Coping with COVID-19 as a Graduate Student: Hellen Chen (Baylor University)

TL;DR

In this video, Helen Chen, an electrical engineering student at Baylor University, shares her experience of starting graduate school during the COVID-19 pandemic and provides tips for staying flexible and maintaining well-being.

Transcript

hey everyone my name is victor and today on surviving and thriving in higher education we're going to be starting a series called coping with covid where we're talking with faculty and students from around the world about what it's like and their experiences in being researchers in the midst of a global pandemic we hope it's informative and useful ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 Some schools are waiving application requirements, like the GRE, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making it easier for students to apply for graduate programs.
• 👨‍🔬 The relevance of research projects may not be significantly impacted by the pandemic, especially when sponsored by organizations interested in advancing science and technology.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Universities, like Baylor, have implemented various initiatives to support students during the pandemic, such as providing online resources, implementing health measures on campus, and supporting local communities.
• 💪 Maintaining a schedule, building strong relationships, and taking breaks are important for students to cope with the challenges of the pandemic.
• 😷 Developing online communication skills and asking questions are valuable for students navigating remote learning and research.
• 😃 Students are encouraged to find joy in their daily experiences and prioritize well-being.
• 🧑‍🎓 Baylor University has taken measures, including budget cuts, to adapt to the changing times and support students during the pandemic.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has COVID-19 impacted Helen Chen's experience as an incoming student?

Helen shares her initial concerns about starting graduate school during the pandemic but highlights that it has been a positive learning experience despite the challenges. She believes her research is still relevant and valuable, regardless of the pandemic.

Q: What COVID-19 initiatives has Baylor University implemented?

Baylor University has provided online resources for students, required masks on campus, supported local communities through initiatives like the Meals for Texas Hunger Initiative, and discounted summer courses. They have also made budget cuts and adapted to the changing times.

Q: What tips does Helen have for other students entering a program during these uncertain times?

Helen advises students to be flexible, make time to enjoy moments, build strong relationships with their research team, take breaks when needed, maintain a schedule, and not be afraid to ask questions.

Q: How has online communication skills helped Helen during the pandemic?

Helen mentions that developing online communication skills has been beneficial for her, as she can word her emails in a professional yet caring manner. In times like these, kindness and effective communication are even more important.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Helen Chen shares her experience of starting graduate school during the COVID-19 pandemic and discusses her research on extending the life of electric motor bearings.

• Baylor University has implemented various COVID-19 initiatives, such as providing online resources, requiring masks on campus, and supporting local communities.

• Helen emphasizes the importance of enjoying moments, building strong relationships with research team members, and maintaining a schedule to cope with the challenges of the pandemic.