My current research on how to be a successful grad student (snapshots of my life)

How to be a successful grad student*:

Hang out with other grad students

Goof off while you're supposed to be studying

Carry a pretty purple bag**

Pretend like you know what you're talking about (especially when giving a lecture or speaking at a conference)

*The data for this study is in no way universal and does not claim to encompass all parts of grad student life, simply those most photographic. Any and all claims may be completely false.

**For those actually considering graduate studies, the purple bag is only necessary for the first week of classes, when you're trying to look cute. After the first week, a backpack becomes necessary in order to not fall over due to the extraordinary amount of books you must carry from place to place. If you happen to carry the purple bag beyond the first week, and if you happen to fall over in front of a large crowd of people in a public place, it is best not to blame said fall on the books you are carrying (which will immediately peg you as a grad student) but to wink knowingly and laugh when someone offers assistance. As we all know, there is no cure for grad school!