I'm Brisa Marie and I have a PhD in Culture and Performance (CAP) from UCLA's World Arts and Cultures/Dance Department. I spent my whole life dreaming about getting a PhD and I tried my very best to prepare for grad school. Unfortunately, I realized somethings are HARD TO PREPARE for, ESPECIALLY if you don't know where to start, are the first person in your family to pursue higher education, and are a student from historically marginalized populations. I wanted so bad to be a doctor and luckily, I had a strong support system, a family that loved me, and a lot of privilege to figure things out the long and hard way. Some of us aren't as lucky. As a result of this reality, I wanted to make a resource that helps people get into grad school, find grad advice once they're there, learn more about graduate life, and how to do research. This channel answers questions that demystify what is graduate school while giving my advice on how to thrive as a graduate student at any stage!
I went through this experience for a year (know that I’m not a PhD student, I just had a research experience that went very poorly). I have my own issues that I’m working on, but after four years of previous research experience, I knew the issue was him because I have never faced such treatment within a research setting in my entire life! After everything, I still admired him and felt deeply for the struggles he must have faced to become the way he was. After swearing to not speak to him again and telling him this personally, he tried to get me roped back in by responding to my requests actively, openly offering to go to bat for me when needed, etc. Despite very strong doubts about his morality and the legitimacy of this, I caved in because I was so manipulated to miss him, and went back to seek his advice and support. In return, he questioned my research abilities and doubted me, started to ignore me again, and began to distance himself from me except for when he was able to hurt me. Last week it became too much and I told him that I wasn’t sure if I could trust his opinion of my research ideas after he doubted me because it deeply hurts me that he would say such things after a year of us speaking pretty regularly about research and my admiration of him. I even indicated that I cared about him personally and hoped to fix any issues in our communication, but it didn’t go well. In exchange for my year of loyalty (including hiding his negative behaviors for him when it mattered, taking the blame when needed, and dealing with him stonewalling and emotionally abusing me), two days ago he told me to never speak to him again and that he would never write a letter of rec for me. It is heartbreaking even though I expected no less and prepared to have other recommenders for this very reason. It is so difficult to have trust and hope that my PhD will ever go well knowing these issues are so prolific, but I have to try because it is my dream. On the upside, at least I know just how bad things can get and what to look for in an advisor for my PhD.
Hi Brisa!!!! How's it going? A lot of changes since the last video: I graduated with my Master's in English, transitioned from academia to the workforce, which is incredibly hectic, living with parents and getting paid with Social Security until I find a job. Also, I just got off a job interview working as a behavior tech to assist Autistic kids to get ready for adulthood. Something like that or tutoring are the prime job categories I am looking for. However, moving from the school life can change anything you believe you are going to do. Luckily, my background and studies in disability and identity studies (that I made up) might help me prevail in this hectic job hunt. Phew..........life is life. Anyways......how are you doing? Is this channel going to transition from academia to advocacy? Will there be immense changes, at first, or a silent morphing to this channel's mission? Welcome back and I can't wait for your other videos😀!!!
Brisa -- I hear you loud and clear. I feel the same, very much guilty of wanting to somehow be of service, but also being able to sustain oneself especially in this economy. In some ways I do think it goes hand in hand -- we talk about wanting to build the world that we hope to see and I think embodying that by sharing the wealth of knowledge you hold through your experiences with grad school/your PHD can be that. I don't have answers either, there are only questions atop of other questions. Life is just happening simultaneously, which I guess has always been the case, but how grief filled it is to bear witness. where does our collective anger and grief go? I do think you opening up and being very real here will help other people feel less alone. all my love, big big hug Brisa.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU! Yes! Exactly. I am still very much processing. I am trying always to be people first and that can get tricky! Thank you for commenting and sending me love and hugs! HUGS to you tooo!!!! <333333
Thank you for making this video. It feels so surreal how we are expected to continue our "normal lives" while we are witnessing all these things and nothing is being done to stop it.
Yes! Not to mention, sometimes it feels like what we are doing isn't enough, but also we definitely cannot give up and abandon our communities that need us most! Its a lot!
