By Emily Azevedo-Casey, PhD student
In our academic pursuits, we tread a challenging path filled with complex research, demanding coursework, and a longing for support from those closest to us. Sharing this experience with your family can be both rewarding and challenging. In this article, we’ll explore some of the challenges you might encounter when talking to your family about your grad school experience and the opportunities it presents for fostering understanding and support.
Challenges:
- Complexity of the subject matter: Your family may not share your expertise, and explaining intricate research or coursework can be like speaking a foreign language. The challenge is to simplify complex concepts while keeping them engaged.
- Differing expectations: Your family may have expectations about your academic journey that don’t align with your own goals and experiences. These expectations can range from the timeline of your studies to your career prospects. This disconnect can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, or even pressure to conform to their expectations.
- Balancing act: Grad school often demands an immense amount of time and dedication, which can make it challenging to balance your academic commitments with your personal life and family responsibilities. This balancing act can lead to feelings of guilt or frustration when you can’t devote as much time to your family as you’d like.
Opportunities:
- Educate and inspire: Your graduate research or coursework provides a unique opportunity to educate your family about your field of study. Use this as a chance to inspire curiosity and interest in your family members. Simplify complex concepts, provide real-world examples, and explain the relevance of your work to their lives.
- Foster understanding: Share your goals, challenges, and successes. Discussing your academic journey can help your family appreciate the effort you’re putting into your education. Snap and share pictures while in your lab or from the library to give your family a lens into your daily routine.
- Practice communication skills: Engaging your family in discussions about your research can enhance your communication skills. Learning to convey complex ideas in simple terms and adapting your communication style to suit your audience is a valuable skill that can benefit your academic and professional life. Looking for a chance to practice in a supportive environment? Register for “You’re Researching What?”, an online workshop on October 5 about communicating your research to a nonspecialist offered by the Writing Center and the Graduate School Office of Professional Development.
Ultimately, the challenges and opportunities of discussing grad school with your family can strengthen your relationships. By approaching these conversations with patience, empathy, and a willingness to educate and inspire, you can foster a supportive environment that enriches both your academic and personal life. Remember, your family’s support can be an invaluable asset as you navigate the exciting path of graduate school.
Tips for Grads is a professional and academic advice column written by graduate students for graduate students at UW–Madison. It is published in the student newsletter, GradConnections Weekly.