Victors in Grad School

Are you considering graduate school but worried about the challenges ahead? The latest episode of the Victors in Grad School podcast is a must-listen, offering valuable perspectives for current and aspiring grad students. Hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis , Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan-Flint , this episode features a candid conversation with Theo Ellis , a double gradu...

Are you contemplating graduate school, currently in the midst of your program, or simply curious about what it takes to thrive in this next phase of education? The Victors in Grad School podcast delivers personal stories, hard-won lessons, and actionable advice from students, alumni, and experts. In the latest episode, host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Micah Helzerman , a master's student...

Are you contemplating graduate school or facing doubts about the next step on your academic journey? The latest episode of the Victors in Grad School #podcast is a must-listen for anyone craving a candid, inspiring, and deeply personal look at what it really takes to find success in higher education and beyond. In this episode, host Dr. Christopher Lewis welcomes Dee Schwalm , a three-time Univers...

Graduate school is often described as a journey—full of challenges, opportunities, and transformative experiences. In this episode of "Victors in Grad School," host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Michael McGetrick , the co-founder of Spark451, to explore what it really takes to succeed in graduate education and beyond. Whether you're at the start of your academic path, mid-way through your s...

Graduate school is a unique and often challenging journey, filled with twists, turns, and transformative experiences. In the latest episode of "Victors in Grad School," host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Dr. Jeff Yackley , Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan-Flint, to unpack the realities of graduate life and share powerful insights for current and aspiring grad students. From...

For many students, the decision to pursue graduate school is not a straight path. It is a journey filled with uncertainty, exploration, self-discovery, and growth. In this episode of the podcast, listeners meet Maxwell Camara , whose story perfectly captures what it means to embrace the process of finding your purpose. Max's journey did not begin in physical therapy . In fact, he originally starte...

In this episode of the Victors in Grad School podcast, listeners are taken on an honest and insightful journey through the graduate school experience with  Steve Wilson . From the very beginning of the conversation, one theme stands out clearly: graduate school is not simply about earning another degree—it is about growth, discovery, and learning how to navigate uncertainty. Steve shares how a sum...

In the latest episode of "Victors in Grad School," Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Edie Lerner , a second-year physician assistant (PA) student at the University of Michigan, Flint, whose journey offers a powerful blend of inspiration and practical advice for anyone considering—or currently navigating—graduate school. From the moment Edie Lerner shares her story, the theme of intentionality s...

Are you contemplating graduate school or already on the journey? The latest episode of "Victors in Grad School" offers an inspiring and practical guide to thriving in higher education, featuring the remarkable story and expert advice of Dr. Khalid Malik , Director of the Graduate Program in Cybersecurity at the University of Michigan-Flint. Hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis , this episode unfolds wi...

Are you considering graduate school, juggling work, family, and community commitments, or wondering how to make it all fit together? This week on the Victors in Grad School podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis welcomes special guest Bernard Drew , business growth consultant at the Michigan Small Business Development Center , for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, prioritization, and the power...

Are you contemplating a return to graduate school, or perhaps already in the thick of balancing higher education with work and family commitments? The latest episode of Victors in Grad School dives into the inspiring journey of Keith Poniers , Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Hurley Medical Center, as he recounts what it truly takes to thrive in graduate school after years away from a...

There's a question I hear often from graduate applicants—and it usually comes with a long pause and a little uncertainty: "Should I talk about the obstacles I've overcome in my personal statement?" And then the follow-up question: "What if it sounds… cliché?" If you're asking that, I want you to know: you're already thinking like a strong writer. Because the truth is, many applicants do write abou...

If you're applying to graduate school, you've probably reached the part of the application that feels surprisingly stressful: Letters of recommendation. Not because you don't know anyone—most applicants do. But because the requirements often sound like they were written for one very specific kind of student: someone who graduated recently someone who still has professors who remember them someone...

  If you've ever tried to write a graduate school essay, you've probably experienced this exact moment: You're writing along… feeling good… and then you check the word count. And suddenly your heart sinks. Because you're either: 400 words over the limit or 200 words under the limit or right at the limit… but your essay feels vague and generic And the biggest source of frustration is usually this:...

Embarking on the journey of graduate school can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming. On this week's episode of the "Victors in Grad School" podcast, host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Marissa Charles , a current student in the Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program at the University of Michigan Flint , to explore the heart, grit, and strategies needed to thrive in grad school. Marissa Charles...

Navigating graduate school isn't a straight line—it's a journey full of turns, challenges, and unexpected lessons. In the latest episode of "Victors in Grad School," host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Dr. Rita Fields , a lecturer at the University of Michigan Flint 's School of Management, to explore her unconventional, inspiring path through higher education. Whether you're already on your...

Are you considering taking the next big step in your educational journey? Whether you're just starting to think about graduate school or already knee-deep in your studies, the latest episode of "Victors in Grad School" is packed with insights you won't want to miss. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Steven Foster , Director of Financial Aid at the University of Michigan Flint ,...

Are you thinking about going to graduate school, or already on the journey and searching for motivation? The latest episode of Victors in Grad School offers both inspiration and practical advice. Host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with  John Ambrose , Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at the University of Michigan Flint . Through vulnerability and candor, John Ambrose unpacks his non-lin...

If you're applying to graduate school, you've probably heard this advice before: "Make your application stand out." And if you're like most applicants, your first thought might be: Okay… but how? Because when you look at what a graduate application requires—your personal statement, your resume, your recommendations, your writing sample, maybe even an interview—it can start to feel like a big pile...

Are you considering graduate school but not quite sure if it's the right step? Or maybe you're simply curious how others have navigated the transition from undergraduate life or the workforce into advanced study. The latest episode of "Victors in Grad School" is a must-listen for anyone embarking on or contemplating this journey. Host Dr. Christopher Lewis , Director of Graduate Programs at the Un...

Are you a graduate student feeling the constant pressure to be flawless? Have you found yourself chasing impossible standards, believing that only perfect grades or perfect work will help you succeed? If this sounds familiar, you're not alone—and the new episode of "Victors in Grad School" is here to reassure and empower you. In a powerful conversation between Dr. Juanita Tookes and Dr. Christophe...

Are you thinking about taking the leap into graduate school, or are you already on that journey and looking for reassurance and advice? In the latest episode of the "Victors in Grad School" podcast, host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Tameka Shepard , Academic Advisor and Business Programs Recruiter at the University of Michigan-Flint , to explore her powerful story of balancing family, care...

Welcome to Victors in Grad School, where we have conversations with students, alumni, and experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school. Welcome back to Victors in Grad School. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis , Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan, Flint . Really excited that you're back again this week. And today I don't have a guest. I am talking to y...

Embarking on graduate school is more than a simple academic step—it's a deeply personal journey, one that evolves and reshapes your goals, expectations, and life direction. The latest episode of the "Victors in Grad School" podcast welcomes Michael Sevick , Professor Emeritus from the University of Michigan-Flint , to share his inspiring story of growth, perseverance, and transformation through hi...

If you're considering graduate school, feeling uncertain about your career direction, or wondering how to overcome obstacles along the way, the latest episode of Victors in Grad School is an inspiring must-listen. In this candid conversation, Dr. Christopher Lewis welcomes Dr. Lisa Lapeyrouse —faculty member at the University of Michigan-Flint and Director of the Inclusive History Project—to share...