Graduate Student Blog

Graduate School is a great opportunity for academic development and for the exploration of your interests and field of study. Graduate students not only form lasting relationships, but also complete their program with interesting projects and rich experiences.

Olivia Brown is a first-year graduate student in the Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication program. She is proud to be a Double Duke and is excited to use her passion for writing to share stories and experiences about The Graduate School at JMU.

My graduate student experience

Introducing Olivia Brown

Meet Olivia Brown, first-year Writing, Rhetoric & Technical Communication Graduate Student
Graduation, The Overall Experience

Maya reflects on her overall experience as a grad student with her final blog post.
Internship Capstone Challenges and Changes

Maya reflects on the shift from student to professional during her last semester of graduate school.
Advice from professors that has given me perspective

Maya shares advice she received during her time at JMU that helped her make the most of her overall college experience.
Ways to Relax

Maya shares her favorite ways to relax during the busy life of a graduate student.
My Graduate Conference Experience

Maya talks about her impactful experience presenting at her first conference.
Introducing Maya, a graduate student

Get to know The Graduate School's new student blogger, Maya Winder
Lessons I will carry into the next chapter

The deadlines are done and graduation is around the corner. Read on to see what Dardanë learned in grad school as she moves forward.
Advice that helped me in grad school—and what I’d tell others

Graduate school is a big leap—read the advice and lessons that helped Dardanë along the way.
How I stay motivated in grad school

Every day in grad school brings new opportunities, and Dardanë stays motivated by making small, intentional choices that keep her moving forward.
How grad school has changed me

Dardanë Halimi shares how grad school at JMU helped her grow into a more independent, confident, and creative person.
A day in the life of a JMU Graduate Student

Dardanë Halimi, a second-year grad student at JMU, shares how she finds balance, growth, and joy in a packed day of classes, work, and internships.
How I stay organized in grad school

Graduate student Dardanë Halimi shares how staying organized in grad school led to good grades, less stress and a more fulfilling experience.
What am I looking forward to this summer?

Dardanë shares her excitement and plans for this summer break!
My favorite places to study

Dardanë shares her favorite study spaces, on and off campus.
Overcoming post-holiday homesickness as an international graduate student

Tips from an international student's experience on overcoming post-holiday homesickness.
Lessons from my first semester as a grad student

Dardanë’s first semester as an international graduate student at JMU.
A weekend trip to Washington, D.C.

A weekend of history and friendship in the heart of D.C.
Exploring and embracing new experiences

Embracing new experiences and adapting to the American culture as an international student from Kosovo.
My Journey to JMU

A journey filled with hope, panic and triumph
Hello, my name is Dardanë

Dardanë Halimi is The Graduate School's new blogger — read her post.
A Huge Milestone

What is like to have your thesis project behind you? Mohamed can tell you all about it.
Going to the Game with the President

President Alger invites graduate students to attend a Women's Basketball game with him.
Thesis: Scary or Exciting?

What is it like to begin your thesis project? Mohamed Serry shares his experience
365 days already!

It has been 365 days since graduate student Mohamed Serry came to JMU for his graduate education. Read his reflections.
A long summer

How did graduate student Mohamed Serry spend his summer break?
Halfway to graduation

After completing his first year of graduate school, Mohamed reflects and shares his feelings.
Night at the opera

Mohamed and friends go to the opera!
Let it snow!

What is it like to see and feel snow for the first time? Mohamed can tell you.
100 Days

Mohamed reflects on his first 100 days at JMU and living in America.
The Game

Mohamed shares his first experience at a football game at an American university.