C3 Mastering Self-Advocacy in Graduate School Panel Fills INS-401 Classroom
Twenty-five Graduate Medical Sciences community members attended the Community Catalyst Center’s “Mastering Self-Advocacy in Graduate School” event, almost filling the INS-401 classroom space.
Part-presentation and part-panel, the event was designed to discuss tips for navigating the graduate school experience by communicating effectively, negotiating confidently, being mindful of mental health and wellbeing and ultimately, using your voice to advocate for yourself and your community.
The event began with a presentation from Rachel Levy-Bell, PhD, the program director for the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine program and a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Dr. Levy-Bell shared various thoughts on self-advocacy from a mental health and perspective, encouraging students to advocate for and prioritize their wellbeing throughout the course of their graduate school journey.
Then, the event moved into a student panel, featuring four C3 student mentors:
Kate Alimenti is a PhD candidate in the Genetics & Genomics program through the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS), as well as a mentor for gPLUS (LGBTQIA+ Student Network). She presented on advocating for yourself in a lab and research setting, being confident in your work, and battling imposter syndrome. 
Crystal Vejar is a Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MAMS) student, as well as a mentor for gFIRST (First-Generation Student Network) and gMAV (Military-and-Veteran Affiliated Student Network). She shared various self-advocacy strategies that she has used in both her academic and professional careers.
Kara Vasilew is a PhD candidate in the Virology, Immunology and Microbiology program through PiBS, as well as a gFIRST and gDAG (Disability Advocacy Group) mentor. She shared her experience with advocating for students with disabilities on campus in classroom and lab settings.
Aryan Pradhan is a Master of Science in Pathology Laboratory Sciences student and a gGLOBAL (International Students Community Network) mentor. He shared his experience with moving to Boston from abroad and advocating for his needs as an international student.
Following the panel, the event opened for various follow up questions and questions from the audience.
Students from a variety of master’s and PhD programs attended this event, as well as several GMS faculty and staff members. C3 provided lunch for all in attendance.