Pursuing higher education is often seen as a straight path, but for many, it is a winding journey filled with unexpected turns. In this week's Victors in Grad School podcast, Dr. Shanna Haver joined us and shared her enlightening journey from social work to earning her doctorate in occupational therapy. Her experiences impart valuable lessons for anyone considering graduate school, especially those contemplating a career pivot. From Social Work to Occupational Therapy: A Non-Linear Path Dr. Shanna Haver began her educational journey studying social work at Eastern Michigan University and gaine ..read more

Discover the keys to success in graduate education, making informed decisions, and leveraging resources effectively. Graduate school can be both a thrilling and daunting journey, filled with challenges and opportunities that require strategic planning, resilience, and a clear set of goals. In a recent episode of “Victor's in Grad School” hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis, Dr. Justin Grimes shared his rich experiences and valuable insights into what it takes to navigate graduate school effectively. Below are key takeaways from the episode, expanded to help you prepare for your graduate journey. T ..read more

In the latest episode of Victors in Grad School podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis introduces us to Kim Snodgrass, a current Master of Public Health student at the University of Michigan-Flint. Kim’s story is an inspiring testament to perseverance, resilience, and the unyielding spirit to succeed, even after two decades away from the academic world. This blog post delves into her journey, highlighting the challenges she faced, the support systems that guided her, and the lessons she offers to others aspiring to excel in graduate school. The Decision to Return: A Leap of Faith Kim Snodgrass’s acade ..read more

Embarking on a journey through graduate school is a significant undertaking, filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. In a recent podcast episode of Victors in Grad School, Dr. Christopher Lewis sat down with Ja'Nel Jamerson, the CEO of the Flint Center For Educational Excellence, to delve into Ja'Nel's educational journey and the lessons he learned along the way. This blog post will explore key insights shared by Ja'Nel Jamerson, offering valuable advice for those considering or currently enrolled in graduate programs. Falling in Love with Your Subject Ja'Nel emphasizes the import ..read more

Embarking on the journey of graduate education is a significant milestone in one's life. It is a pathway filled with self-exploration, knowledge acquisition, and transformation. In the podcast episode featuring Sasha Wakefield, a high school math teacher from Clio, Michigan, her story reflects the essence of this transformative journey. With a passion for learning and a drive for success, Sasha shares insights from her educational pursuits, offering valuable lessons for aspiring graduate students. Discovering the Desire for Education Sasha's educational journey began with overcoming challenges ..read more

Embarking on a journey through graduate school can be both challenging and rewarding. In a recent podcast episode of  Victors in Grad School, Jennifer Phillips, a graduate of the University of Michigan Flint's MBA program, shared her personal journey and the lessons she learned along the way. Her experiences offer valuable insights for current and prospective graduate students seeking to navigate the path to success. Setting Yourself Up for Success: Jennifer's decision to pursue a graduate degree was fueled by her passion for lifelong learning. Despite being a full-time working mom with f ..read more

Embarking on the journey of graduate school can be a transformative experience, especially for first-generation students of color. In a recent episode of Victors in Grad School, Dr. Christopher Lewis engages with Dr. Miroslava Chavez-Garcia and Dr. Yvette Martinez-Vu, coauthors of ..read more

Embarking on a journey to graduate school comes with its own set of successes and challenges. The path to achieving success in graduate school is seldom a straightforward one. In this enlightening conversation, we sit down with Dr. David Luke, the chief diversity officer at the University of Michigan-Flint, to delve into Dr. Luke's experiences and insights on navigating the world of graduate school. Aspiring and current graduate students can gain invaluable knowledge from Dr. Luke's journey, including his motivations for continuing his education, the pivotal experiences that shaped his graduat ..read more

Entering graduate school is a significant step in one's academic and professional journey. It requires careful consideration, motivation, and a clear vision of how it will contribute to personal and career growth. In this week's Victors in Grad School Podcast, Marsha Hare, an international logistics analyst with XPO Logistics, shares her inspiring journey from undertaking undergraduate studies to successfully completing a Master of Science Administration in Information Resource Management at Central Michigan University. Her experiences provide valuable insights for individuals considering or c ..read more

The Importance of Continuous Learning In this week's Victors in Grad School we welcome Jeff Sharkey, Vice President for Tru Treasury, as he shares his insights into the journey of success through graduate school. A key takeaway from his experience is the importance of continuous learning. His decision to pursue a graduate degree was driven by the desire to avoid making decisions based on outdated information. This highlights the value of ongoing education and the impact it can have on personal and professional development. Sharkey's story serves as a testament to the power of continuous learni ..read more