@@BrisaMarie will do! Currently I’m a bit nervous as I have been invited to a preview event at the University of Michigan and to a virtual admissions fair at UC Berkeley. Two schools that are far more prestigious than I expected to take an interest in me. How do I best represent myself without coming off stressed or desperate?
hi! my best advice is dont be desparate and (its actually okay to be a little nervous/stressed). Listen, I KNOW its hard to believe but you are literally smart enough for these institutions. You meet their qualifications or they wouldn't be interested in you. So theres no need to be desparate because you will eventually be where you are meant to be. (even if there are rejections along the way) what is important to remember is that grad schools are NOT doing you a favor. They are learning with you. They are growing with you. Universities need grad students just as much as grad students need universities. Grad students teach, they push academia forward, and lets not forget they pay their bills with tuition money. So try to remind yourself that you do belong and that you might be far more prestigious than you give yourself credit! Cast a wide net, so you can have options. And don't get too hung up on names either, because a school that is super prestigious may not be a good fit based on your standards and that is VERY important to recognize. I went to an ivy league school, and I honestly did not like it very much. And even more importantly ... it didn't really help me out research wise. It looks nice on my CV but I really wish I would have found a school that cared more about me and my research rather than just picking a school because of its prestige. BUT with all that said, try to have fun. Its fun to see what options you have and its fun to imagine yourself in different places. And when you feel like you have a fit GO FOR IT! (sorry that was really long winded!!!!) Long story short... YOURE GONNA BE GREAT! SO JUST TRY AND ENJOY YOURSELF THROUGHOUT THIS JOURNEY!
@@BrisaMarie thank you for the advice! Right now I’m focusing on schools that have a good program, or those I found out about during my honors thesis research. The issue is I ended up with all prestigious schools on my application roster this term. I only have on Ivy League on my list which is Yale. But I’m also looking into NYU, and the University of Leipzig. My network from my honors college at my undergraduate university told me I need to apply o a few “safety” schools. But I don’t see any that have a program I’m interested in. Also, the list of schools making up my roster basically just fell into place.
I am sooo happy this video was helpful! Please let me know if I can answer any questions. I try my best to be helpful as much as I can. (though loans are not my specific expertise!)
Do you have assistance or maybe tutoring for this sort of thing? I started my Doctorate program in 2017 I have not been in school since. However, I would like to attend a school with a funded program. You videos really help. Thank you
Hi! I don't do one-on-one support, but if you are looking for info on admissions I do have a playlist on admissions and PhD basics Admissions : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SbDA7IrNGqo.html PhD basics (for the US) : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wwgiME2QCoQ.html There is also a company that does do one-on-one consultations www.acceptedconsulting.com/ Hope that is helpful!
Hhahhaha! I am so glad its helping... cuz if I am for real... I was maaaad confused for a really long time hahahaha and that really cost me time and money hahha so I am doin my best to helo out the best I can lol
Thanks, Brisa Marie - PhD, your Video on Academic Conferences' Importance on strategies for finding conferences is spot-on. compelling and well-focused Lastly your example on Reply to others' comments is well-articulated and insightful. - Regards and Appreciate.
This is a great point. I should make a whole video on this. hmmm could you tell me a little more about what is overloading? Like is it classes or knowing all of things youre supposed to do as a student or both? I don't have anything explicit. I think if you are a visual person, it may be helpful to write a small list of 5 things you aim to achieve (with graduation being one of them) And then focus on the bare basic more important things you have to (not should do) but have to do to achieve this goal. Then when things don't fit these goals you can deprioritize them. Now of course there nuance, but this is the best I can come up with in a comment. Please tell me more and I will do my best to make a better answer and a video on this! Sorry!!!!
I am soooooo happy this video is helpful! thank you for commenting!!!! I am trying my best and it feels good to know these videos are useful! lol Thank you!
I’m 42 and have been an avid follower of your journey for the past few years. Your content has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me, and I can’t thank you enough for all the insights you’ve shared. Watching your videos has not only motivated me but has also helped me refine my own path toward becoming a computational astrophysicist. Although your Ph.D. experience is in a different field, I’ve found so many parallels when it comes to preparing for a Ph.D. program. For me, the journey has been evolving. Initially, I planned to navigate through the community college system, but now, I’ve decided to pursue an accelerated computer science degree at WGU. This program is designed to be completed in six months, allowing me to earn my bachelor’s degree swiftly. Afterward, I aim to find a higher-paying job to support myself while I refocus on my physics studies. During my ‘undergrad’ phase for physics, I’m committed to engaging in research that could lead to publications, which I hope will make me a more competitive Ph.D. candidate. My plans aren’t set in stone, and I’m still figuring things out, but I feel more confident with this direction. I genuinely appreciate all the videos you’ve made and the thoughtful responses you’ve given me along the way. They’ve been incredibly helpful, and I look forward to continuing to learn from you!
