Academia is tough. Throughout my 11 year journey I've come to a few realizations: 

Struggling to maintain a healthy mental state is not a right of passage. 

Failing is not a sign of weakness, in fact the only way to push the boundaries of knowledge is to fail forward.

My identity is not to my detriment but rather to my strength. Science requires creativity to solve complex problems.

The only way to do true, good work, is to make sure I'm in good health.

Over the course of my academic career, I've faced many challenges but, each I time I've circled back to gratitude.

Yes, GRAD-itude in the sense of a deep appreciation for my academic journey but also what this type of attitude represents; a growth mindset.