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  • Navigating Graduate School Finances After July 1, 2026

    Navigating Graduate School Finances After July 1, 2026
    2026/08/31
    Are you considering graduate school in the coming years? If so, this week's episode of Victors in Grad School unpacks one of the most important (but often overlooked) aspects of your journey: how to plan, budget, and best position yourself financially amidst sweeping federal student lending changes that took effect after July 1, 2026. Hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about making smart financial choices on the path toward an advanced degree. Dr. Christopher Lewis wastes no time highlighting why recent changes to federal lending policies should be front and center for every prospective grad student. He explains that, as of July 1, 2026, federal student loan programs for graduate and professional students have undergone major reforms affecting how much you can borrow, which loan options are available, and how to prepare for the true cost of your education. Gone is the safety net of the Graduate PLUS loan program—once a bridge for many students needing to close the gap between standard loans and sky-high tuition. Now, a new landscape of annual, aggregate, and lifetime borrowing caps means that meticulous financial planning is non-negotiable (03:41; 06:26). But it's not just about losing borrowing options. Dr. Christopher Lewis breaks down critical distinctions between graduate and professional degree programs, each with different borrowing limits, and cautions that these definitions may evolve as legal battles play out (08:53). He encourages listeners to go beyond the "sticker price" and get a true net cost projection that includes tuition, supplies, housing, licensure fees, and the program's average completion time (09:45; 10:31). The episode offers actionable tips: talk to your financial aid office, request full cost breakdowns, and explore institutional scholarships, assistantships, or employer tuition benefits before turning to private loans. If you do have to go the private route, Dr. Christopher Lewis provides a checklist of essential questions to ask lenders and emphasizes the risks compared to federal loans (14:35). The main message? Financial preparedness is now more crucial than ever for graduate school success. Dr. Christopher Lewis invites you to be proactive, ask tough questions, and keep revisiting your plan as circumstances change (18:42). Graduate education is still a powerful investment—but you must approach it with eyes wide open and the right resources. Ready to dive deeper and get the confidence you need to make informed financial decisions about grad school? Tune in to this timely episode of Victors in Grad School—your future self will thank you! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to Victors in Grad School, where we have conversations with students, alumni, and experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school. Welcome back to Victors in Grad School, where every week we have a great opportunity to be able to work together on helping you to find success in that journey that you're on toward graduate school yourself. And today, you and I are going to talk. We're going to delve a little bit more into some of the things that can help you, especially as it relates to some of the major federal student lending changes that have recently come about that may impact your ability to get financial aid now that we're past July 1st, 2026. Now, I know that the federal lending policy may not sound like the most exciting topic at first. It's not exactly the kind of thing people bring up at dinner parties. But if you are thinking about graduate school, this really matters. It matters because graduate education is a major investment. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:10]: It can help you advance in your career, increase your earning potential, enter a licensed profession, shift into a new field, or pursue work that is— intellectually and personally meaningful to you, but it also requires planning. And you see, starting on July 1st, 2026, federal student loan policies for graduate and professional students have substantially changed in ways that will impact your ability to borrow, budget, and to decide on ultimately which program that you're going to want to attend. So today what we're going to be doing is talking about what has changed, why it matters, and what you need to be thinking about to be able to prepare and to think differently about your education. Now, as always, this episode is meant to help you to ask better questions and inform decisions. For your own individual financial situation, though, I highly, highly encourage you that you need to be talking to your own university's financial aid office. your loan servicer, and official federal student aid resources. So with that being said, let's get started. So why does this matter? Why does it matter and why should you stay up to date? Well, as of July 1st, 2026, federal student aid policies related to graduate borrowing shifted significantly. Dr. Christopher Lewis...
