Sal that is. Hello adoring fans - I know you've been waiting patiently for me to speak some words of wisdom. So, for all those of you who were content with a bachelor degree, here are some things I have learned at grad school so far.
1. It is easy to lie with statistics through the choice of inappropriate assumptions, data models etc. It is also quite easy to lie with maps (http://www.mcwetboy.net/maproom/2006/05/review_how_to_lie_with_maps.phtml) by colouring things in in unintuitive ways and projecting them wierdly. However, it is even easier to lie over email when at least people can't see your blushing red face. ("Sure Nic, I went to the gym this morning!")
2. It is easier again to be a complete ass without intending to be one. For instance turning up to class (a class with all of 4 people in it) half an hour late on Monday because you got confused about the time is not great. Turning up half an hour late to the same class on Wednesday because you got distracted at about 9:45 and didn't undistract yourself until 10:30 just makes you an ass.
3. Nonlinear systems mean that you don't need to really understand things anymore. Once upon a time I would do what I do with a pen and paper, slogging through horrible algebra. Now I make a computer do it for me and conclude: "Wierd results. Nonlinear system - what can you do? Publish me now please".
4. Everyone, no matter where they are from in the world, why they have come to do a PhD, or what their religious obligations, is secretly dying for a beer by about 1:45 on a Friday. They might be able to fight the craving for 30 minutes or so. But addiction is harsh. Consequently, no work is done from 2:15 pm onwards.
5. Enthusiasm is easy to keep up for 6 months. Then you start to wonder why the weekend isn't longer. (The answer, in case you were interested, is that due to the enthusiasm you secretly pretend you still have, you went into work on both Saturday and Sunday with some vague idea that it might be productive to do so. You sap!).
6. Despite the temptations to whinge, grad school is really the most stimulating and challenging thing I've done in some time (since planning a wedding really) and I recommend it to everyone - especially those who can tell great lies over email, make it to class on time at least once in a week, analyse nonlinear systems with a bit more insight than my recent efforts, suppress beer cravings and maintain enthusiasm despite the lack of regular 3 day weekends.
HURRAH!
That is all.
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2 comments:
shouldn't be long til you realise how close 1:45 actually is to 1 and decide to have lunch at the pub every friday. and then realise how many other ppl think that's a great idea and hence its better to head down early at 12.
Must be why some people attain the lofty academic heights of PhDs and the like, they only get the beeroclock feeling on Fridays - I seem to remember the beer urge struck on most days not just Fridays
Cheers
Rod
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