# @ucsandiego on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CWZKS_Jvml9
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/75466143-ucsandiego-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/44660bd08e.jpg
- **Posted:** 2021-11-17T22:07:08.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** UC San Diego / UCSD (@ucsandiego) — https://gondola.cc/ucsandiego

## Caption

(2/2) “During my treatment, there were many moments where I wanted to stop going to my appointments-- I didn’t want to think or feel anything more. My oncology psychiatrist and my family doctor supported my mental health through these excruciatingly painful times; they reminded me that my Ph.D program at UCSD would be waiting for me at the end of the cancer treatment. After months of crying, talking, writing, and more crying, I decided I wouldn’t let cancer and a horrible break-up stop me from chasing my dreams of a Ph.D. program at UCSD. 
In September 2019, I came to UCSD and started my Ph.D. program. Despite being from a neighboring country, I experienced culture shock and needed time to reorient myself to a new environment for the first months here. When things started to feel a little more “settled”, the global pandemic happened, and everything turned upside down and inside out. As an international student, there was additional uncertainty of whether I’d be asked to leave with short notice. The International Students & Programs Office, Basic Needs Office, the School of Music have all been supportive and understanding of my circumstances-- I wouldn’t have been able to do the things I do without their support and encouragement!
Fall 2021 marks my third year at UCSD and I’m happy to say that I’ve been able to build towards research ideas that draw from both my zoology and music backgrounds. The professors at Scripps Institution of Oceanography welcomed me into their classes and the Music professors - they opened my mind and changed my life. I feel incredibly lucky to have the level of engagement and support that I’ve had from the moment I was accepted.
Being an international graduate student who has gone through serious illnesses, there are both very challenging and beautiful days. I don’t know if my cancer might come back or if my health will take a sudden downward turn one day, but I do know that right now, I’m able to pursue my love of learning, music, realizing my research ideas, and coming to UCSD has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
- Janet Sit (she/her), 3rd Year Ph.D. Music Composition Student #TritonStories #InternationalStudentDay

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,395
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- **Comments:** 10

## Credits

No public credits are recorded here. This does not identify who made the post.

## Tags

tritonstories, internationalstudentday

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