Meet Alana, a part-time MSW student that balances her coursework and working full-time with a very intentional self-care. During a conversation inside Blk + in Grad School's private community, The Scholar Circle, Alana brought up the topic of activities that provide rest and how they differ from restoration.

Can you talk about a mind-blowing moment?

Elissia is a 4th year PhD student in Chemistry and Lipidomics and the creator of ResearchHER. From her first visit at Purdue, Elissia immediately knew she wanted to be in a space where she was truly comfortable.  She didn’t want to be the first black woman in her PhD program and she was hesitant to introduce herself to professors because she didn’t feel like she wouldn’t measure up. That didn’t stop her and when Elissia discovered a professor’s research that she found herself connected to everything started to click.

“The only way to get past my insecurities is to talk about them freely.”

Coming from the Southside of Chicago Elissia quickly realized there are different ways to approach a conversation and while in undergrad.  That was a tough lesson. By navigating her new found tone, Elissia learned the conversation finesse while still commanding respect. In finding her voice, she also learned how to find a structure within her PhD program that would sustain her success throughout her grad school experience. “You take your education in your own hands.”

Check out Elissia’s Podcast: The Research Her

Follow her on IG @theresearchher

IG Link: https://www.instagram.com/theresearchher/

This episode is all about creating a space you enjoy away from campus. Many graduate students are furnishing an apartment and while they have the essentials (if you don't no fear Allanté has that covered as well) still wonder about how to make the space feel more home-y and comfortable. Listen in to hear the 5 items you should be looking for to give your space the look and feel you desire and the spots to shop to get them for a steal.

We're bougie on a budget over here, what about you?

School is starting back up— eek! Funny how time flies when you’re having fun, er, I mean when you’re working hard to make research progress. haha.

If you’re starting grad school this year, congrats! If it’s another year for you, congrats as well. Because grad school. Spoiler Alert: this list is NOT going to blow your mind but instead I am writing this to make a case for investing in these items. That means spend a little money, don’t be cheap—which is opposite the advice graduate students hear.

Check out the Four Essential Things Worth the Investment for Grad School on the blog --> blkingradschool.com/blog/four-essentials

If you’re used to using social media solely for your personal enjoyment with memes, quotes and the like, it’s a different ballgame when it comes to using it as a rising thought leader (that’s you!). This episode explores some of the ways you can navigate the Twitterverse, with some practical tips on handling clapbacks and finding your community. Listen in for advice to find your people--fellow grad students, faculty and researchers in your field and beyond. Learn some best practices or easy ways to engage when you’re just getting started with your professional Twitter.

In this episode:

Check out the Academic Twitter Directory at blkingradschool.com/resources/twitter

Also!! Allanté submitted a proposal to record a podcast at SxSW go vote for her idea! https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/101156