Last semester my grades went down the hill followed by my little moment and breakdown on IG crying my eyes out. Unfortunately, crying does not solve problems (it helps in preventing one from putting a chock hold over your neck though). Instead, I have resolved to brace up this semester, with less smiles, really unapologetic and gain the knowledge I can and need.
I am under pressure to please my parents and also myself (I set really high standards) and unfortunately I compare myself to people doing well and wonder why I am not meeting up to their standards (I don’t know if I am to consider this a flaw).
Research papers seem to be my downfall and I know in my head that it doesn’t seem like I am making any headway. I really don’t know how to argue points in research papers (do y’all have recommendations)? People have suggested I read in groups (I am not proud, but that isn’t something I am good at and I am fine knowing that). I ask questions when in doubt but I don’t like to seek help, I really love to task myself out of a hard situation, but I think this method of growth is failing me. Do y’all have any suggestions? School starts in a few days Y’all wish me luck. One last thing, as if to make matters worse, finding a job to keep up with bills is proving difficult, plus I miss home a lot, maybe that is me missing my comfort Zone… its 2018 we move (Wavy Level)
Author
Hi, Grace. I completed (2016) my masters in Journalism and Media Communications (Griffith College Dublin) and I totally understand how you feel in this post. What I told myself everyday is to keep moving and believe that things will get better (which it eventually did)
In regards to your research papers, I initially didn't know how to get this properly done but my constant research online helped me. You can read this link: http://www.aresearchguide.com/1steps.html
Understanding the topic is key. Also, what really helped me was sending my final draft (before printing or submitting) to who friend who helped to me proofread (by adding and subtracting sentences or paragraphs).
You can send me your next research paper and I will be willing to assist you should you need an extra hand. All the best this year!
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Author
Thank you so much for helping out with you comment, I found it really helpful
Author
Hey! I'm a grad student too & I can understand at least some of what you're going through. When it comes to research papers, I try to have an outline of what I want to argue before writing and then back up my points with references. In undergrad, I found that having an introduction, body, and summarizing conclusion was helpful. Breaking up the body into three points supported by three smaller points each was effective. I have found that the expectations about the amount of literature I need to review to support my points has changed in grad school, though. Maybe it's just my program, but it feels like I need to do a literature review first in order to get a good mark. Hope that's helpful. If your university has a writing skills workshop at the library, student centre, or graduate studies department, I'd give it a try. Best wishes for this semester!
Author
Thank you so much this was very enlightening, Thank you.