Sapphire Castles

You did it! You finally did it! You graduated and got a job and everything has been so worth it. But I know saying “things will get better, trust me” doesn’t help in the moment, so instead I will repeat the following points, which I know you know, but it always helps to have a reminder every now and then because you’re super busy always have so much on your mind:

Just like how a house is built one brick at a time, take your journey through grad school one task at a time, one day at a time. And remember that there’s no need to worry about the color of the roof tiles when you’re still pouring the foundation. 

Don’t forget to talk to other grad students when you feel the imposter syndrome creeping in. There is so much power and comfort in realizing you’re not going through a tough time alone. 

Effort will never betray you. Keep working hard, and keep working smart. Persevere baby, because only you can do what needs to be done in order to finish this degree!

And whatever hardship you’re going through right now–whether it’s a dreaded long experiment or slogging through the millionth draft of your dissertation–remember that time will always move forward. This too shall pass. 

Don’t forget to rest. Grad school is a cross-country back-packing trip, and no one completes a back-packing trip without stopping to rest and recharge!

Comparing yourself to others will only lead to negativity. And you ain’t got time for that! Be proud and supportive of your friends and classmates, not just because they are also proud and supportive of you, but when one of us succeeds, we all benefit.

Stay kind. Even the smallest act of kindness could have a major impact on someone else’s life. Keep that close to your heart and your actions.

And things will work out in the end because we make it work out in the end. Don’t forget that all those past rejections and failures in your life did not destroy you; you still made it to where you are despite those set-backs. 

You got this, and I am so proud of you. 

Sincerely,

A total solar eclipse is seen from San Millán de los Caballeros, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026.

Closest match: Bombyx mori BmN4 cell DNA, chromosome 24, sequence Common name: Domestic Silk Moth

Mantle (Spanish,1804–7).

Silk and metal thread.

here is a map of the path of the eclipse (from timeanddate)

1) Figured this out.