I would have attended several workshops on time management skills and study skills . I would have also maintained a true savings account in graduate school. The thing I liked least about graduate school was the lack of diversity. Growing up in New York City and being a graduate of a Historically Black College allowed me to live in environments that encompassed a wide range of diverse cultures and interests. My graduate experience taught me that, as opposed to these experiences being readily available and a part of the university s make-up, I had to seek them out or create them, and fight for their existence and sustainability.
Graduate students are competitive, and some faculty members have their favorites.
Above all, I hated the gnawing feeling that I had to prove myself. It was not only a feeling but also an expectation. I was not alone. Most of the people of color shared the same feeling. I was fortunate enough to have had an advisor and mentor who took her role to heart.