Student Perspectives

A Mellow Monday Morning with Murray

December 17, 2024

Murray Dawson shares how a mellow start to the week helps with a busy student schedule.

Reflections on my Letter to my Future Self

December 10, 2024

Calah McQuarters reflects on the letter she wrote to her future self back in 2022.

Karen’s Third Year PhD Schedule

December 03, 2024

Karen Azucena Alfaro shares what a semester looks like as a third year PhD candidate, and some of the unique learning opportunities at Heller.

Building Confidence and Community to Succeed in Tough Classes

November 26, 2024

Fabiola Vega Prosper shares her strategies for succeeding in challenging classes.

A Personal Reflection About Career Growth With A Sense Of Purpose

November 21, 2024

Murray Dawson reflects on how to strategize for optimal career outcomes.

Why Attend an Admissions Event?

November 14, 2024

Calah McQuarters discusses the benefits of attending admissions events and shares three memorable events from before she was a Heller student.

Hello Heller! Karen Azucena Alfaro’s Acceptance Story

November 12, 2024

Karen Alfaro tells the story of receiving her acceptance letter for Heller.

Reflect, Remember, Plan: What it’s like being almost-graduated

November 07, 2024

Calah McQuarters reflects on how it feels to be 60 days from graduation

Hello Heller! Fabiola Vega Prosper’s Acceptance Story

October 17, 2024

Fabiola Vega Prosper tells the story of receiving her acceptance letter from Heller.

Creative Assignments and Capstone Wins: Spring Semester in Review

October 08, 2024

Calah McQuarters reflects on a challenging yet rewarding spring semester at Heller, highlighting favorite assignments, she prepares for her final semester.

Brielle's Reflections on her Letter to her Future Self

April 23, 2024

Brielle Ruscitti, MS GHPM/MA SID '24 reflects on the letter she wrote to her future self way back in October 2022.

A Letter to My Past Self: Danielle's First Day of Heller Edition

April 16, 2024

Danielle Lund writes a letter to her past self on her first day of Heller and shares what she wished she had known then.

Extracurriculars at Brandeis!

March 14, 2024

Serina Herron-Smith, MA SID'24, guides you through your first year of graduate school by talking about all the ways to socialize and network on campus.

Kicking Off Women’s History Month

March 05, 2024

March is Women's History Month! To begin the month, Brielle Ruscitti, MS GHPM/MA SID '24, shares some of the women that inspire her.

Hello Heller! Danielle Lund's Acceptance Story

February 27, 2024

Introducing our newest Heller blog writer, Danielle Lund, MA in Sustainable International Development/MA in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence'24! In her first post, Danielle tells the story of receiving her acceptance for Heller.

Managing Your Time As A Grad Student

February 13, 2024

As the spring semester starts to get hectic, Serina Herron-Smith, MA SID'24, shares her tips for prioritizing your goals and managing burn-out.

Looking Ahead to Graduation

February 06, 2024

Calah McQuarters, MBA/MPP '24, shares what she's doing to prepare for her graduation.

How Are You Commuting to Campus in 2024?

February 01, 2024

In this return to the Heller blog after the winter break, Brielle Ruscitti, MS GHPM/MA SID '24, talks through the various options for commuting to campus.

Designing my Spring Schedule

December 12, 2023

Brielle Ruscitti, MS GHPM/MA SID '24, talks us through how she went about planning her final semester at Heller!

A Local’s Guide to Boston #3 : Things to Do (Festive Edition!)

December 05, 2023

Serina Herron-Smith, MA SID'24, continues her series on things to eat, do, and see in Boston-- in this edition, she highlights some ways you can celebrate the winter season!

Celebrating the Holiday Season at Heller!

November 28, 2023

Brielle Ruscitti, MS GHPM/MA SID '24, shares how Heller celebrates the holiday season and gives some suggestions for fun ways to enjoy the winter weather off campus.

Goal Setting with Calah

November 21, 2023

Calah McQuarters, MBA/MPP'24, shares her goals and aspirations for the remainder of her time at Heller.

A Local’s Guide to Boston #2: What to Eat

November 16, 2023

Serina Herron-Smith, MA SID'24, continues her series on places to visit in Boston-- this time with a post about places to eat!

A Local’s Guide to Boston #1: Things to See

October 24, 2023

Serina Herron-Smith, MA SID'24, shares her favorite places to visit in the Boston area.

Changing the World 101: Social Policy and Management through the Lens of Equity

October 19, 2023

Brielle Ruscitti shares her experience taking Social Policy and Management through the Lens of Equity, taught by Alexandra Pineros-Shields.

My Team Consulting Project Experience, Part Three: Calah McQuarters

October 17, 2023

In her final installment of her Team Consulting Project series, Calah McQuarters talks about how her team came together to put together their final presentation and report.

Serina's Letter to Her Future Self

October 10, 2023

Serina Herron-Smith shares what she hopes to accomplish during her time at Heller in her letter to her future self.

