Ariana Sutton-Grier
Doctoral Student, Ecology
The Forever Duke theme of this issue led us to encourage a current student to contemplate the future and to consider what reflections ten years of life might yield concerning the experience of graduate education at Duke. In creative response, Ariana Sutton-Grier has provided us with the following fictional letter, one that she imagines she would write ten years from now to the student she is today.
Dear Ariana (Age 27),
I would like to be able to tell you that by age 37 you have managed to "save the Earth" and become the president of the first entirely "green" university, but that is not the case. You are facing many big decisions in the next several years, such as deciding between a career in academia and a career in government or non-profit work. I don't want to ruin the surprises you will encounter on this decade journey. However, I can tell you, you will stay true to your aspirations and intentions. You will be a role model, mentor, and leader in your own way. I can provide you with five key pieces of advice that might help you along the way. You already know much of this, but it never hurts to be reminded, especially when times are trying.
. Remember that keeping up good relationships with your friends and co-workers is critical to your happiness and success. The people you have met during your Duke experience are going to continue to be your colleagues and support in the coming years. Continue to surround yourself with a group of diverse, intelligent, and caring individuals as you progress through your career because you thrive in a working environment filled with people who can support but also challenge you.
. The "extra" stuff you do is what makes you a well-rounded, well-educated, and well-connected person. Participating in groups such as Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) and Graduate & Professional Women's Network (GPWN) has helped you find mentors outside your department and has allowed you to help others. These activities are not a waste of time even if they do not directly move your research forward, because they help give you context within which you can better understand your experiences and challenges.
. Never underestimate the power of collaboration. You have already had the opportunity to experience the benefits of good collaborations at Duke. You have co-taught a class entitled, "Feminism & Ecology" and worked closely on a joint research project studying how plant diversity affects the ability of a restored wetland to improve water quality through pollutant removal. Collaborations can help you learn more and achieve more than you can by yourself. You can't do it all by yourself, My Dear, even if you do think you are superwoman some times.
. Never settle for anything that does not satisfy you. Programs such as Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) at Duke are helping you explore your options after you finish your Ph.D. Continue to keep doors open, think beyond the traditional models, and keep pushing your limits. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks is the right choice for you; it is up to you to find what makes you happy and pursue it. . Value and thank those people in your life who rejuvenate and motivate you (husband, parents, and friends), because without them you would probably have thrown in the towel a long time ago.
There are hard times coming: the big push to finish your dissertation, the tough transition out of being a graduate student and on to the rest of your career, and the constant struggle to balance personal priorities-such as being a good spouse, friend, and potential parent-with professional aspirations and expectations. But your Duke experiences will have helped prepare you for these challenges. You have learned to take initiative, to be confident and self-reliant, but also to know when you need help or advice from others. You have learned that time spent helping others is generously repaid to you. You have learned that it is important to take time for yourself. Remember to get plenty of exercise, maintain your sleeping and eating habits, allow yourself creative forms of expression that are completely unrelated to work, and spend quality time with your family.
Take inspiration from other Duke graduates who have made time in their professional lives to mentor others but still have honored, successful careers. Be a role model and give your time and energy to others. Helping others has produced satisfaction and happiness up to this point in your life, and it will continue to do so. I cannot truthfully tell you the next ten years are going to be easy, but it will be an exciting journey! Best of luck and keep your chin up!
Ariana (Age 37)
(This profile originally appeared in the Fall 2005 issue of The GRIND.)