Y’all.

It is seriously that time of the semester.

That time when I can’t remember the last time I ate a vegetable. *glances guiltily at study nook covered in orange Cheetos dust*

That time when I can’t seem to find the minutes to take a full shower, let alone go to the gym for an hour.

When I feel like as soon as I cross one thing off the to-do list, five more have already shown up at the bottom of the page.

When I have to decide between reading the article, playing with the dog, washing my hair, and cleaning the bathroom – because there isn’t time for all four (spoiler alert: the dog wins).

When I ask myself – “Are you sure you really need this PhD?”

The answer is no – I don’t need it. My education doesn’t define me (say it again, Jennie – my education doesn’t define me; lather, rinse, repeat). But I do want it, and the opportunities and avenues that come with it.

And so, back to work.

The post-midterm slump, y’all. It’s no joke.

Dog tax included.

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Jennifer Rhinesmith-Carranza
Jennifer is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Entomology