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Victors in Grad School

Victors in Grad School

By: Dr. Christopher Lewis
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 Victors in Grad School explores what you can do to find success in your own graduate school journey no matter what you plan to do. Through experts and individual interviews you will be introduced to what it means to find success and tips on achieving success in graduate school.2024
Episodes
  • How to Ensure Your Graduate School Application Tells a Clear Story About You (and Your Goals)

    How to Ensure Your Graduate School Application Tells a Clear Story About You (and Your Goals)
    Mar 2 2026
    If you're applying to graduate school, you've probably heard this advice before: "Make your application stand out." And if you're like most applicants, your first thought might be: Okay… but how? Because when you look at what a graduate application requires—your personal statement, your resume, your recommendations, your writing sample, maybe even an interview—it can start to feel like a big pile of documents that don't automatically "connect." You may even be thinking: "How do I pull all of this together?""How do I make sure I'm not just listing accomplishments?""How do I explain my journey without oversharing?""What if my path hasn't been perfectly linear?" Let me reassure you right from the start: A clear narrative doesn't require a perfect background. It requires intentional storytelling. And the best graduate applications don't just show that you can do graduate-level work… They show who you are, what shaped you, what matters to you, and what you want to build next. Today, I'm going to walk you through exactly how to do that. This post is written so you can read it as a blog OR turn it into a 10–15 minute podcast episode—and by the end, you'll have a clear strategy to ensure your graduate school application paints a compelling, confident narrative that admissions committees understand and remember. Why narrative matters in a graduate school application Admissions committees read a lot of applications. And I mean a LOT. Many applicants have: strong GPAsrelevant work experiencevolunteer involvementleadership rolescertificationsawards So what makes one applicant memorable over another? Often, it's this: Clarity. A strong applicant helps the committee quickly answer three questions: Who is this person?Why graduate school—and why now?Where are they going, and how will this program help them get there? If your application clearly answers those three questions, your narrative will shine—even if you don't have the "perfect" resume. A key mindset shift: you're not just applying—you're introducing yourself Here's something I tell students all the time: Your application is not a transaction. It's a story. It's not: "Here are my documents. Please accept me." It's: "Here's who I am. Here's what I care about. Here's how I've prepared. Here's where I want to go. And here's why your program is the bridge between my present and my future." When you approach your graduate school application like a narrative, everything becomes easier to organize and write—especially your personal statement. Step 1: Find your "through line" (the story that connects everything) The biggest reason applications feel scattered is because applicants try to include everything. But you don't need to include everything. You need to include what supports your through line. A through line is a simple idea that connects your experiences like a string connecting beads. It might be: a passion (equity in education, mental health advocacy, community-based research)a professional goal (becoming a clinician, moving into leadership, transitioning careers)a lived experience that shaped your directiona problem you want to solve Ask yourself: "What's the theme that runs through my experiences?" And if you're thinking, I don't have a theme—I've done all kinds of things… That's okay. Most people have. Your through line doesn't have to be obvious at first. It often sounds like: "I've always been drawn to helping people make sense of complex systems.""I want to bridge the gap between access and opportunity.""I'm motivated by the belief that small interventions can create big outcomes.""I keep finding myself working at the intersection of people and problem-solving." Your job is to identify what has consistently pulled you forward. Step 2: Use the "Past → Present → Future" structure This is one of the simplest and strongest storytelling frameworks for graduate admissions. It works in personal statements. It works in interviews. It works in letters of intent. Here it is: Past: What shaped you? What experiences, moments, or observations sparked your interest? Present: What are you doing now? What have you learned, built, studied, or contributed that shows readiness? Future: Where are you going? What goals do you have—and how does this program help you reach them? If your application materials align with this structure, the admissions committee will feel confident recommending you. Step 3: Turn your experiences into meaning—not just a list Here's a common mistake: Applicants list experiences like they're writing a résumé in paragraph form. Example: "I completed a degree in psychology. I worked as a research assistant. I volunteered with a nonprofit. I also completed training in crisis intervention." That's not bad—but it's incomplete. What's missing? Meaning. Instead, you want to show what your experiences taught you and how they shaped your goals. Try this ...
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    12 mins
  • Finding Purpose and Community: Dr. Anne Jonas on the Grad School Journey