Getting Practical Experience in Graduate School: Working as a Research Associate

October 05, 2023

Brielle Ruscitti talks about the ways that she has been able to gain practical experience throughout her time at Heller, as well as the mentorship that she has found in her professors.

Hello Heller! Armando Vizcardo's Acceptance Letter

October 03, 2023

Armando Vizcardo tells the story of receiving his acceptance letter for Heller.

My Team Consulting Project Experience, Part Two: Calah McQuarters

September 28, 2023

Calah McQuarters shares her more about her experience working on her Team Consulting Project, which all MBA students complete during the summer of their first year at Heller.

Hannah Watson's Letter to My Future Self (to read upon graduation)

September 26, 2023

Hannah Watson shares what she hopes she'll have accomplished by the time she graduates in her "Letter to My Future Self".

Hello Heller! Serina Herron-Smith's Acceptance Story

September 21, 2023

Serina Herron-Smith recalls getting her acceptance letter to Heller and reflects on her journey to Heller.

My Team Consulting Project Experience: Calah McQuarters

September 12, 2023

Calah McQuarters shares her experience working on her Team Consulting Project, which all MBA students complete during the summer of their first year at Heller.

Hello Heller! Hannah Watson's Acceptance story

September 07, 2023

Hannah Watson, MPP'24, shares the story of receiving her acceptance letter to Heller.

Celebrating Heller Admissions Graduates

May 23, 2023

Amanda Miller shares the words of one of Heller Admissions' graduating graduate assistants.

Reflections on my Letter to my Future Self

May 18, 2023

Ronunique Clark reflects on the letter she wrote to herself to read upon graduation.

AmeriCorps + Heller: A Perfect Combination

May 11, 2023

Andy Mendez explains why Heller is the perfect fit for AmeriCorps Alumni

Event recap: Waffles and Wellness

May 09, 2023

Calah McQuarters recaps a recent Heller event she attended.

Conference Recap: ECOSOC Youth Forum 2023

May 04, 2023

Brielle Ruscitti talks about a recent conference she attended.

Where Can Heller Take You? Andy Mendez’ Answer

May 02, 2023

Andy Mendez talks about some of the career opportunities Heller helped put in reach.

Neh Meh’s Favorite Class at Heller: Political Ecology and Development

April 27, 2023

Neh Meh shares her favorite class at Heller.

Finding your Summer Internship: The Final Steps

April 25, 2023

Brielle Ruscitti shares more tips on how to find the best summer internship for you.

True Life: Reflections of 2nd Year Graduate Student

April 20, 2023

With only a month until graduation, Ronunique Clark reflects on her time at Heller.

Event Recap: Heller Alumni Networking Night

April 04, 2023

Ronunique Clark gives a rundown on Heller's Alumni Networking event.

The Importance of Pivoting

March 30, 2023

Andy Mendez talks about how the ability to pivot can really serve you well in graduate school.

Surviving the Spring Semester

March 23, 2023

Brielle Ruscitti talks about how she's balancing school, finding a job, and taking time for herself.

Day in the Life of a Social Impact MBA Student

March 21, 2023

Calah McQuarters shares a day in her life as an MBA student.

Meet The Heller Career Development Center: Nijimbere Lahayiloyi

March 14, 2023

Ronunique Clark interviews a member of the career development team to gain insights into some of the office's programming

The Ultimate Balancing Act: School and Work

March 07, 2023

Calah McQuarters gives her tips for balancing school and work.

A Day in the Life of a Second Year MBA/SID Student

March 02, 2023

Andy Mendez shares a day in her life as a Heller MBA/MA SID student.

A Day in the Life of an MS GHPM/MA SID student

February 28, 2023

Brielle Ruscitti shares a day in her life as an MS GHPM/MA SID student.

A Day In The Life of a 2nd Year MPP Student

February 21, 2023

Ronunique Clark shares a day in her life as a Heller MPP student.

Sample Semester Schedule from A Social Impact MBA Student

February 16, 2023

Calah McQuarters shares what a typical schedule might look like for an MBA student.

A Sample Semester Schedule

February 02, 2023

Brielle Ruscitti provides an example of what a typical semester schedule might look like.

Ronunique’s Final Semester Schedule

January 26, 2023

Ronunique Clark shares her current schedule for her final semester.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in the Application Process

January 24, 2023

Calah McQuarters gives some advise on how to overcome imposter syndrome during the application process.

Tips for Adjusting to the Winter Season

January 17, 2023

Andy Mendez shares some tips for how to stay warm and keep busy in Boston winters.

Facing Your Capstone Presentation

January 12, 2023

Neh Meh talks about her experience of finishing her capstone presentation.

Embracing Winter in Boston!

January 10, 2023

Brielle Ruscitti shares her tips for how to get into the winter spirit in Boston.

Brief Reflections on my First Semester at Heller

December 20, 2022

Calah McQuarters reflects on her first semester at Heller.

Holidays at Heller

December 15, 2022

Andy Mendez, MBA/SID '23, shares some of the ways that the community at Heller celebrates the holidays.

