Image Description: A bright color photograph showing Bhavya and Amanda Gray standing side by side behind an SGSPA information booth during a campus event at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½'s University. Behind them stands a tall Ä¢¹½´«Ã½'s University "Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs" banner alongside informational brochures arranged on the table.
1. The "Explain Like I'm Five" (ELI5) Challenge
Forget the technical jargon for a minute: if you had to explain your graduate research to a 10-year-old or at a family dinner, how would you describe what you do and why it matters?
Imagine a city where your parents and grandparents can safely walk to the park, take public transit without barriers, and stay actively engaged in their communities. A city where aging doesn’t mean isolation but empowerment. Over the past few weeks, I have interviewed more than 25 older adult women in Kingston who no longer drive and now struggle to reach various destinations including essential services or social gatherings. This isn’t just their story-it’s a growing reality for millions of Canadians. By 2050, one in four Canadians will be over 65, yet our cities remain built for cars, leaving many older adults isolated. My case study in Kingston, Ontario, where 21% of the population is already 65+ (exceeding the provincial average of 18%), explores this question through interviews and focus groups.
2. The Kingston "Main Character" Spot
Every grad student has that one place where they feel most inspired or at peace. What is your ultimate hidden gem in Kingston or on campus (a bench by the lake, a cozy corner in a library, or a scenic walking path) where you go to clear your head?
My favourite hidden gem in Kingston is the Ban Righ Centre for Women at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½. It’s a cozy, welcoming space where I love to spend time writing, gathering my thoughts, and enjoying a warm bowl of soup. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and recharge.
3. Academic Fuel & "Comfort Order"
What is the unsung hero of your study sessions—is it a hyper-specific coffee/tea order, a late-night comfort snack, or an oddly specific playlist on repeat? (Bonus: Where in town do you get it?)
A cup of coffee at the or is my go-to academic fuel! It’s the perfect little pick-me-up during a busy day, and the welcoming atmosphere makes even the most hectic study sessions feel a little better.
4. A "Plot Twist" in Your Grad Journey
Research rarely goes as planned. What’s one unexpected hurdle, failed experiment, or surprise discovery that ended up teaching you something valuable or redirecting your journey for the better?
One of the biggest lessons from my grad journey has been learning to be comfortable with uncertainty. There have been moments when I spent weeks working on something, only to realize I needed to start over or take a completely different approach. It was frustrating at first, but looking back, those moments taught me the most. I've learned to trust the process, celebrate small wins, and remind myself that progress doesn't always mean everything going according to plan.
5. The Survival Tool You Wish You Knew Sooner
What is one app, routine, campus resource, or daily habit that completely saved your sanity or productivity in grad school and that every student should know about?
One thing that has really helped me through grad school is learning to take breaks without feeling guilty. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee at QUIC or Ban Righ, catching up with friends, or simply stepping away from my laptop, those little moments make a huge difference. I wish I had realized sooner that being productive doesn't mean being busy all the time!
6. Life "Off the Clock"
When your laptop is finally closed and you step out of graduate student mode, what brings you real joy? (A hobby, cooking, a sport, binge-watching a show, or exploring nearby places?)
I love spending time with friends, trying new places to eat, and exploring Kingston whenever I get the chance. Sometimes, it's just a long walk by the waterfront or a good conversation over coffee. Those simple moments help me recharge and remind me that there's so much more to life than deadlines and research.
7. Time Travel: A Note to Day One
If you could jump into a time machine and whisper just one piece of advice to yourself on your very first day of grad school, what would you say?
I would tell myself, "Don't be so hard on yourself. You don't have to figure everything out on day one." Grad school is as much about personal growth as it is about research. Take chances, ask questions, build friendships, and enjoy the little moments along the way. Some of the best experiences will happen outside your research!