My first year of graduate school was one of the toughest of my life. I suddenly was in a program with some of the smartest people in the world, and I struggled with mastering skills and concepts quickly, producing new knowledge, and developing my research agenda. Although I had always been considered a high achiever, I was suddenly not the brightest star in the sky, and I found myself questioning my identity and significance. Moreover, being in a new place far from my family and friends and lacking the time to search for new friends left me feeling lonely and without support. Joining a GradCru Bible Study Group during this first year was both sustaining and life-changing. Each week I found God transforming my mind through the texts that we studied, and I formed lasting and authentic friendships with the women in my group. Ultimately, God taught me that he will always provide for all my needs in his own way and timing and that I must view myself and my situation through a biblical lens. Brooklyn Walker, 3rd year Ph.D. in Political Science
Establish
Grad School often is isolating and lonely. When you connect with other grad students who are facing many of the same challenges academically and in life, you are in an environment for being built up and strengthened in your life — and faith.



