and love in the world starts at home, raising children who have values of defending and protecting human dignity, of standing up for what’s right, of knowing when to be polite and when to shout at the top of your lungs until someone will hear you demand rightness.

From a more practical lens, being a parent student also has very specific advantages as it pertains to my actual work. I have learned to juggle and to compartmentalize like a pro. Which means that my “work” time is hyper-productive. I sometimes feel like I can get done in one hour what many non-parents get done in four, because I have no choice. Especially these days, when I am literally a stay-at-home parent (I did not sign up for that!!), my workday starts at 8pm and often ends at midnight or 1am. I don’t have the luxury of binge-watching the hottest show, I don’t have the luxury of having time to complain about being too tired. There is no other time. I have no choice. So, I get it done. And I do it well, because my work gets my entire attention when it finally gets my attention at all. No one knows self-motivation and hard work like a sleep-deprived parent.

It’s not all rainbows, though. Parenting – even if your child is in daycare/school all day – is a full-time job. I don’t mean that as a hyperbole: you are literally on call every minute of every hour of every day. And every night. Forever. It’s a privilege, but it’s a huge challenge. It’s a privilege that means sacrifice. You can be a star in school. You can achieve just as much as your colleagues – if not more. You can rise to the top and become number one in your field. But when that phone rings and the school nurse is on the other end of that line, you drop everything and you go.

Claire: My oldest son had already left home when I began college at age 48 (now 56). The youngest was just finishing high school. The only advantage I had was not having to pay for college while I had a dependent at home. I have noticed at my current academic institution, my program provides free healthcare for the graduate student, and reduced healthcare for their family/children. My university also provides and free childcare for families, and a designated location for graduate student family housing.

How has being a parent impacted your research and/or clinical work?

Anna: To be honest, it hasn’t much impacted my research. I think I would probably be doing a bit more research if I were not a parent, but that’s not the life I chose. And I am completely and totally whole with my decision to build a family and raise tiny human beings who themselves will change the world one day. I’m still fully committed to my work, and I am doing my research and moving ahead with my requirements for my degree.

Claire: I noticed how my clinical training impacted my being a parent. My first practicum was in my university's counseling center, and I couldn't help but think about parenting styles. Parents who PUSHED their students to be "perfect" compared to my own style of allowing my sons to follow their own pathway in young adulthood.

Have the heavy or dark parts of the psycholegal world (e.g., researching psychopathy or working with offenders who commit crimes against children) impacted how you parent?

Anna: The dark parts of my work haven’t impacted my parenting in a negative way, they’ve just opened my eyes to some very real challenges in this world. The way I speak to my children about police or about their rights or about what they should expect in the world is now just more informed and well-rounded. Our home is a place where we discuss any topic, and we’re very open with our children about the reality of our world. I think my education has really helped me become a more informed parent in that way.

Claire: The intersection of my research and in law & psychology often causes me to worry about the safety of my sons. My previous and current practicum has placed me in the adult and juvenile justice jails and courtroom. Some of the recounting of police response and behavior at time of arrest of defendants of color (compared to White defendants) are clearly different, and more violent. Although my sons do not look as though they have Black roots, they do and in the current climate of race, policing, and racism in America, I wake up every morning, look at my mobile phone and feel relieved to see there are no messages of concern.

What advice do you have for graduate students about to become parents?

Anna: I’d tell them that no parent is perfect. Far from it. And that the juggle is very difficult. But it is so worthwhile. You don’t get rewarded and you don’t get acknowledged, but you’re doing something extraordinary. I’d also say that having a social support system in place is a huge source of relief and strength when you’re a student parent. Very few fellow students understand what it means to have children while trying to complete graduate school. Even those who want to understand… they just can’t. Find people who do understand and share your struggles and frustrations and joys over a margarita (or three) once in a while. Have at least one person you can text at 3am. And just remember not to compare yourself to anyone else – this is your life, your ride of a lifetime.

Claire: My advice would be to wait until you have finished your program to have children. The stress of clinical work keeps me away from communicating with my sons and granddaughter. Pre-COVID, I only saw her during Fall break (in October) and when the academic year ended (in May). Each visit was generally for a long weekend, and that was it. Only photos and the odd telephone conversation kept me close to my children. If you do decide to have children, try to keep your family very small (I recommend only 1 child) because children need their parents' love and attention (especially when they are not well) to learn and grow. 

What do your kids think of your work? Or what do they tell other people you do for work? (Only if they are old enough for this, of course)?

Anna: They’re a little young to fully understand, but they know that I do work to try to help make the world better. They know that I try to understand why people behave the way that they do, so that we can all understand the world a little better. It’s a little vague, but it works at 3 years old.

Claire: My sons are supportive of my work and research.  They do praise my successes, however, I tend to keep a lot of what I am doing to myself (I don't really know why I do that actually) because I do not want to come across as bragging. However, this week I defended my master's thesis and passed. I shared that news with my sons (via text :( message) and they were both very supportive and caring with their congratulatory words. Basically, I just want my sons to be happy with the fact that I am trying to be an educated mom, grandmother, mentor, and example for women in science, and for women of color in science. I mostly want to have my PhD degree so I can hand it to my one and only grandchild. To be honest, I haven't really asked my sons what they say to other people about their non-traditional, PhD seeking graduate student mom/grandmother. I can only hope they are proud and share any stories about my journey in a positive light.

