Some favorite observations about grad students

I have now officially been a grad student for three weeks (going on four), and I have discovered a few important things about grad students (and yes, I am highly stereotyping):

-When you meet someone who is a little (or more likely a lot) socially awkward, they probably have a graduate degree.  That's just what happens when you spend every waking hour of the day studying.

-Interaction with other grad students outside of your department is also incredibly awkward.  After attending only one event sponsored by the Grad student organization, I vowed never to attend another.  Unless you're getting a degree in a frilly subject like journalism, you will never belong or feel comfortable in one of these outings.

-Topics of conversation range from your subject to your subject.  But sometimes comic books and genre movies get thrown in there too.

-Grad students generally pretend that they know a lot more than they actually do.  As long as you put on a good face for the professor and kind of know what you're talking about, you should be good.

-Failing your undergrads is often entirely unintentional (for some TA's), although the fact that you have the ability is appealing.

-Any chance to show off your status as a grad student will be taken, even if that means taking the elevator to the second or third floor because you have a key and the undergrads don't.

As the semester progresses I may find more interesting tidbits to post, but it's getting harder and harder to talk or write about anything outside of my field.