I was filling out a survey that asked me how long along ago it was since I received my PhD yesterday. There were a couple of options, including “more than 20 years”. I laughed and said, “that’s for old people”. Then I realized that it was for me. Yep. It’s been 20 years since I graduated from the University of Connecticut. Today I am back to speak to the first year graduate students about careers. A lot has changed! When I walked into the Science complex, I said, it feels like home. But then I saw all the amazing things happening and was oh boy, this is all so amazing!

I love the new physics building. It looks sharp. I have been hanging out and working here all morning.

I love the campus too. I really love the “Storrs Downtown” and feel like grad school would have been 1000% better if that was there while I was here. It was amazing to take a stroll across campus. The $180 sweatshirt that I picked out seemed a bit pricey (don’t worry I put that back on the shelf after folding it nicely).

The best part of the day was when I was walking through the department and I saw our old telescopes on display. They also had a number of pdf thesis from former graduate students lined up. Mine was there! Woo Hoo! It was right next to my friend Elizabeth’s thesis! Woo Hoo!

It was amazing meeting the students and getting to them. UConn Phd students are awesome!