michelle rivers - my adventure blog

Five years ago, I loaded up my Honda with all of my stuff (including my snake friend, Mojave) and drove from San Diego, CA to Stow, OH to start my PhD adventure. Somehow I'm at the end of this journey (already?!), and I thought I would take a moment to reflect on some of the things I've done during graduate school. ( google scholar link ) ( cogbites blog link ) I would not be at the end of this journey without the support of my community. I am fortunate to have too many people to thank individually here, but I appreciate everyone who has mentored, encouraged, or supported me in small or large ways. To my mentors, who have consistently challenging me to grow as a thinker and provided me the tools and support to become the researcher and educator that I am today - I will do my best to support my future students and colleagues by following your generous examples. To my peers, who have been the best critics and cheerleaders - may we continue to lift each other up. To my friends (so...

So, it's official! I am a college graduate! I finished my degree (Psychology B.A. with a minor in education) back in December. Graduation was delayed slightly due to some health issues (more on that later), but I was able to get back on track and still graduate with highest honors from UC Santa Cruz. I am so grateful to have completed the beginning of my higher education at two incredible colleges, not to mention all the amazing friends and mentors I met along the way. Of course, I am disappointed that it's over, but looking forward to the next chapter. My plans are constantly changing, so I think it's best to focus on the past and present for the sake of this blog. Although I will say this - travel is definitely in my future! Squash pancake (flax seed, almond flour, winter squash) with homemade ghee and yogurt. Celebrating the end of a quarter with some lab colleagues.  My plan to stay in Santa Cruz for a while longer had to be cut short as I have been struggl...