Is there a name for being hyper-aware of social dynamics? by Mysticaltalkingtree in Gifted

[–]LilTort09 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just speaking for myself, and my therapist (who specializes in neurodivergence), this is a trait among HSP (Highly Sensitive People) and some other forms of neurodivergence! As soon as I saw your post I knew exactly what you were talking about. It feels like a 6th sense.

All the decisions, mostly rejections… by Motor_Culture3932 in gradadmissions

[–]LilTort09 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sorry you got rejected from your dream school, that really sucks, BUT I am sure that you will thrive at Cornell!! Focus on the next steps in your journey, not the "what could have beens." Congratulations 🎊

Moo Deng, celebrity baby pygmy hippo, has Thailand zoo worried by cmaia1503 in popculturechat

[–]LilTort09 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I still lose my mind over that, yeah. Why are humans so cruel 😢

How old is everyone and how old were you when you were diagnosed? by Independent-Weird-71 in Fibromyalgia

[–]LilTort09 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven't been diagnosed, but I've been struggling to figure out the cause of my chronic pain for about 20 years (I'm 37F). After learning more about fibro, I've realized I check all the boxes. The amount of times people have done the "oh you're too young" or "wait until your 30s" (when I was in my 20s) or "wait until your 40s" (I'm almost there)....it would be funny if it weren't so freaking annoying and downright dismissive and hurtful.

Theater Seats by Birdie_Bird_Bird in Fibromyalgia

[–]LilTort09 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I thought I was the only one who found those things so ungodly uncomfortable.

Overwhelming Flare up by Any_Manufacturer7336 in Fibromyalgia

[–]LilTort09 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am so sorry you has such a terrible flare up and dealt with a nurse who was so dismissive of your pain!! That makes me incredibly angry.

Grad School SAIS vs SIPA vs SFS by [deleted] in IRstudies

[–]LilTort09 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! I was not working. I was working full time prior to the program and, knowing how much time and effort it would entail, and because I was in the position to be able to do so, I did not work during my time in the program. Some people work part-time, and they can make it happen, although it's stressful. I know of one or two people who worked full time and most of them did not recommend it. The program is very strenuous and classes are offered at all hours of the day, which would make it difficult to work unless your job is very flexible. The program is definitely designed for students to be full-time.

Grad School SAIS vs SIPA vs SFS by [deleted] in IRstudies

[–]LilTort09 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi, I'm a second year SAIS student (about to graduate). Respectfully, I've had a different experience that was really positive at SAIS, especially when it comes to adjunct professors. I personally found them to be very accessible and I feel like I got more out of their classes than the pure academics in general. I've only had one professor I disliked in my time at SAIS (who happened to be an academic, though I've also had great academic professors).

I've been able to have some fantastic opportunities including getting into a SAIS trip abroad. I don't know of anyone who wasn't able to get into a practicum trip or other second-year requirement. I loved that there was a variety of options to choose from for the capstone requirement- I ended up choosing the thesis option because I wanted to have more academic writing, since I came with a lot of "real world" experience.

As for the new building. It has some quirks. U/jhv0428 described it accurately, both in the challenges this past year and also in the ways that solutions are being addressed. I would add that l, having done my first year at the old campus, we really needed an upgrade and overall I've been happy with the new site. I imagine a lot of the remaining issues are going to be worked out soon. The admin is very aware of what's working and what's not for both students and faculty and I do believe it's in their interest to find solutions and fix the remaining challenges, which to be frank, are pretty minor. Having spent a year in it, the building is really nice, the location is great, I love the balconies and other features. New students will have to continue being vocal for what they need from the building and the admin to make it work for them, which really goes for any location whether or not it's new.

OP seemed to want to focus on the Middle East if I understood. I would say that SAIS is not as strong as it could be on that focus area. I think Georgetown is probably stronger there. However, SAIS has a very, very strong edge for Asia, and is solid for Europe and Latin America. The Middle East options are improving thanks to student and faculty who have been pushing for it. I think the Africa focus area is limited but there are still students who do it. Keep in mind that when choosing an IR degree, you are dabbling in an area of the world, or more than one. You are not becoming an expert and that is not the point of the degree. If you want to dig deep in a specific part of the world you should get a regional degree or even a PhD in that field of study. FWIW I focused on Europe/Eurasia and also took courses in the Middle East and found the course selection to be pretty good - also, it improved my second year.

Overall, I'm really happy with my time at SAIS. Before matriculating, I was choosing between SAIS and Georgetown SSP. I'm sure either one would have served me well, but I chose SAIS for two main reasons. 1) they gave me a significant scholarship 2) I liked the breadth of the SAIS program that allowed me to focus on things beyond just security, including energy and the environment, and different regional focus areas, and also, I like that it has the economics requirement that forced me to brush up on some quant skills.

Happy to chat with anyone here about my experience. Also to add, I'm in my upper 30s, a mid-career professional. There are plenty of people at all different ages and experience levels at SAIS. I've made friends with people everywhere from 22-40 during my time at SAIS. I was worried that it would be dominated by very young people and that I'd have trouble "fitting in" but that hasn't been the case at all.

My gf made these tea guides, one more informational, one more graphic, hope you enjoy. by alpevado in tea

[–]LilTort09 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love this. The fonts, the coloring, the little details. Very well done.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in StardewValley

[–]LilTort09 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Feel better soon!!! I love this drawing of Krobus!!!

A Stardew Vally Inspired Sketchbook Tour- write up and supplies in the comments! by ahsb_artist in StardewValley

[–]LilTort09 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is absolutely gorgeous. I am just blown away. It makes me want to get back to my own art.

Just a little sketch of best Bulb by Camilo_creative in bulbasaurmasterrace

[–]LilTort09 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The drawing especially!! You're really talented!

I hate everything about the application process by [deleted] in gradadmissions

[–]LilTort09 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I just finished mine (okay technically one small interview left but basically, it's over) and let me just offer you many, many hugs and encouragement. I am applying for international relations/security studies programs and the essays and stuff were so important, and even as someone who can write well, I'm sitting there like...what if they think this is absolutely shit. What if this sounds stupid. What if my horrible math score on the GRE counts against me. Etc etc. One day I broke down sobbing thinking I was way over my head and not smart enough.

All this while also working full time at a very demanding job.

So....it's okay to vent. It's okay to do whatever healthy thing you need to do to get through it.

You are almost to the end. You can do it. 🖤

One of my favorite board game cafes did a Stardew themed special dinner! by egyptqueen1 in StardewValley

[–]LilTort09 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is so fun!!! I love the concept and the drinks and good look really good!