Grad School Doesn’t Stop for Vacations

Grad school doesn’t stop for vacations, and That’s okay! I snapped this photo from a hotel lounge, mid-way through a relaxing summer getaway. My laptop and second monitor open, iced chai latte in hand, yogurt parfait pushed off to the side. A toasted bagel with cream cheese acting as both fuel and reward. This isn’t a break from school; it is school on the go.

Grad school doesn’t come with an “off” switch. Deadlines don’t pause just because you’re out of town. Group discussions, data analysis, weekly modules, and paper submissions keep marching on, whether you’re at your kitchen table or 200 miles away at a hotel desk. And while that might sound exhausting (and sometimes it is), it’s also a reminder of how deeply committed I am to my goals. This degree isn’t just a checkbox, it’s an investment. It’s a life goal. One that doesn’t always wait for convenience.

But here’s the thing: we can do hard things. We can enjoy a change of scenery and still get the work done. I didn’t miss out on my trip—I just packed my discipline (and my laptop) along with my sunscreen. I found a quiet spot, got my breakfast, and carved out a couple hours to make progress.

Is it ideal? Not really. But it’s real. It’s grad school in real life. And every small step, every focused hour, every checked-off module gets me closer to the finish line.

So if you’re in the thick of your program and wondering how you’ll balance it all, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to keep going. Because grad school doesn’t stop for vacations, but neither does your ambition.