That is soooooo validating. If i am being honest and vulnerable I AGREE! But if I am talking like an academic that has been gaslighted a lot hahah I would say "it helped me learn more about where my article should and should not be submitted" hahahha but I agree completely ... luckily I recently found a community of grad students and faculty that have given be useful feedback and I was able to submit it again *wish me luck*
I am so sorry this is your experience. And though it doesn't fix anything at all, you are not alone! I do have a video on ways to deal with toxic faculty if that might be helpful! - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-n49wmVfyPkA.htmlsi=omK_6Eb0UQVD_LWc
Thanks for sharing this information! I am wondering, is the stipend only the amount you can get through holding TA or graduate research positions, rather than in addition to the money earned from these jobs?
hi! so the there is a tuition remission that pays for fees and tuition at your uiversity and then the amount of money I am paid (the stipend) is the money earned from these jobs. now you can get additional stipends from other sources that may or may not require work, but I didn't have anything of but TA positions so i don't have that money. So you technically can make more money than me if you have a TAship and an additional stipend! Though its not very common (but not uncommon either... its really dependent on your department/university)
You don't need publications to get into a PhD... but do you need research experience? I'm an undergrad... Seeing if I could maybe skip the masters and go straight to the PhD (education/psychology).
Hi! Research experience will never hurt you but its not necessary at all. You can for sure skip that masters and go straight into a phd, though when that happens most PhDs in the US do a joint MA/PhD program... and I have a video somewhere that talks about that but I genuinely can't find it right now I am so sorry! But you don't need a masters is the point! lol Now with that said, if you had to write any major papers as an undergrad or got to help a professor with their work anything like that, those things could be considered research experience/ Also if you had any jobs that required you to investigate things thoroughly even if it didn't lead to writing that could count as research too. so you may already have research experience. Now if you have more questions on getting into PhDs I do have this playlist on PhD admissions and planning that may be helpful ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SbDA7IrNGqo.html I also have a playlist on PhD basics (for the US) that might be helpful ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wwgiME2QCoQ.html hope that was helpful!
hi! so it depends on the program. In general if you are applying to a professional masters then it doesn't really matter at all. What would be most important is making sure you match the qualifications and future goals of the program. For a research masters it matters in a similar way as a phd because your faculty are expected to mentor you in your research. Though I can imagine they may be a little less particular since a masters programs are usually short and not as extensive, I wouldnt expect the match to be perfect but rather similar. so its important but not as important as it would be in a phd.
I love this video -- thanks for your videos tbh, very helpful for folks interested in archival research, memory work, and institutional access -- feels this gives a fuller picture of your experience than university website/brochures!
Thank you! I had so much fun filming it. Before i even did my own archival research I didn't really know what to expect so I am sooo happy this video resonates for you and is helpful! Thats all I've ever wanted it to be! Thank you for taking the time out to comment! I appreciate you!
I’ve divested from academia and have a fulfilling career in research and supporting clients as a DIY PhD; I’m 5 years in and anticipated this era we’re in. The knowledge production and containers I’ve built for young people have had plenty of support by community-based institutions/orgs that are people over profit. Another way is possible. I recommend la paperson’s book A Third University is Possible.
Thank you so much for takin the time to comment and leave such inspiring information! Thank you!! i genuinely appreciate you and the work you do! Thank you!
Hi! thank you for commenting and reaching out. I do not have the capacity to do one-on-one consultations but there is a company called accepted consulting that does do one-on-one consultations if that is what you need www.acceptedconsulting.com/ I hope that is helpful!
If you’re focused on the literature review process, Immersive Translate is worth exploring. This web plugin provides quick and precise translations for your documents.
Thank you so much Brisa! I’ve been overthinking and being overwhelmed but from your video, I can see that my undergraduate thesis suffices just fine for this purpose. Thank you sooo much!