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    20 分
  • Financial Questions to Ask Before Graduate School

    Financial Questions to Ask Before Graduate School
    2026/08/24
    Embarking on the journey to graduate school is a significant milestone—one that promises career advancement, personal growth, and deeper expertise. But as Dr. Christopher Lewis shares in this insightful episode of "Victors in Grad School," understanding the financial commitment before you enroll is crucial to making informed and confident decisions about your education. This episode shifts gears from the usual guest interviews, with Dr. Christopher Lewis taking center stage to break down the most important financial questions every prospective graduate student should ask. If you've been wondering how to budget for grad school, decode funding offers, or anticipate your future financial outcomes, this is the episode for you. Looking Beyond Tuition Too often, students focus solely on tuition, missing the full picture of graduate school's cost. Dr. Christopher Lewis highlights that it's essential to account for fees, housing, transportation, books, health insurance, professional licensing, and general living expenses. He encourages listeners to ask schools whether tuition is fixed or likely to increase during the program, and to understand how long students typically take to graduate—a longer timeline means greater costs. Understanding Funding and Borrowing Securing funding can be complex. Scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, tuition waivers, and loans all play roles in financing your education. Dr. Christopher Lewis stresses the need to clarify what funding is available, if it's guaranteed or competitive, and what exactly it covers. For those considering loans, he explains the importance of understanding federal versus private loan options, repayment obligations, and the impact on your future finances. Focusing on Outcomes Cost is only one piece of the puzzle. Dr. Christopher Lewis urges prospective students to explore program completion rates, time to graduate, and career outcomes for alumni. Ask about job placement percentages, typical earnings, and how graduates' salaries compare to their levels of debt. Your goal, as Dr. Christopher Lewis puts it, is not just to enter graduate school—but to afford it, complete it, and use your degree to move confidently toward your future goals. Tune In to Empower Your Decision If you're preparing for the leap into graduate school, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom and actionable advice. Listen now to empower your decision-making process and set yourself up for success in both your academic and financial life! Ready to dig deeper? Listen to the full episode of "Victors in Grad School" with Dr. Christopher Lewis and get the guidance you need for your grad school journey. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to Victors in Grad School, where we have conversations with students, alumni, and experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school. Welcome back to Victors in Grad School. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs for the University of Michigan Flint. And I'm really excited that you're back again this week. You know, every week I love having conversations with you that are always designed to help you to make informed, confident, and successful decisions about graduate education. And today we're going to be doing something a little bit different. A lot of times I have guests on the show, and today I'm going to be talking with you about something that's really important and something that's sometimes a little bit intimidating as well, which really goes into some of the graduate school decision-making process and the financial realities behind that. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:54]: You know, graduate school can be a really powerful investment. It can help you advance in your career, enter a new field, deepen your expertise. Increase your earning potential, or pursue work that's personally meaningful. But graduate school is also a major financial commitment. And here's the key point I want to emphasize today. The best time to understand the financial side of graduate school is before you enroll, not after orientation, not after the first tuition bill, not after the first tuition bill arrives, not after you have already taken out loans. Before. Today, I'm going to be talking to you about some questions, questions that you should be asking before you commit to a program. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:38]: And these questions can help you better understand the full cost of attendance, the funding opportunities that are available, the borrowing that you might need to consider, and the outcomes that you can reasonably expect after graduation. So let's get to it. First and foremost, what I want to talk about today is as you are looking at your education, and you're looking at institutions, you've got to look beyond tuition. So often when students think about the cost of graduate school, tuition is usually the first number that comes to mind. And that makes sense. Tuition is often a very large ...
