January was long
...like really long
Hello from Detroit! I’m currently sitting in the airport, receiving text after text from Delta about my increasingly delayed flight. So, maybe it’s time to seize the opportunity to finally share some thoughts.
Admittedly, it’s been a while since my last post, but not for lack of trying. In December, I almost completed a post inspired by Spotify’s #Wrapped campaign. I planned to unpack why we, as consumers, love these campaigns. TL;DR: We enjoy learning about ourselves, reflecting on how the world sees us, discovering more about others, and finding common ground with fellow “Academic Wrestling Rap” enthusiasts (seriously, who was in charge of the Spotify #Wrapped campaign this year?).
But that post never happened. It lingered in drafts before meeting its untimely end… because it’s February 2025.
Then I tried again, starting a post about gearing up for the new year and building sustainable habits—rather than setting ourselves up for failure with unsustainable resolutions. I even included a link to Dr. Mirya Holman’s “Academic Year Compass,” a fantastic resource that guides you through reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the next. (Highly recommend checking it out!) But, alas, that post also never saw the light of day… because it’s February 2025.
So, here we are. February 2025. Now what? Honestly, I’m just trying my best. I’m working on exciting research with colleagues at Stony Brook and beyond, being inspired by my creative students, and experimenting with new things in my social media marketing class.
For example, I’m now sharing bite-sized content on Instagram to encourage students to engage with course material while casually scrolling. Why Instagram? Over 95% of my students are already there. You can follow along on our journey at @BUS302atSBU if you’re curious.
I’m also staying informed, advocating for my values, and connecting with others who are working toward shared goals around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
BTW, you may have noticed I’ve renamed the newsletter Marginalia! Although I’ll continue sharing insights for prospective and current PhD students, I also want to include content that is relevant for those at different career stages. The name is a nod to my own name (Margaret) and marginalia—the notes we scribble in the margins—which reflects my goal of demystifying the hidden curriculum.
Until next time!
How to reach me: You are always welcome to email me (letstalkgradschool@gmail.com). You can also find me on Bluesky @bskybymidge.
Want to support my #HiddenCurriculum efforts? Consider “buying me a coffee” via Ko-fi. All funds will be put back into my Let’s Talk Grad School initiatives (i.e., weekend groups, buying/mailing books, etc.). Learn more about my efforts here.
Let’s give away some books: Readers located in the United States are eligible to enter the book giveaway to receive a copy of A Field Guide to Grad School by Dr. Jessica Calarco. To do so, complete this survey and note that you only have to complete it once to be entered in all subsequent giveaways! I do hope to expand the reach of the giveaway; however, at the moment, the shipping costs are too great to scale. If you’d like to talk about ways your institution could secure an electronic (or hard) copy, please let me know.
Wishing you all the best!
Margaret