I lost my sister (age 13) when I was 14 and my dad a few years ago. The blurring is so hard to describe to those who haven’t been through a major loss.

You’ve captured exactly what my mom has tried to describe in being widowed so vividly. It’s clear there was great love in your life and his 💜

I’ve missed the statistics world more than I realized. Here’s to hoping I get to attend a full JSM again soon.

So in reflecting tonight, I am finding myself deeply grateful I came up here for the department gathering. I still have demons I’m fighting from my time in graduate school, but tonight I am able to appreciate the work and the people I’ve known.

But when I think about the friends I made, the experiences I had, everything that shaped who I am - I would do it again.

I’m blessed to be in the presence of these people. I’m grateful that I got even a few moments to see them as teachers, researchers, parents, and more tonight.

I’ve been asked tons of times whether I’d still do my particular PhD, knowing what I do now about myself, statistical research, and the process.

When considering the research and my career, the answer is probably not.

I am happier post-PhD and in my job than I thought I would ever be. For a long time, I wasn’t sure if that could be true.

I’m still figuring out my career path, almost 3 years post-PhD.

My current role and path are not really understood by most of my department. Which I am ok with, it’s just a realization I had - the world of jobs and careers is bigger and broader than I ever imagined when I started my PhD.

It was a last minute decision to drive up for my department reception - I am not actually attending JSM this year, but I live 2 hours from Nashville and I knew I’d likely not see some of these people in the same room again for several years, if ever.

Asking because my mentee with MS in biostatistics who is applying to PhD programs didn’t know about opportunities through #enar or @amstatnews.bsky.social

I’m making a list but I’ve been out of the academic/conference world for a few years. Anyone have a reference resource I can share?

#databs