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    17 分
  • Bridging Medicine and AI: Zoiya Morell's Unconventional Grad School Journey

    Bridging Medicine and AI: Zoiya Morell's Unconventional Grad School Journey
    2026/08/17
    In a standout episode of the "Victors in Grad School" podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Zoiya Morell, a trailblazing University of Michigan Flint graduate who boldly charted a course from biology to artificial intelligence (AI) and is now pursuing her MD at Central Michigan University. This conversation not only chronicles Zoiya Morell's unique academic path but also offers invaluable guidance for anyone contemplating graduate studies or navigating career pivots. The episode is rich with themes of curiosity, courage, and the power of following your passion—even when it leads to uncharted territory. Zoiya Morell candidly shares how she noticed the rapid rise of AI in medicine during her undergraduate pre-med studies. Lacking a coding background didn't stop her; instead, she recognized a learning opportunity and jumped headfirst into a challenging master's program in AI. Her experience proves that you don't need to fit the mold to shape a meaningful and impactful career. A major highlight is Zoiya Morell's emphasis on embracing the unknown and the unexpected. She openly discusses facing setbacks, such as initially not being accepted into medical school, but demonstrates how taking a year to pursue her interest in AI not only made her a stronger applicant but also gave her skills that medicine increasingly needs. Her advice for grad school hopefuls is refreshingly honest: don't just tick boxes—find areas that truly excite you, because that passion will fuel your motivation and help you stand out. The conversation also addresses the ever-present challenge of imposter syndrome. Zoiya Morell reveals how she overcame doubts by focusing on progress, experimenting fearlessly, and realizing that even experts are often still figuring things out—especially in fast-evolving fields like AI. Another core theme is the significance of building relationships. From creating a thriving AI interest group to forging research collaborations that bridge medicine and technology, Zoiya Morell demonstrates how supportive connections with peers and professors can open doors and enrich your graduate journey. Throughout the episode, listeners gain practical tips on time management, self-care, and leveraging unique skills. If you're curious about how to blend seemingly disparate fields, overcome obstacles, or make the most of graduate school, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear an authentic story of resilience and innovation, and discover how you can carve your own extraordinary path in graduate education. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to Victors in Grad School, where we have conversations with students, alumni, and experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school. Welcome back to Victors in Grad School. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan Flint. Really excited to have you back again this week. And as always, every week, we have a great opportunity to be able to work together as you are planning your own journey to graduate education. And I call it a journey because it truly is a journey. Every person that is thinking about graduate school goes through a personal journey of reflection, of exploration, of just a deep dive into who they are and who they want to be. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:47]: And as you go through that, there are things that you can do, things that you can do right now to start to prepare yourself to have success in this journey, whether you're at the very beginning, just starting to think about this, whether you've already applied and maybe gotten accepted to a graduate program, maybe you're even in a graduate program right now. No matter where you are, there are things that you can do to be able to find that success. And that's why this show exists. Every week, I love being able to talk to different people with different experiences and share them with you. All of the people that have been on this show in the past and in the future, have gone to graduate school or are going through graduate school and are sharing their own journey with you. And you can learn from that journey that they've been on. Why? Why? Because they've made mistakes, they've done things right, and they've been able to figure things out along the way, things that might be able to help you, things you can add to your own toolbox and be able to push you in the right direction. Today we got another great guest. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:51]: Zoya Morel is with us today, and Zoya is a graduate of the University of Michigan Flint. She did both a bachelor's and a master's degree at the University of Michigan Flint, and we'll talk about that journey. But now she's actually a current doctor of medicine student at Central Michigan University, so we'll talk about that as well. I'm really excited to have her here, to be able to have her tell more about her own experience. Zoya, thanks so much for being here today. Zoiya ...
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    29 分
  • Harnessing Your Why: Lucine Jarrah's Guide to Grad School Success

    Harnessing Your Why: Lucine Jarrah's Guide to Grad School Success
    2026/08/10
    Are you considering graduate school, or searching for that extra spark of motivation to keep you moving forward on your academic journey? The latest episode of Victors in Grad School delivers a truly inspiring conversation between Dr. Christopher Lewis and Lucine Jarrah, a University of Michigan Flint alumna whose path from undergraduate studies to executive director shines a bright light on the power of purpose. At the heart of this episode is Lucine Jarrah's belief in making a difference through community work. As she recalls, her undergraduate years were marked by activism, organizing with nonprofits such as the Arab American Heritage Council, and building programs aimed at creating social impact. When the idea of graduate school first took root, it wasn't about collecting another credential or checking a box. Lucine Jarrah sought deeper knowledge and tools to drive meaningful change: "I really wanted to understand how systems shape people's lives. That's why I specifically sought out the Master's of Social Work with an emphasis in community change" (03:13). Throughout their conversation, Dr. Christopher Lewis and Lucine Jarrah explore the transition from undergraduate to graduate life—a leap magnified by the isolation of the pandemic. Building community and camaraderie, even in digital or distanced formats, became a lifeline "[We had to find a way to sort of be in community with each other so that it was safe, but also figure out how we can continue to lean on each other, support each other, and