When I was in undergrad at the College of William & Mary, of course it mattered that I do well. But “well” became a rather relative term. Failing even one class would certainly never have been acceptable, but the pressure to get straight A’s was suddenly lifted. I was perfectly happy receiving mostly B’s, with a sprinkling of A’s and the occasional unattractive C (thank you, “easy” Intro to Astronomy, to name one of… several.)

Now that I’ve started grad school, however, I am feeling refreshed… energized even! Continue reading →