Author Archives: Julianne Vega

About Julianne Vega

I am entering my fifth and final year at the University of Kentucky, studying topological combinatorics. Prior to studying at UK, I was a middle school math teacher at a progressive, independent school in Alexandria, VA.

What I wish I knew in the first two years

At the end of last summer, I had the pleasure of leading a pre-orientation for incoming graduate students. We had four three-hour meetings over the course week and our only main objective was to read through “Six ways to sum … Continue reading

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The Sliding Scale of Academia

When I start thinking about where I am going in the future – or when someone asks me the age-old question, “What do you want to do when you graduate?” – I hesitate to answer. My hesitation is well-warranted. It … Continue reading

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Challenge by Choice: How to gain power in your own education

Hidden deep within the jungle of demands for graduate students is one unspoken, yet clearly important goal: become your own advisor. This painfully mysterious mission was once again apparent in a recent conversation that I had. As is typical when I … Continue reading

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Creating a Successful Learning Environment

Welcome to graduate school. Here, we will find ourselves immersed in a subject that inspires us. Here, we will become engaged in conversation with masters of the field. Here, we will be mentored into a community to which we will … Continue reading

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