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Get to Know Your Officers: Dana Formon

2/8/2016

 

Ever wonder who is behind all of those #SomethingfunSunday posts? Well, wonder no longer. Meet Dana Formon, your Communications Officer. Dana works hard to keep you all up to date via our Twitter and Facebook accounts as just one of her many responsibilities on the Student Committee. On top of being a hard worker, she is very friendly and committed to our student members. Keep an eye out for her at the upcoming March conference!


What first got you interested in law and psychology?
My first interest in this field was actually when our Student Chair, Meghann Galloway, TA’d the lab portion of my Intro to Psychology course at Drexel University (for real!).  On the first day of class she told us about her experiences interning at the FBI and I just remember being really interested in her experience and wanted the same for myself.  With her help, I was able to join a forensic research lab on campus and it was history from there!  I have just always found every aspect of this psychology-law really interesting, which was meaningful to me, so I decided to stick with it.

If you weren't in graduate school, what would you be doing instead? 
I’d want to travel with either the Peace Corps or Remote Area Medical.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I used to be a part-time professional modern dancer, so I have a knack for anything related to physical activity (except playing DDR for some reason).  I really enjoy doing half-marathons, full marathons, and multi-sport events…but I don’t know if you could consider them talents perse because I think anyone is capable of doing those things.  :)

What is your favorite thing about being on the Student Committee?
The people I work with!  I find that more always gets accomplished when you have a group in charge, and I love how we get together to share ideas and make fun things happen for AP-LS and especially the student members of AP-LS.  Everyone on the committee always has great things to bring to the table and our fearless leader has a really great vision for how we can improve upon what the Student Committee does for it’s members.

What is your favorite thing about AP-LS?
I really like the networking opportunities you get.  I feel like the AP-LS Conference is the one place where I can listen to a research presentation, get really excited, and then run up to the researcher after the fact and just start throwing around questions and ideas.  I feel like our field at large is really interesting, and the people who do the really interesting research are always very helpful and wonderful to talk to.  If you ask one question about someone’s research, chances are it’ll turn into an amazing 15-minute conversation and lots of potential for collaboration.

What is one of your professional goals?
I want to be able to tie my forensic interests into my hobbies.  I love animals, and I love running…so a professional goal I have for myself would definitely be to either begin a K9 rehabilitation program in a correctional facility (since that’s already something some facilities do), or to start an exercise program or running club for offenders (or ex-offenders as part of a rehabilitation program).  If I could achieve both, I’d die so very happy
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7 Tips For A Successful Winter Break

12/14/2015

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Congratulations on making it through another Fall! After working so hard throughout the term, winter break can be a great time to recharge your batteries and prepare for a fresh start in 2016. Still, we all know what it feels like to reach the end of winter break wishing you had done things differently. Maybe you stressed yourself out too much trying to get everything done, and now you are burned out even before classes have started. Or maybe you prioritized relaxing and having fun, but you wish you had been more productive. There is definitely a Goldilocks situation when it comes to productivity during a long vacation, and so the Student Committee teamed up to give you our top tips for making the most out of the winter break!
 
  1. Maintain a consistent schedule. “It can be really easy to sleep in and stay out late with no classes, practicum, etc.,” says Tara Ryan, our Student Committee Secretary. So she tries to maintain good sleep hygiene by going to sleep and waking up at her normal time throughout the break. She also stays on top of things by working for about 8 hours during the day. Keeping a regular work and sleep schedule will make it easier for you to plan over break as well as transition back into your other commitments when classes start back up.
  2. Find time for things you enjoy. This tip primarily falls in the avoiding burnout category. Whether you are a runner, a book lover, or an artist; whatever it is that makes you happy should definitely have a starring role in your winter break. If you are one of those unicorns that consistently makes time for these things during the academic year then you should make a point of keeping it up over vacation. If these hobbies get pushed to the backburner during the term, dust them off and show them some love this winter.
  3. Be reasonable. It can be easy during the school year to find yourself pushing things off until you have more time during the day, but biting off more than you can chew is a surefire recipe for frustration and disappointment come January. Write a list of everything you want to accomplish over break and be honest with yourself about what is most important to you and what you can feasibly get done. Be specific about your plan, and how everything is going to fit into your life. Remember the rest of the world doesn’t stop just because classes are over, and you still need to live your life without feeling overloaded over the next month or two.
  4. Break it up. Allot a certain amount of time during the day/week to those tasks that made it onto your reasonable to-do list. After all, as your Experimental Liaison Cait Cavanagh points out, “Devoting 1-2 hours a day to writing/coding/etc. sounds much more manageable than assigning yourself a giant task to finish by the end of break”.
  5. Find time for non-academic projects. Maybe it is that closet overflowing with things you no longer need, a new recipe you’ve been meaning to try, or a stack of photos/diplomas/awards that really need to find a home on your wall. Incorporate these projects into your to-do list, and enjoy knowing they won’t be hanging over your head once the next academic term starts up again.
  6. Dust off that project that keeps getting side tracked. If you keep meaning to write up an old project or reach out to a colleague about a cool idea you had, now is a good time to get the ball rolling. When you have professors or mentors relying on you to turn things around, or you have things due for class, it can be tempting to push off a passion project that doesn’t have the same time pressures attached. But we all know that these commitments always come back, and even though technically this one is work it is also a chance to do something for you.
  7. Don’t forget to relax! It can definitely be a tough balancing act to feel productive without depriving yourself of a break. Remember that you aren’t slacking off or being lazy if you decide to put the work down for a specific period of time. You are actually making sure that when you are working, you are at your most productive.  The trick is to intentionally take some time off instead of accidentally letting your Netflix-binging get away from you. 
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