With graduation just around the corner, what’s on your mind?

With support from the MAS team, we gathered graduating Master’s and PhD students at the Media Lab over lunch and helped them reflect on their time here and how to make meaning of it during a busy period of transition.

The Questions We Asked

Think back to when you first stepped into the Media Lab space; what was this moment like? How did you feel?
How has your relationship to this space changed since then? Are there any corners of the lab you have ridiculous, funny, or emotional memories attached to?
Can you think of a person who made you feel at home here? Who are they and what did they do to make you feel like you belonged?
Tell us about a time when you struggled, felt lost or stuck during your program. How did it shape who you are today?
What is a hope you have for your fellow graduates as you go off into the wider world?

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The Answers We Received

The Media Lab can be a very intimidating place at the start of the graduate program, leaving students wondering, “Do I belong here?”
There are structural issues and students work hard to improve their corner of the space, so that it can be a little easier for the next generation, whether at 99F or just at late night study sessions at the lab.
The coffee machine might not consistently work, but it always provides a good chuckle and friendly gathering space to see a friend! Take that time to refill your cup and reconnect.

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Our Partners

Alma Jam, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Belonging Officer

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Alma Jam, MIT Media Lab Community Building & Student Engagement Officer

JS Needed

"The graduate students don't have an opportunity to be with each other in one room and just reflect on how their time at MAS was. And so regardless of if those conversations are being recorded for a graduation ceremony or not, I still think that space is, you know, valuable for them to have."

Next Steps

Our team is planning to host these conversations annually and we are also exploring mechanisms of sharing advice from graduates with incoming students (e.g., medleys or more private listening experiences).

Get Involved

Check out our opportunities, fill out the interest form to pitch your own project, or email realtalk@mit.edu with questions! We would love to hear from you.