get through this time together" (07:19). One of the most powerful themes of the episode is learning to manage self-doubt. Like many graduate students, Lucine Jarrah faced imposter syndrome, intensified by the remote learning environment. Her advice? Seek mentors, stay involved, and never shy away from new opportunities—even if they feel intimidating at first. "Having wonderful people in the program… gave me the confidence, the mentorship, the guidance that I needed to ultimately feel like I could pursue all of the things that I wanted" (11:44). Balance, too, is indispensable—Lucine Jarrah describes the challenge of juggling work, family, and studies, and stresses the importance of organizing, prioritizing, and giving yourself permission to rest. If you're searching for a graduate school guide grounded in real-world experience, listen to Lucine Jarrah's story. The episode is filled with wisdom about growth, resilience, and the importance of knowing your "why." Tune in, get inspired, and take the first step toward your own journey of purpose-driven success. Ready to listen? Don't miss this uplifting episode of Victors in Grad School. Your future self will thank you. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:01]: Welcome to Victors in Grad School, where we have conversations with students, alumni, and experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school. Welcome back to Victors in Grad School. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan Flint. Really excited to have you back again this week. And as always, every week we have a great opportunity to be able to work together and help you to be able to move forward in that graduate school journey that you're on. I call it a journey because it truly is a journey. Every person that goes to graduate school has to go through an individualized journey for themselves to be able to get from where they are to where they want to be. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:43]: And what's important though, is that there are things that you can do, things that you could do right now that can help you to start thinking Like you're going to graduate school, thinking like you should be to be able to prepare yourself for graduate school, but also doing other things to be able to prepare you for graduate school. And that's why this podcast exists. Every week, I love being able to bring you different people with different experiences that can help you to be able to think in a different way, but also prepare yourself for graduate school in many different ways, because every person is going to have a little bit of a different experience in graduate school. And that's why every week I love being able to bring you different people with those different experiences that can help you along the way. Today we got another great guest. Lucine Jarrah is with us today, and Lucine is a graduate of the University of Michigan Flint. She got her undergraduate degree here at the University of Michigan Flint, and then she went on to get her MSW. We'll talk about that journey for herself as well. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:44]: And I'm really excited to be able to have her here and to share some of her experiences with you. Lucine, thanks so much for being here today. Lucine Jarrah [00:01:51]: Thank you, Chris. Excited to— Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:52]: Well, I'm excited to have you here today and to be able to talk about your own ...
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    19 分
  • Navigating Grad School: Rebecca Pettengill on Balance, Growth, and Resilience

    Navigating Grad School: Rebecca Pettengill on Balance, Growth, and Resilience
    2026/08/03
    Are you considering graduate school, currently navigating your graduate journey, or reflecting on your academic path? The latest episode of Victors in Grad School delivers invaluable advice and reassurance for anyone on this transformative journey. Hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis and featuring special guest Rebecca Pettengill, Manager of Foundation and Corporate Relations at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, the conversation centers on not just navigating graduate school, but truly thriving. A Non-Linear Academic Journey One of the most striking themes from this episode is Rebecca Pettengill's unconventional path. Her undergraduate degree took 13 years to complete due to balancing full-time work and part-time studies, proving that there's no single right way to pursue higher education. She's candid about the challenges and delays, yet highlights how building relationships during her undergraduate years later supported her academic and professional pursuits. Strategic Choices and Growth When selecting a graduate program, Rebecca Pettengill intentionally chose an MBA over a master's in public administration to diversify her resume and broaden her opportunities. The cohort structure of the program offered much-needed structure and camaraderie, making the rigorous journey more manageable. She also underscores how workplace flexibility and supportive family dynamics were key in finding a balance between professional, academic, and personal responsibilities. Navigating Barriers and Self-Doubt Rebecca Pettengill is refreshingly honest about the hurdles she encountered—especially preparing for the GMAT after years away from mathematics. Her perseverance, conditional admission, and commitment to hard work were pivotal to her success. Study groups and supportive peers, including international students, created a collaborative environment where everyone's unique strengths contributed to collective achievements. Impostor syndrome and self-doubt are realities for many, and Rebecca Pettengill is no exception. She shares how working with a diverse cohort and celebrating small wins helped her realize everyone brings something valuable to the table—even when uncertainty creeps in. The Power of Relationships Strong relationships were central to Rebecca Pettengill's journey—whether with faculty who became mentors or classmates who evolved into a reliable professional network. These bonds didn't just provide academic support; they continued to open career doors and create opportunities long after graduation. Advice for Future Graduate Students Rebecca Pettengill encourages prospective graduate students to view a master's degree as both a commitment to themselves and a catalyst for lifelong learning. In a world of constant change, advanced education offers both adaptability and new possibilities—regardless of your career stage. Ready to hear more firsthand wisdom and inspiring stories? Listen to this episode of Victors in Grad School for actionable strategies and a reassuring reminder: your unique path can lead to incredible success. Tune in now and take the next step in your graduate school journey! TRANSCRIPT Rebecca Pettengill [00:00:01]: Welcome to Victors in Grad School, where we have conversations with students, alumni, and experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:11]: Welcome back to Victors in Grad School. