Blog

Touch grass? More like touch clay.

Touch grass? More like touch clay.

Practicing failure at MIT Arts Studio's pottery classes

August 29, 2024 | Alicia O.

First discovered as an undergraduate student The first time I heard about the MIT Arts Studio was when I was an undergraduate student at MIT and saw an email sent out by a recent alumna to her former dorm Next House (which is right next to Tang): “Hey guys, sign ups for the fall classes […]

The First ‘Hello’: Bridging Worlds in a Symphony of Minds

The First ‘Hello’: Bridging Worlds in a Symphony of Minds

A reflection on making friends and overcoming the jitters of imposter syndrome

July 25, 2024 | Sanya C.

Walking through the iconic corridors of MIT, I am constantly reminded of the sheer brilliance that surrounds me. Here, every corner seems to buzz with the promise of innovation and breakthrough. Yet, amidst this symphony of intellect, a silent beat throbs—the universal quest for connection. Since the day I received my offer letter, I had […]

Talking to myself through a reverse to-do list

Talking to myself through a reverse to-do list

How keeping a “done” list got me through my first few years of grad school.

July 10, 2024 | Rachel S. (MechE)

Communication is the most important skill I have developed in grad school. The types of communication we usually think about are technical and interpersonal communication, such as publishing and presenting your research, or communicating with your advisor. However, one type of communication I overlooked in my first year was communicating to myself.  As a first […]

Go before you’re ready

Go before you’re ready

Trusting yourself in a time-limited world

June 26, 2024 | Aarshi J.

I like being prepared. It gives me a sense of control which is my shield against anxiety. The first time I visited New York, I read a guide on using the subway system. Before attending a beginner bachata workshop, I watched a tutorial. I believed that with research and practice, I could conquer any challenge. […]

A nanotechnologist and a social scientist walk into MIT MechE….

A nanotechnologist and a social scientist walk into MIT MechE….

Finding my place in the MechE department without a technical background

June 6, 2024 | Madison R.

“What’s your name?” “Where are you from?” “What’s your research area?” These are, without fail, the first three questions exchanged between MIT Mechanical Engineering grad students who are meeting for the first time. I quickly learned this convention after spending just a few minutes at department orientation events when I first got to campus in […]