I believe:

that pursuing a PhD can be done without sacrificing my health.

that I can get enough sleep during the week without feeling like I am slacking off.

in the value of recognizing mental, emotional, and physical limits. I can try to stretch those limits over time, but breaking them does nobody any good.

that, no matter what kind of day I’m having, I am privileged to be where I am, doing what I’m doing.

I have only myself as competition.

that generosity of spirit and a sense of humor are vital for my success as a grad student and as a human.