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan Flint. Really excited to have you back again this week. As always, every week, I love being able to sit down, talk to you, work with you as you are getting yourself ready to move toward those goals that you've set in front of you. And for you, it may be that you've already made that application to graduate school. Maybe you're just thinking about graduate school. Maybe you're in graduate school. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:38]: No matter where you are in this journey, it is a journey. Because if you're at the very beginning or you're getting close to the end, there are things that you can do right now to be able to find success in this graduate school journey. And that's why this podcast exists. Every week, I love being able to bring you different tips, tricks, things that you can do, some things you can put into your own toolbox to help you to find that success. And that's why every week I love being able to bring you different people with different experiences that have gone through graduate school themselves, and for them to allow you to learn from their experience to help you on your journey. Today we got another great guest. Rebecca Pettengill is with us today. Rebecca is the manager of Foundation and Corporate Relations at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:29]: And she has her own graduate school journey, as I've already mentioned. She did her undergraduate work at the University of Michigan Flint, ...
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    15 分
  • Finding Success in Grad School: Gillian Wilhelm's Physician Assistant Journey

    Finding Success in Grad School: Gillian Wilhelm's Physician Assistant Journey
    2026/07/27
    What does it really take to chart a successful course through graduate school? That's the question at the heart of this week's episode of the Victors in Grad School podcast, where Dr. Christopher Lewis welcomes Gillian Wilhelm, a second-year Physician Assistant student at the University of Michigan-Flint, to open up about her own journey—the doubts, the decisions, and the lessons learned along the way. The episode kicks off with Dr. Christopher Lewis emphasizing that every grad school journey is unique, but that hearing from others can help you add tools to your "success toolbox." Gillian Wilhelm's story is no exception. She traces her decision to enter the physician assistant (PA) field back to her junior year at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like so many, the uncertainty of that period forced her to re-evaluate her goals. She weighed her options—medicine, nursing, or something else entirely—before discovering the PA career through a friend's recommendation. What resonated was the balance of hands-on patient care and work-life flexibility, ultimately fueling her passion. Preparation, Gillian Wilhelm shares, was key—not just academically, but practically. She discusses the importance of researching programs, understanding prerequisites, and gaining patient care experience. Her pragmatic tip? Make sure you meet admissions criteria before sinking money into applications—a lesson learned through creating spreadsheets, taking extra courses, and shadowing various healthcare professionals. Once in grad school, juggling personal and academic expectations became crucial. Gillian Wilhelm candidly discusses the reality of adjusting to a demanding program: learning how to study again, relying on the support of therapy and family, and experimenting with different study and self-care strategies until she found what worked for her. She's honest about imposter syndrome but stresses the power of simply "showing up for yourself" each day, whether or not you feel confident. The episode also highlights the importance of community. Building relationships with classmates—often by just suggesting a walk to class—becomes a lifeline, as does forming connections with thoughtful faculty who genuinely want students to succeed. Gillian Wilhelm found meaning in serving as cohort president, helping bridge students and faculty concerns, reinforcing the theme that success often grows from collaboration and communication. If you're considering graduate school, this episode is a must-listen. Through Gillian Wilhelm's authentic reflections, "Victors in Grad School" offers not just advice but genuine encouragement: do your homework, embrace your unique journey, build your community, and remember—it's about progress, not perfection. Tune in to the full episode for inspiration and wisdom you can carry into your own academic adventure. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:01]: Welcome to Victors in Grad School, where we have conversations with students, alumni and experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school. Welcome back to Victors in Grad School. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, Director of Graduate programs at the University of Michigan, Flint. Really excited to have you back again this week. As always, every week, I love being able to have an opportunity to sit down, to talk to you, to work with you as you are preparing to go on your own graduate school journey. And I call it a journey because it is a journey. Every person that is thinking about graduate school has to go through a distinct and unique journey for themselves. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:39]: But there are things that you can do, things that you can do right now that'll help you to prepare yourself for graduate school. That's why every week, I love being able to provide you with opportunities to learn, to grow, and to meet new people with different experiences that can share some of their own graduate school journey with you. That's why this podcast exists. It is here to help you to be able to listen to other people's experiences, to take in what works, set aside what doesn't work, and add some tools to your toolbox that'll help you to move forward in your own journey that you're on. This week, we got another great guest. Jillian Wilhelm is with us. I'm really excited to have Jillian here with us today. Jillian is a second year graduate student in the physician Assistant program at the University of Michigan, Flint. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:28]: And, and we're gonna be talking about the journey that she has gone through to be able to get to where she is today and that she's going through right now to be able to help you in your own graduate school journey. Jillian, thanks so much for being here today. Gillian Wilhelm [00:01:41]: Thank you for having me, Dr. Lewis. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:43]: Well, it is my pleasure having you here today. I'm really excited to be able to ...
