{"id":249980,"date":"2025-02-03T14:53:08","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T19:53:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/?page_id=249980"},"modified":"2026-05-05T14:44:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T18:44:32","slug":"notes-on-thriving","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/careers\/for-students\/notes-on-thriving\/","title":{"rendered":"Notes on #thriving"},"content":{"rendered":"
An archive of notes to BUSPH students on #thriving during the academic journey and beyond from the Assistant Dean of Careers & Practicum, Julia Lanham<\/h6>\n
May 1, 2026 - Practice Who You Want To Become <\/em>- #thriving<\/h6>
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Dear ones,<\/p>\n

Many of my career advising appointments are on Zoom these days. Tiny windows where people speak their truth, sit with their doubt, and search for something that\"\" feels like hope. What surprises me most is how often they believe they\u2019re failing\u2014not because they\u2019ve done something wrong, but because everyone around them looks more successful, more confident, more put together. They compare themselves to curated snapshots and draw harsh conclusions: \u201cI\u2019m the weak one. I\u2019m behind. I don\u2019t have what it takes.\u201d But here\u2019s what I know\u2014they\u2019re not weak. They\u2019re waiting. Waiting to discover their inner warrior.<\/p>\n

The image you see here? That\u2019s me\u2014transformed through a superhero filter. Not because I\u2019ve always felt strong, but because I know what it\u2019s like to fight for confidence and show up anyway. It\u2019s not about pretending. It\u2019s about practicing who you want to become\u2026 until the practice feels like truth. Your inner warrior doesn\u2019t arrive with fanfare. It flickers in the small brave choices: asking for help, submitting the job application you almost abandoned, showing up to Zoom even when your voice shakes. It grows one step at a time, one \u201cmaybe I can\u201d at a time. And what you see in others? It\u2019s not the full story. What\u2019s real is the part of you that keeps going. That part is strong. That part is rising. So let this post be your permission slip. You don\u2019t have to feel confident\u2014you just have to believe that your future self is waiting beyond the bend, wearing the armor you\u2019re quietly building today.<\/p>\n

Julia<\/p>\n

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April 24, 2026 - We Need Movement - Guest Post <\/em>- #thriving<\/h6>
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Before you polish your resume, refresh your LinkedIn, or start hunting for openings\u2014open your closet.<\/p>\n

Yes, really.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s something powerful about beginning where you are. Something that says:\u00a0I can take care of myself. I can create space.<\/em>\u00a0Decluttering a closet isn\u2019t just about the clothes\u2014it\u2019s a micro-shift with macro energy. You toss what no longer fits. You keep what supports your now. And in doing that, you gently signal to your system:\u00a0I\u2019m ready for a change.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sometimes the first step in a job search isn\u2019t strategic\u2014it\u2019s energetic. We don\u2019t need to know our next role before we begin. We just need movement. Organizing a closet is movement. It\u2019s a quiet confidence boost. A win you can see. A moment that says:\u00a0You\u2019re capable of clarity.<\/em><\/p>\n

There\u2019s something emotionally soothing about color-coded hangers, folded jeans, and an empty donation bag. It whispers, \u201cI\u2019m doing something.\u201d And that momentum\u2014tiny, tangible\u2014is the same force that fuels applications and interviews.<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need to overhaul your life. You just need to move one item from \u201cstuck\u201d to \u201csorted.\u201d<\/p>\n

So if the search feels too big\u2014start small. One hanger. One drawer. One decision.<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t have to know what\u2019s next\u2014you just have to begin<\/em><\/p>\n

~ Maria McCarthy,\u00a0Director, Advising & Career Development<\/p>\n

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April 17, 2026 - You Are In Process <\/em>- #thriving<\/h6>
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Dear ones \u2013<\/p>\n

The public health job and practicum market is on fire right now. We are seeing students and grads landing every single day. And yet, most of you are still searching. You are not behind — you are in process<\/strong><\/em>. Everyone is on a different timeline. Believe in yourself and check in with advisors you trust to get a new tip or words of encouragement. \"\"<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a snippet of advising sessions I\u2019ve had this week that might be helpful to you:<\/p>\n