Hi everyone! I'm Rose (she/her). I've been lurking for a few days but this is my first post - so here's my #introduction.

I am a data #programmer, but back to uni part-time to study for a masters in #spaceScience, hopefully doing my dissertation on #neutronStars or #eclipsingBinaryStars or #blueStragglerStars, as yet undecided.

When I'm not on my computer, or wiping toddler faces (ages 2 and 3), I love #knitting, reading #scifi, and pretending that I like to #run.

Great to meet you all!

@Rose Welcome Rose! I too am a parent doing a part-time masters in astrophysics. You have my boundless respect 💪 🚀
@sebinthestars: Great! I'm very happy to meet you. How have you been finding it? How long do you have left to go?

@Rose I just started, and because I didn't finish my MSc in chemistry 25 years ago I'm having to do all the undergrad physics modules first. That makes it easier right now, but it's a long road ahead.

How are you getting on? I guess if you're choosing dissertation topics you're making good progress?

@sebinthestars That must be reassuring to do that though? Oh, I wish I had gone back to undergrad stuff before starting on this. I have to relearn loads all the time. I started back in 2018, and have just another 10 months to go, having taken some time out (kids). It's just my dissertation to go, and whatever grade I get for that is what I'll have overall so the pressure is ON. So happy to be back doing space stuff!
@Rose That's how I'm looking at it. It's all worth it to be working on something I love doing though! Any good advice you want to share for a fellow student?

@sebinthestars Don't do it! It's not too late to quit!

Haha! Really though... it needs to be a priority. Don't feel guilty or sad about not being able to cook proper meals, or clean the house, or see your friends, or do some exercise. Without kids... maybe all that is possible with job and study. With kids, you can do it if you take them with you. 😆 Which can be more work than it's worth....

IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT (hopefully).

Also, get off 🐘 and do some work.

@Rose following for the knitting, reading and sci-fi mentions. Hoping your studies go well 😊
@emkingma I'm off to go knit 3 stitches of a baby hat that will be too small before its finished, and then fall asleep in front of the TV. See you around!