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    39 分
  • Embracing Detours: Dr. Keith Kelley's Lessons for Grad School Success

    Embracing Detours: Dr. Keith Kelley's Lessons for Grad School Success
    2026/07/20
    Thinking about graduate school? Whether you're a seasoned professional considering a return to academia or a recent grad mapping out your next steps, the latest episode of the Victors in Grad School podcast offers invaluable insights you won't want to miss. Host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Dr. Keith Kelley, Associate Dean and Professor at the University of Michigan-Flint's School of Management, for a candid conversation about the winding, often unexpected paths of graduate education. From his undergraduate days at the University of New Hampshire to his journey through master's and doctoral programs at Florida International University, Dr. Keith Kelley shares stories of setbacks, pivots, perseverance, and growth. Embracing a Nonlinear Path One of the episode's central themes is that the road to and through grad school is rarely straightforward. Dr. Keith Kelley openly discusses his early academic struggles, time spent working and traveling, and how these life experiences led him to find his true academic passions later on. He reminds listeners that it's okay if your journey isn't perfectly mapped out—sometimes, the best opportunities arise from unexpected detours. Humility, Commitment, and Resilience Returning to school after time in the workforce required Dr. Keith Kelley to humble himself and fully commit to being a student again. He emphasizes embracing lifelong learning, asking questions, and being open to growth. When setbacks happen—as they inevitably do—persistence and support networks are key. Dr. Keith Kelley candidly reflects on his own moments of doubt and the friends and mentors who helped him dust himself off and keep moving forward. Balancing Life and Learning Grad school isn't just about academic rigor—it's about balance. Dr. Keith Kelley offers practical advice on time management, scheduling, and leveraging campus resources, from study spaces to mental health services. He stresses the importance of making space for family, friends, and recovery, which ultimately helps mitigate burnout and enhances productivity. The Power of Community and Networking Perhaps the most enduring lesson is the value of building a strong network. The relationships you form with classmates, professors, and colleagues can lead to professional opportunities, mentorship, and vital support throughout your career and personal life. If you're seeking real-world advice—and some entertaining stories—from someone who's walked the walk, be sure to listen to this episode. "Victors in Grad School" delivers the perspective, encouragement, and tools you need to succeed on your own grad school journey. Tune in and start charting your path today! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:01]: Welcome to Victors in Grad School, where we have conversations with students, alumni, and experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:11]: Welcome back to Victors in Grad School. I'm your host, Dr. Dr. Christopher Lewis, Director of Graduate programs at the University of Michigan, Flint. Really excited to have you back again this week. As always, every week, I love that you show up, that you are here trying to prepare yourself for this journey that you're going on. I call it a journey because it is a journey. And for every person thinking about graduate school, it is a journey that you will be on from the very beginning as you're starting to look at programs, through the application process, as you matriculate and enter into the graduate program itself. And through the program, you're going to be learning things, you're going to be adjusting things, and you're going to be figuring things out as you go along. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:53]: This podcast was developed to help you just with that, to be able to provide you with some perspectives, some experiences, some things that you can think about to help you to find success, success in your graduate school journey sooner. That's why every week I love having different people with different experiences that can share their own journey with you. And today we've got another great guest. Dr. Keith Kelley is with us today. And Dr. Kelly is a professor of professor in the School of Management at the University of Michigan, Flint. And he's also the Associate Dean of the School of Management at the University of Michigan, Flint. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:31]: So I'm really excited to be able to talk to him and to be able to have him share some of his own experiences and introduce him to you as well. Keith, thanks so much for being here. Dr. Keith Kelley [00:01:41]: Absolutely. Thank you very much for having me. And I can't wait to share my experiences and hopefully people can relate to that and maybe learn a little something about my journey and similarities and, of course, lessons that I've learned along the way. Thanks for having me. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:52]: Well, I really appreciate you being here. And I know ...
