Uncensored Musings [from a graduate student finding her purpose]: The Sequel

I am ecstatic and relieved that my final academic paper is finally complete. I do have the hurdle of finishing a proposal, completing an IRB, and writing the thesis left.  But I do have some thoughts I have on have ADHD, anxiety, and sensory issues and going forward, whether as a researcher or academic. Sometimes, I wish life would come with a manual. Like the books that tell women what to expect during pregnancy. In all my years of learning and interacting with people with ASD, ADD/ADHD, mental health, and other differences - I have learned no two people are the same. We all have commonalities but differ - like how genetics make-up varies (unless you are identical twins). I grew up in adverse situations which did affect me in subtle ways, such as having selective mutism, being hypervigilant, experiencing obsessive compulsive tendencies, and anxiety attacks. These subsided once I was able to get out of the situation and unmasked underlying challenges, especially academically. ...

It has already been four weeks since everything happened, which has been quite a roller coaster. It is crazy to think how casing started increasing the first week of March and the school rapidly emailed us and many hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipe stations cropped up around campus. Then the conferences scheduled for April were cancelled and slowly but surely classes were evacuated, campus closed, and we have shifted to online learning. This past month has been quite the adjustment, both academically, physically, and emotionally. Online classes have been more challenging for me due to being a hands-on learner, needing structure, and avoiding extensive reading. When you are alone - it is easy to notice your own challenges and feel "stuck." I noticed I was having a hard time with font on a test and was frustrated with myself - when in all reality, it is okay to ask if I could adjust the font. I had to set up positive reinforcers to motivate me (like music, drawing, video cha...

I never in a million years would have imagined living through a pandemic like this. A lot has transpired since my school evacuated on 3/12 and may be a while until we are done with a state mandated "stay at home" order. I  will be honest, this feels like a cross between a science fiction movie and a history documentary. I have researched some of the basics on the virus and it has been interesting. I have previously mentioned it is a real life "Invasive Species"  in terms of the virulence of this virus and how quickly it spread. I have also learned what goes into managing a pandemic - which the last one of this nature was in 1918/1919. However, I have taken time learn about epidemiology & microbiology... Oh I guess, even politics, sociology, and the implications associated with health psychology. Things I have learned > Many people are asymptomatic (The microbiology and immunology nerd in me really wants to know how this happens) > Symptoms are so m...