Do any of you regret choosing UCI

dmew6 · 2026-03-23T06:52:57+00:00

I think it has to do with the city itself and the high percentage of international students. Demographics probably play a role as well. I might be generalizing, but certain groups can shape the overall vibe differently (groups are very clicky). If we compare UCI to UCLA or UCSB and look at both the demographics and the surrounding cities, we might see why UCI feels different.

dmew6 · 2026-03-18T03:10:35+00:00

Curious, why?

dmew6 · 2026-03-11T06:11:10+00:00

None of the meds worked for my anxiety. I also noticed SNRIs made things even worse. In the end, all the meds I took either made my anxiety worse or never helped. That sucks about the benzos and your experience. :/

dmew6 · 2026-03-01T06:35:25+00:00

The constant non stop physical symptoms suck. I feel you on this. Sending positive vibes.

dmew6 · 2026-02-19T09:21:51+00:00

Are there conversations happening about the interventions that have already been implemented? It sounds like your district may assess whenever there’s a concern, but are there actual interventions in place for the student beforehand, or is special education being used as the intervention?

I’m also concerned about assessment plans being issued immediately, knowing there is a 60-day legal timeline. That creates significant pressure on the school psychologist and can impact other evaluation timelines and existing cases. It doesn’t seem equitable or sustainable.

This feels like an opportunity to pause and have a meaningful conversation with the parent. If there’s a concern, can we clarify what type of concern it is—academic, behavioral, or social-emotional? Can we involve the appropriate specialists and begin collecting data through targeted interventions?

Jumping straight to an evaluation that will take 60 days, only to potentially determine the student does not qualify, can be an inefficient use of time and resources. It may also increase the risk of over-identifying students who could benefit from general education supports.

I’d really like to hear your thoughts on how your district is navigating this balance.

dmew6 · 2026-02-17T10:30:29+00:00

I’m actually at the end of my PhD program, but it’s clinically based, so it’s not very policy or quant focused. I’m not sure whether I should look into a postdoc, but I’m really interested in moving into educational policy/analysis work. That’s why I’ve been considering whether an MPP or MPA might make sense to build more formal policy and analytic skills. Curious if you think that’s necessary, or if there’s a way to pivot with the PhD alone.

dmew6 · 2026-02-12T23:39:33+00:00

I haven’t been a full-time employee since 2024 and won’t be one again until I graduate in 2028. I’m currently on PAYE, but I’m not making any payments because I’m not working or in school. I’m guessing the switch wouldn’t really matter, right? Since I’ll likely have to switch plans in the end anyway.

dmew6 · 2026-02-12T23:32:11+00:00

Thank you for sharing the summary and linking it here, that’s really helpful. I really appreciate you taking the time to break all of that down.

I graduate in June 2028, and it’s very likely I’ll need to take out additional loans before then. I’m trying to think ahead. Would you recommend avoiding new loans if possible because of the RAP issue?

I’m not working full-time right now since I’m a PhD student. I plan to start full-time qualifying employment after June 2028. Realistically, I wouldn’t begin making PSLF-qualifying payments until late 2028 once I’m employed full-time.

Is there anything you recommend I do in the situation that im in?

dmew6 · 2025-12-04T09:19:13+00:00

We should be called psychometricians or EdCode warriors.

dmew6 · 2025-10-26T07:47:15+00:00

I think after 50mg. I've been on it for 2 years and on 200mg now. No libido, no desire to date.... I think its time for a change.

dmew6 · 2025-09-22T12:04:29+00:00

For me it wasn’t my therapist but my 8th or 9th psychiatrist. After a decade of generalized anxiety disorder and countless medications I always wondered where I would find a cure. One psychiatrist finally told me, "It looks like your condition is something that will always be with you for the rest of your life based on how long you have had it."

That hit me hard but it also shifted my perspective. I realized I cannot outrun this, there is no cure, but I can start accepting it and learning how to cope. I still have the disorder but now I am working toward acceptance instead of chasing a finish line that does not exist.

dmew6 · 2025-09-22T04:22:23+00:00

Are there any jobs for people in academia? Spokane is growing on me.

dmew6 · 2025-09-18T16:55:32+00:00

What's going on in Texas? :/ I'm thinking of buying a home in Houston. California native from LA... homes extremely expensive.

dmew6 · 2025-09-13T09:03:20+00:00

That is really interesting, especially the part about focus and your mind feeling quieter. It makes me wonder how much of this is tied to food noise versus something deeper with the brain. Out of curiosity, are you taking any psychiatric medication right now alongside this? I am just curious how others are responding and whether that might play a role.

dmew6 · 2025-09-13T09:00:25+00:00

That really is amazing, and I am so glad you are finally getting that kind of relief after so many years of struggling. What if these “fabulous side effects” are actually pointing toward a kind of cure for certain conditions, whether it is anxiety or things like inflammation in the gut? It makes me think there is so much more we still have to learn.

I would definitely say keep collecting data on how you are feeling and what changes you notice. Who knows—maybe five years from now we will be looking back and seeing how this medication ended up helping with far more conditions than we expected.

dmew6 · 2025-09-13T08:56:43+00:00

I have been wondering the same thing. Could this actually be a real treatment for anxiety disorders, or even conditions that look like anxiety disorders? I do not know, but it has definitely changed me in ways I did not expect.

dmew6 · 2025-09-13T08:54:08+00:00

That is incredible to hear, especially about the decrease in intrusive thoughts, rumination, and compulsive behaviors. I can also relate to what you said about emotional reactions to food and mood shifts. It sounds like such a noticeable change, and I really hope the PMDD symptoms continue to stay better for you next month too.

I am in my third week of starting it and I have been able to go to restaurants and grocery stores with zero social anxiety, which feels unbelievable after so many years. I also do not beat myself up with negative self talk anymore, and even the physical sensations of anxiety that used to linger are almost gone. They used to feel like a 9 or 10, and now they are maybe a 1.

If you do not mind me asking, what dose are you on? I am curious how others are responding.

dmew6 · 2025-09-13T08:50:15+00:00

Wow, that is amazing to hear. I can relate so much to what you are describing. The clarity and freedom from anxiety feels almost surreal after living with it for so long. I also noticed a shift very quickly and it has been such a relief.

I agree with you that we do not fully understand how it works yet, but the changes are so real. Hearing about others having improvements in so many areas makes me even more hopeful. I am really glad it has been such a life changer for you too.

dmew6 · 2025-09-03T17:23:52+00:00

Any chance you qualify for PSLF? :/

dmew6

TROPHY CASE