Camaraderie

I've gotten to spend lots more time with Emer lately because we're both working on our papers in the library most days. So we'll go out for a midday coffee break or get lunch or dinner... and we chat about our work, about the world, about whatever comes up. She's such a lovely person! It's always a pleasure to be around her because she is one of the individuals who seems to effortlessly exude honest and positive energy. She's humble and yet can still celebrate her achievements.

When I was preparing for this program, I knew what I really wanted in my next academic experience was a group of peers with whom I could learn and exchange ideas. I found that to a greater extent than I could've anticipated. This group with whom I've gotten to work was diverse and exciting and hilarious...and I feel more confident and prepared to go on with my studies (even with my current paper) in large part because we created a little community of support. We have struggled together through the same material and then through our own research projects. But we've managed to be companions on the journey and I really needed to experience this.

Now that I know it's possible, I want to continue to cultivate a community of camaraderie.