Good evening ma, I really don't know where to start from. But I would like to do my PhD in business education outside Nigerian, probably in the US, Canada etc. But I don't know the process, what to do or where to start from.. please can you be of help to me? I have also messaged you on Instagram.
Hi! thank you for commenting and reaching out. I do not have the capacity to do one-on-one consultations but I do have an entire playlist on PhD admissions and planning that may be helpful ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SbDA7IrNGqo.html I also have a playlist on PhD basics (for the US) that might be helpful ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wwgiME2QCoQ.html There is also a company called accepted consulting that does do one-on-one consulations if that is what you need www.acceptedconsulting.com/ I hope that is helpful!
Hi! you know faculty are always hit or miss If I am honest. But if i were to think hard, I would probably reach our March/April, September/October. You can always try the summer months but they almost never respond in the summer. This isn't to say reaching out any other times wont work, but in general these months tend to be their "slowest" if you can say that lol
hi! That is such a great question. they getty is such a segmented place that really there is not much standardization at all. Even in my position, how I got my RA position may not help another person get their own research assistant because it is so dependent on what department and supervisor they work with. I am so so sorry that I can't be more helpful but I really don't know! I would just suggest to demonstrate just how qualified and aware you are of the needs of the position and the programs/priorities of the department you are applying to.
This was sooo helpful even a couple years later! I recently got into grad school and got offered a TAship and i HAVE to teach. I have no desire to teach but I couldn’t turn down the financial burdens it lifted accepting the job, so im a nervous wreck starting the school year in a couple weeks : ( I’ll be teaching remedial English to college freshmen who aren’t “college ready” in reading and writing. Although I am literally getting my MFA in writing, i just keep thinking… can I REALLY do this ?! I guess because i never taught a class a day in my life 🥲 but my husband was sweet and said “who knows? maybe you’ll find joy teaching and will want to become a professor,” but i guess we’ll see! 🥲
I can understand every bit of that! I only got into teaching because I DESPARATELY needed the money. But I fell in love and it low-key became my WHOLE personality lol I am so happy this video helped you feel a little better. Teaching can be the most magical thing you do, but it also can be a lot. So please never hesitate to ask a question, I will always do my best to be helpful! I do have an entire playlist on teaching tips, tricks, and vlogs if that is helpful for you! ru-vid.com/group/PLY-K7nK2wQ2XbzUS3bMSnwf1kbKAvdU0l
Hi! I went to penn state for my undergrad and I am a DIE HARD NITTANY LION! hahahaha I love penn state sooo much. However, I went to UCLA for my PhD hahhaha (Let me know if you choose to go to penn state, i'll tell you all the best student secrets I can remember hahaha)
@nickgerr1991 oh!!!! YOU'RE THERE NOW! THAT'S AMAZING!!!! So no!!! If you're there now! You know more than me hahahahah for sure! A lot has changed since I was on campus! Lol
Do you know if we can take out a couple direct plus loans to cover costs? I won't be able to work during PA school for two years and I would need to live off loans plus pay the tuition too! Thanks for your video!
Hi Yes! there is a cap of how much you can take out (which I can't remember off the top of my head) but you can live off of loans (I did for my masters!) It does add up quickly, but honestly as a PA you should make that money back fast and you would have a high chance to be eligible for loan forgiveness depending on where you work! here is another video I have on loans just in case its helpful (if not no worries) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DX5bDizpJKE.htmlsi=E4l2aARh3km3ML8R
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I'm preparing for grad school as student with a brain injury. My former reading skills have had to be rebuilt from scratch as I recover. You have several insights and strategies that I hadn't found yet that i think are going to be very useful, especially your last couple ideas about how to divide and conquer those readings. I hope the rest of your journey has been as successful!
Thank you so much! I am so happy you are a part of this community! Hopefully I can continue to share helpful insight! please let me know if you have any questions! I will always try my best to help!
I can only imagine! The first time is always tough... and if I can be honest.... In this video I seemed confident, but I was really nervous and the moderator had to ask me to slow down my talking cuz I was talking too fast hhahaha so you are not alone at all! BUT ALSO CONGRATS! An international conference is a big deal! I hope you feel very proud of yourself! Youre amazing!
