an incredibly funny thing to do, over the course of a departmental retreat where two dozen different people try to figure out What Your Deal Is (given your PI and their reputation), is to practice for your grfp personal statement by explaining it to them. (we’re both formidable! it’s a great fit.)

sort of the healthiest possible response to the feeling of being keyed out under a dissecting scope in real time by a couple hundred strangers. but also: that’s why i work where i do