    Finding Purpose and Community: Dr. Anne Jonas on the Grad School Journey
    Feb 23 2026
    Are you considering graduate school but not quite sure if it's the right step? Or maybe you're simply curious how others have navigated the transition from undergraduate life or the workforce into advanced study. The latest episode of "Victors in Grad School" is a must-listen for anyone embarking on or contemplating this journey. Host Dr. Christopher Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan, Flint, sits down with Dr. Anne Jonas, assistant professor in human-centered design and human-computer interactions, to unravel the twists and turns of her academic journey. Their conversation is packed with practical wisdom, honest reflections, and encouragement for prospective and current grad students alike. Key Takeaways from the Conversation One of the key themes that emerges from this episode is the importance of intentionality. Dr. Anne Jonas didn't go straight from college to graduate school. Instead, she gained valuable experience in the nonprofit sector, which helped her identify why she wanted to return for further study and what she hoped to achieve. She encourages prospective students to "really know why you're going to graduate school"—not just to continue the routine of education, but because you have a true purpose and passion to pursue. Another significant focus of the discussion is finding the right fit. Dr. Anne Jonas shares how she evaluated potential programs based on faculty interests, curriculum, and the kind of research being done. She emphasizes the value of looking for communities—both academic and personal—that will support you, reminding listeners that "no one person can provide all the support and mentorship" you'll need. The episode also tackles the challenges of transitioning back into academia, particularly the self-management and independence required at the graduate level. Dr. Anne Jonas describes how she learned to balance work, study, and life, and the critical role her supportive community played in her success. Why Listen? Whether you're worried about finances, choosing between programs, or simply need reassurance that there's no single path to grad school success, this episode offers grounded, relatable advice. It's a reminder that with intentional choices, strong support networks, and flexibility, your grad school journey can be deeply rewarding. Tune into this episode of "Victors in Grad School" for a conversation that just might help you find your own path forward. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:01]: Welcome to Victors in Grad School, where we have conversations with students, alumni, and experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:11]: Welcome back to Victors in Grad School. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, Director of Graduate programs at the University of Michigan, Flint. Really excited to have you back again this week. Every week we are on a journey together. And I know I say that every week, but it really is true. The journey that you are on as a graduate student is truly that it is a journey. It is not always going to be a linear path. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:32]: There are going to be sometimes some circuitous routes to get you to where you want to be and to get you to being able to meet the goals that you have set for yourself. And this podcast is here to help you on that journey every week. I love being able to introduce you to different people with different experiences that can share their own experiences in going through graduate school to help you find success sooner. This week we've got another great guest. Dr. Ann Jonas is with us today, and Ann is a faculty member here at the University of Michigan, Flint. She's an assistant professor and working in human centered design and human computer interactions. And I'm really excited to be able to learn more about her as well as more about her own experience in going through graduate school and all of this that will help you in your own journey. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:26]: Anne, thanks so much for joining us today. Dr. Anne Jonas [00:01:27]: Of course. Thanks for having me. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:29]: It is my pleasure having you here today. And I always start these opportunities really turning the clock back in time. And what I would love to do is I want to go back in time, back to your days at Brown University, or maybe a little bit after Brown University, because I know you did your undergraduate work at Brown University. And then at some point after going out working, doing research, you know, working at a number of different places, you made a choice, you made a decision, and there was a point in time where you said, said it's time and I'm ready to move to the next phase of my education. Bring me back to that point. And what made you decide that graduate school was the right time? What that graduate school was the. Was that it was the right time for you to go to graduate school. And that led you ...
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    23 mins
  • Breaking the Perfection Myth: Real Talk for Graduate Students

