One Step Closer
Traci Stephens joined our lab in Summer 2022. She has co-authored two posters, presented at conferences, chaired our Monday meetings, and co-led semester-long discussions. During her two years in the lab, she has learned a lot. She has improved her writing skills with exercises from Keys to Great Writing (Wilbers, 2016) and tips from The Elements of Style (Strunk & White, 1972).
These skills have not only benefited her own writing, but have also influenced the way she provides feedback to others: Rather than focusing on grammatical issues, Traci now gives feedback on big picture issues regarding flow and structure. Traci has also developed her computer skills, learning to format webpages using cascading style sheets and to analyze data using SPSS, R, and Jamovi.
While learning these research skills and taking on several leadership roles, Traci has simultaneously balanced 15 hours of tutoring per week with a heavy course load, all while maintaining a high GPA. Traci has developed exceptional time management strategies, but she also aims for balance: As needed, she recharges by taking the time to do something relaxing. She suggests that we all do the same. Traci also recommends lab members read the book Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and The Business of Keeping Us Hooked by Adam Alter. This book describes how people get hooked on platforms/technologies and has helped Traci avoid these time-consuming and harmful behaviors. We read this book every year or two in the lab, but Traci recommends lab members read this book right away if it seems relevant to them.
Traci plans to pursue a masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. However, finding her career path took time and experience. Initially, she took a variety of courses and explored different majors. When she joined our lab, she learned about applying to graduate school and received additional opportunities that she wouldn’t have had otherwise. The lab also led Traci to a valuable internship from the National Alliance on Mental Illness – an internship that helped her identify her career path. “My advice to others finding their career path,” Traci writes, “is to take your time and try to have as many experiences as you can.” She also writes, “Take note of everything you accomplish in the lab. This will make your CV more detailed and professional. It is also a good way of looking back on how you have improved during your time in the lab.”