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    34 分
  • From Athlete to Academic: Roy Shavers' Playbook for Grad School Success

    From Athlete to Academic: Roy Shavers' Playbook for Grad School Success
    2026/07/13
    In the latest episode of the Victors in Grad School podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Roy Shavers, an Academic Success Specialist at the University of Michigan-Flint, for an inspiring conversation about the transformational journey of graduate education. This episode is packed with relatable advice, honest reflections, and the kind of encouragement every current and prospective grad student needs to hear. The Power of Mindset and Determination A core theme throughout the episode is the importance of mindset. Roy Shavers speaks candidly about being a first-generation college student and not growing up seeing college degrees on the wall. Despite academic challenges in his early years and a less-than-stellar ACT score, he was determined not to give up. His athletic background taught him to view every obstacle as something to overcome, treating academics like a competition he was determined to win. This athlete mentality—balancing, persevering, and pushing through adversity—became his blueprint for success in and out of the classroom. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Imposter syndrome is real, as discussed by Dr. Christopher Lewis at 07:10. Roy Shavers admits to feeling intimidated, especially when surrounded by master's and doctoral students early in his grad school journey. His way of overcoming these feelings? Embracing the challenge, believing in himself, and leaning into the skills that made him successful as a student athlete—perseverance, focus, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth. His story is a valuable reminder that self-doubt is natural, but it can be beaten with the right mindset and support. Mentorship, Balance, and Lifelong Learning Another theme from Roy Shavers's journey is the value of mentorship and networking. He credits supportive professors and mentors who pushed him to believe in himself and helped him navigate graduate school transitions. He also encourages listeners to reach out, ask questions, and not hesitate to contact the authors of interesting articles for real-world insights and career networking (19:55). Balancing school, work, and life responsibilities is tough, but, as Roy Shavers shares (20:36), drawing from past experiences and making time for self-organization can make the impossible possible. Advice for Future Victors If you're thinking about graduate school, Roy Shavers suggests finding a mentor, having patience, setting a plan, and staying resilient. Remember, everyone's path is different, and sometimes the best advice comes from those who've overcome the challenges themselves. Tune in to this episode to hear Roy Shavers's full journey—including how persistence, the right support system, and a lifelong love of learning can make you a victor in grad school. Listen now and take your first step towards becoming the person you want to be! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:01]: Welcome to Victors in Grad School, where we have conversations with students, alumni, and experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:11]: Welcome back to Victors in Grad School. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, Director of Graduate programs at the University of Michigan, Flint. Really excited to have you back again this week. You know, as always, I love that you show up every week to be able to learn just a little bit more and to be able to push yourself and help yourself, to be able to work toward those goals that you've set for yourself that are helping you to be able to be the person you want to become. And that's all about you going to graduate school. This podcast is here to help you along this journey. I call it a journey because it is a journey. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:47]: Every individual that goes on to graduate school goes on a personal journey themselves that are helping them to. To be able to attain the goals that they've set and are pushing themselves forward. So every week, I love that you show up to be able to learn something just a little bit more, that are going to put some tools in your toolbox and help you to be able to do just that. Every week, I bring you different guests with different experiences, people that have gone to graduate school before you that can give you some hints, some tips, some things that they've learned along the way, whether good or maybe not so good, that they can help you to be able to maneuver through that journey just a little bit better. And today we got another great guest. Roy Shavers is with us, and Roy is an academic success specialist at the University of Michigan, Flint. I work with him closely in a number of different ways at the university, and he's had his own graduate school journey, and he's actually still working in a graduate school journey. We're going to be talking about that journey that he's been on and some of the things that he's learned along the way. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:53]: And I'm really excited to have him here. Roy, thanks so ...
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