    Breaking the Perfection Myth: Real Talk for Graduate Students
    Feb 16 2026
    Are you a graduate student feeling the constant pressure to be flawless? Have you found yourself chasing impossible standards, believing that only perfect grades or perfect work will help you succeed? If this sounds familiar, you're not alone—and the new episode of "Victors in Grad School" is here to reassure and empower you. In a powerful conversation between Dr. Juanita Tookes and Dr. Christopher Lewis, Dr. Tookes shares a presentation about the Perfection Myth and dives deep into the experiences that graduate students face around perfectionism. The discussion is honest, validating, and filled with practical advice and heartfelt encouragement. Dr. Juanita Tookes shares her personal experience as a "recovering perfectionist," normalizing the struggle and reminding listeners that striving for perfection is a common—but ultimately unrealistic—desire. She explains that perfection is a constantly shifting, subjective concept defined by societal standards, cultural expectations, and comparison (especially in the era of social media). The elusive chase for perfection can leave students feeling anxious, burnt out, and always "less than," which is neither healthy nor sustainable. The podcast also digs into the impact of perfectionism on the brain, highlighting how a constant drive for flawlessness keeps students in a heightened state of fear and anxiety. This mindset, as Dr. Juanita Tookes explains, can deprive you of celebrating your achievements, push you toward burnout, and even negatively impact your mental and physical well-being. Listeners will appreciate the practical discussion of perfectionist behaviors—like overworking, fearing mistakes, avoiding help, and linking self-worth to performance. Dr. Christopher Lewis and Dr. Juanita Tookes reinforce that these behaviors are understandable in high-pressure environments like graduate school, especially when finances and career prospects are at stake, but they urge listeners to challenge these patterns for their own health and happiness. As the episode wraps up, you'll find wisdom in reframing mistakes as essential for growth, embracing imperfection as courageous, and celebrating persistence over unattainable perfection. There are even valuable resources recommended, including Brene Brown's "The Gifts of Imperfection." If you want to feel seen, inspired, and equipped to tackle grad school without the chains of perfectionism, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and start your journey toward a more balanced, fulfilling academic life! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:01]: Welcome to Victors in Grad School, where. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:03]: We have conversations with students, alumni, and. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:06]: Experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school. Hello, everyone. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:13]: Welcome. Really excited that you're here today, and I really appreciate you spending some time with us as we continue our student development series and partnership with our CAPS office on campus. And every term, I love being able to identify new topics that we can talk with you on to help you in the journey that you're on. And tonight I'm really excited because Dr. Juanita Tookes is back with us. And this topic, the topic that we're talking about tonight, is a really important one because a lot of times when I talk to graduate students, I hear many times that there are concerns and there's this feeling that you have to be perfect, that you have to get that a. That you always have to be at your best. And sometimes you can't always be at your best. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:59]: Sometimes you have to be willing to be okay where you're at. And, you know, the myth of being able to be perfect all the time is definitely that it's just a Myth. So today, Dr. Tooks is going to talk about the perfection myth and how as graduate students, you can reframe and rethink about things in a little bit different way. And so I'm really excited to have her here and to have her talk with us tonight. To Tactor Tooks, I'll turn it over to you. Dr. Juanita Tookes [00:01:27]: Hello, everyone. I am so happy to be here again. As Dr. Lewis mentioned, this is a very valued partnership between the CAPS office and graduate studies. I love working with grad students, and a big part of my heart for grad students is because I remember being a grad student. I remember how hard it was. I am also recovering perfectionist. I don't know how many years in that I met that I'm at, but I will be the first to say that I suffer very badly with perfection. Dr. Juanita Tookes [00:01:57]: And we're going to get into kind of what that looks like, how it can show up in your graduate student experience. But what I hope that you can get from this ultimately is feelings of validation. If you have gone through any of the things that we've talked about, I assure you you are not the only one. That's why I was the first to raise my hand. And I encourage you ...
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    56 mins
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