Intellect Set on Fire

My dearest followers, my apologies for the long delay in posting, I have been taking care of some personal issues and took a little leave. But now, I am back and ready to entertain you with the collegiate struggles and elations! 

The most recent and exciting of events was my attendance of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) Convention in Baltimore the week of the 2nd. I attended the convention as a "student affiliate" meaning that I am a member of the society on a student level (yay for discount membership prices!).

This convention was particularly important to me because my goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and do work with a trafficking or traumatized population. Attending this event gave me the opportunity not only to learn more about the field as a whole, but to meet potential Ph.D. mentors that I'm currently applying to work with. 

Symposia, panal, and keynotes took place in multiple rooms from 8:00am-6:00pm for three days. One of the challenges with conferences is selecting which presentation or panal to attend; and this is QUITE the task when you are immersed in a conference tailed to your speciality or interests. My selection process was based on potential mentors and then relatability to my interests. For those of you interested in conferencing, I would highly recommend attending lectures with content you're unfamiliar with because this is how you expand that wonderful mind of yours! 

To take advantage of conference opportunities, consider writing a grant for student travel!
http://www.du.edu/urc/StudentScholarTravelFund.html 

While at ISTSS, I did meet my #1 and #2 potential mentors! I did this find to be an empowering experience; there I was standing across from my "intellectual crushes" having conversations about treatment models, emotion flexibility, and types of betrayal. This was a moment when I realized that I have a solid foundation in my field and I do have something to add. This is intellect on fire!

We attend college to be faced with the best and worst times of our lives. While you're here, you will realize that pressure comes at you from every angle and it's how you sculpt it that makes you an academic artist!  

 

Here is the link to the 27th Annual Convention: http://www.istss.org/Home1.htm 
---you can download the program, see keynote speakers, and get a feel for what it is like!