BOOK REC O’CLOCK

Furthermore, it goes without saying that all of the people, living, dead, and otherwise, in this story are fictional or used in a fictional context. Only the gods are real.

American Gods, Neil Gaiman

Day 14: Favorite book of your favorite writer

(via thewizardofgays)

because it’s been too long since I’ve posted pictures of my cat

have you ever watched your peers win the scholarships you've also applied to (and get rejected in) and feel just... really worthless? especially if you put in a lot of effort. Sometimes it's discouraging to think there's always someone out there that's much smarter than you. You don't have to reply, I just felt like venting haha.

Good evening, anonymous! Thanks for the ask!

I’ve been in similar situations many times, and it’s Not A Great Feeling.  Although you asked about scholarship applications, I hope you don’t mind if I talk about application rejections more generally.

First off, some of my more recent rejection experiences include…

During my first wave of graduate school applications, I was rejected unanimously. It was extremely discouraging. (Contrast this with my second wave of graduate school applications a year later, wherein I was unanimously accepted and received several amazing financial offers.)

Because my subfield is financially-limited, there’s a lot of people applying for a very finite pool of money. Of course, my research group needs funding if it’s going to keep doing science, meaning rejection is an expected part of the process.

I’ve been rejected many times over by certain research-relevant summer schools that my colleagues have attended.

And so, with these experiences in mind, I’d like to provide some…

~Advice For When Your Application Gets Rejected~

Rejection in general can be extremely painful, disappointing, and discouraging. Then add the pressure of that rejection impacting your future? Cue heartbreak.

Here are several facts that help me maintain my spirits through repeated rejections. For instance, when it comes to the persons who evaluate applications, I keep in mind that…

They survey a TON of people. As a result, they end up with a larger number of qualified applicants than they have available spots. Being rejected doesn’t mean you weren’t qualified. I know plenty of hyper-qualified individuals who get rejected simply because of the luck of the draw.

They observe only a FRACTION of you. Applications are necessarily finite, so reviewers don’t get to evaluate the whole of you. Rejection of your application is not a rejection of you. You are so so SO much more than an application.

Furthermore,

An application rejected by certain reviewers might be accepted by others, and vice-versa. Consequently, if you get a rejection and someone else gets an acceptance that does NOT mean they’re better than you. An application can’t enable judgments of that complexity.

You are growing and changing every day: the pieces of you that go into an application can be improved upon or reworked for future applications. Rejection can inform you what areas you might try to focus on in the future. 

Finally, my most IMPORTANT piece of advice is to keep in mind that…

~even the strongest applicant will receive rejections~

There’s an element of luck whenever you apply for anything. That’s the nature of these systems and it’s not your fault.

Remember:

Success isn’t a matter of always succeeding, but persevering until you do.

Best wishes, my anonymous friend.

women should not be drafted into the US military

nobody should be drafted into the US military

nobody should be forced to participate in imperialist violence. 

8.5x11" waterfall watercolor! this was to use up all the leftover paint i squeezed out this morning :P

DEMON DOGS

a couple spooky lil inktober dogs, drawn on post-it notes with ballpoint

Wow! That's some intense stuff going on, sending good wishes your way! It's totally fine that you are taking a break (not like you need my validation or anything like that) it's nice that you gave us readers a heads up - loving the story BTW! Also, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Your mum sounds cool ☆

Keep reading

So precious - the purest

me: i’m not clingy me ten minutes later:

“Lady who has a Bible Verse for every situation.”

I’ve been struggling with it since day one and even now I don’t think it is perfect, but with some help, it got better and better every time. Here are a few links with tips that definitely helped me out!

7 French Pronunciation tips to avoid sounding like a tourist 

How to sound more like a native french speaker

How to pronounce R in French

How to pronounce “EN, EM, AN & AM” sounds in French 

How to pronounce “AI & EI” sound in French

How to pronounce “Œ” sound in French

How to pronounce “EU” sound in French

How to pronounce “EAU” sound in French

How to pronounce “GN” sound in French

How to pronounce “AIN” sound in French

How to pronounce “OIN” sound in French

How to pronounce “OI” sound in French 

How to pronounce “ON” sound in French

How to pronounce “OU” sound in French

How to pronounce “TH” in French 

How to pronounce the “CH” sound in French

How to pronounce PSY, PSO & PSEU in French

Vowel Sounds in French

Phonétique : les nasales

Phonétique + Phonétique opposition + Phonétique visuelle + Syllabes

French Pronunciation Awareness: 8 Major Points You Should Learn ASAP

200 MINUTES TO MASTER FRENCH PRONUNCIATION

5 COMMON FRENCH PRONUNCIATION MISTAKES

How to Improve Your French Accent: 6 Practical Tips 

French Mistakes to Avoid - French Pronunciation

10 TRICKS TO TALK LIKE A NATIVE FRENCH

Introduction to Perfect French Pronunciation 

4 Great tips for easy french pronunciation 

Pronounce French brands like a pro

French pronunciation - The accents

What NOT to pronounce in French 

How to Pronounce the French “R”

Lesser seen french tips

French Podcasts 

Also, if you want a fun way to do it, I recommend listening to music and singing along.

Maître Gims - Est-ce que tu m'aimes ?

Sindy - Sans rancune ft. La Fouine

Frozen - Let It Go (French version)

Lara Fabian - Je Suis Malade

Black M - Je suis chez moi

Kendji Girac - Andalouse

Simon Morin - Elle veut

Indila - Dernière Danse

Lara Fabian - Je t'aime

Black M - Sur ma route

Stromae - Formidable

Simon Morin - Reste

Stromae - Papaoutai

Sindy - Aïe Aïe Aïe

Maître Gims - Bella

Willy William - Ego 

Stromae - carmen

Alma - Requiem

Zaz - Je Veux

Zaz - On ira