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Re: Honesty versus Optimism

Posted by alexandra_k on October 26, 2004, at 19:19:42

In reply to Re: Honesty versus Optimism » alexandra_k, posted by Larry Hoover on October 26, 2004, at 7:34:49

Oh thankyou so much ((((Larry Hoover)))) that was just what I needed to hear! I do get myself into a bit of a state about it sometimes, but don't have anyone I can talk to about my concerns who understands where I am coming from, or who understands the situation at all.

I just worry about the references because I am asking people to stake their academic reputation on their reccomendation. If I F up then it reflects badly on them for having reccomended me. All the references are anonomous to the applicant, but I am sure I will get good ones. Especially if I can go to my supervisor (who knows a little about my difficulties) and say to him that in all good conscience I think I can do it and that I want it more than anything.

> Fair? You're only applying. Don't presuppose acceptance, or the terms of an acceptance.

Aw, you mean theres a chance I wont get in :-(
(just kidding)

>> - What are the chances I'll be able to meet my work committments for 5 years without a problem (or 9)? Very bad indeed.

> You discuss the time frame in your own questions....that is the coping mechanism. I've seen PhD theses completed in three years, or in 12. Work commitments, as in TAing or research, would certainly be minimal productivity standards, in return for stipend, but I have seen substantial flexibility in those arrangements, too

Eep, now you are scairing me. I meant that I will probably have one problem, or more likely nine problems. Nope, I fully intend to complete on schedule! Actually, that is why I am so keen on the US, in the southern hemisphere our PhD programs are 3 years long and thesis only, no more course work. I want an extra two years so I can do more course work, and especially pick up a minor in cognitive / brain science.

> If you get sick, why would they send you home? People get sick, and it's hardly a disgrace. Sick people get care.

I guess that I figuered they would take a pretty harsh line on my meeting my work committments. What can happen is that I freak out and need to take a week off. If I don't meet a deadline, then I thought I'd be sent home. But I guess that they are not such meanies that they won't accept compassionate grounds. And I think that I get what you get - if I know compassionate grounds are available then that gives me the strength to not need them.

> The application process is not the time to discuss special needs. If you morally or ethically believe they must know before the deal is finalized, then you bring that up during the acceptance interview itself. You need not divulge potential risks of health issues.

Oh, hell no. I am not planning on telling them until I am all moved in and I need those compassionate grounds.

> If you were their chosen candidate, they will not throw away their investment without working to accomodate.

yeah, I never thought of that.

I suspect that you have toughed things out quietly, in the past? In my own case, my supervisor was notified (by the Special Needs Office) that medical issues might affect my ability to meet deadlines. The mere existence of this accomodation was such that I never ever used it. I felt the threat lifted, and I could work under the new conditions, because I wasn't so burdened by trying to meet the conditions of "normalcy".

Thanks, that helps heaps.

> Of course it is. The insurance rates are calculated on the likelihood that the average person will use fewer services than what they've paid for, not that no one will ever get better care than they've paid for.

Hey, yeah I never thought of that! Thanks so much!

PS - what are you studying?

 

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poster:alexandra_k thread:407293
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20041026/msgs/407647.html