3 Reasons Why You Should Schedule an Ambassador Appointment

December 13, 2022

Ronunique argues why all prospective student should sign up for ambassador appointments.

Meet My Cohort: Robert Hitt

December 06, 2022

Ronunique Clark sits down with one of her classmates, and talks favorite professors, why he chose Heller, and what his plans are for after graduation.

Calah’s Experience Shipping Off to Boston

November 29, 2022

Calah McQuarters talks about her experience moving to Boston and offers advice along the way.

Career Center Resources

November 15, 2022

Andy Mendez lists just a few of the key services offered in Heller's Career Development Center.

Event Recap: Punishment Culture and the Persistence of Mass Incarceration in Massachusetts

November 01, 2022

Ronunique discusses thoughts about a bonus lecture she attended on campus.

Hello, Heller! Calah McQuarters’ Acceptance Story

October 24, 2022

Calah McQuarters tells the story of receiving her acceptance for Heller.

Meet My Cohort: Brian Stanley

October 20, 2022

Ronunique Clark sits down with a fellow MPP student, to talk about what brought him to Heller, his favorite class so far, and what his plans are for after graduation.

A Letter to My Future Self (to read upon graduation): Brielle Ruscitti

October 13, 2022

Brielle Ruscitti pens a letter to her future self.

Andy’s Advice to Maximizing your Time at Professional Conferences

October 11, 2022

Andy Mendez offers advice on how to get the most out of professional conferences.

Meet My Cohort: Hannah Wilcove

October 06, 2022

Ronunique Clark sits down with her classmate to talk about what brought her to Heller, some of her favorite classes, and her plans for after graduation.

Meet My Cohort: Katherine Gagen

September 22, 2022

Ronunique Clark sits down with one of her classmates in the MPP program to talk about what brought her to Heller, some favorite classes during her time here, and her plans for after she graduates.

Best Study Spaces, Part 2

September 15, 2022

Andy Mendez continues her list of best places to study, this time in the Waltham area.

My Summer Internship Story

September 13, 2022

Ronunique Clark shares what she's been up to this summer!

Andy’s Best Study Spaces, Part 1

August 30, 2022

Andy Mendez gives her take on the best places to study on the Brandeis campus.

Andy’s Second Year Fall Schedule

August 09, 2022

Andy talks about her Fall semester as a dual Social Impact MBA/MA SID student.

Ariel’s Advice for Getting the Most out of Heller

July 28, 2022

Ariel Wexler gives advice on how to maximize the student experience at Heller.

Daniella’s Got a New Job!

July 26, 2022

Daniella Levine discusses how her MPP courses at Heller prepared her for her new job.

Ariel Wexler’s Favorite Class: Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation

July 19, 2022

Ariel Wexler discusses her favorite class at Heller.

Get Involved! The Value of Student Working Groups

July 12, 2022

Andy Mendez talks about the value of being a part of Heller student working groups.

Daniella’s Internship Experience

July 07, 2022

Daniella Levine talks about her experience as a summer policy intern.

A Letter to My Past Self on Her First Day at Heller: Ariel Wexler

June 28, 2022

Ariel Wexler pens a letter to her past self.

Andy’s Team Consulting Experience Part II

June 23, 2022

Andy Mendez chronicles her experience during the Social Impact MBA Team Consulting Project.

Graduation Day with Ariel Wexler

June 14, 2022

Ariel Wexler talks about her graduation day experience.

My Team Consulting Project Experience

June 09, 2022

Andy Mendez gives us a peek into the Team Consulting Project experience.

A Letter to My Future Self (to read upon graduation): Daniella Levine

May 10, 2022

Danielle Levine shares what she hopes to accomplish during her time at Heller in her letter to her future self.

5 Item Bucket List for Summer 2022

May 03, 2022

Ronunique lists her top 5 bucket list items she hopes to accomplish during Summer 2022.

Daniella’s Top Ten Reasons to Choose Heller

April 19, 2022

Daniella Levine gives her top 10 reasons a prospective student should choose Heller.

An Open Letter to Accepted Students

April 12, 2022

Hannah Plumb writes a letter to newly accepted Heller students.

My Experience as a First Generation Student

April 05, 2022

Ronunique Clark talks about her experience attending graduate school as a first-generation college student.

A Year of Virtual Learning, As Told By Hannah Lougheed’s Laptop

March 08, 2022

Hannah Lougheed discusses her experience with virtual learning at Heller.

A Spoon Full of Sugar / Applied Regression Analysis

February 17, 2022

Hannah Lougheed talks about overcoming the fear of new challenges in the classroom.

Happy Black History Month!

February 10, 2022

To celebrate Black History Month, Ronunique Clark shares information on three Black Women that inspire her.

Dealing with COVID-19 as a Graduate Student

January 27, 2022

Ronunique talks about her experience being in graduate school during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Broccoli and Potatoes

January 25, 2022

Hannah Lougheed gives instructions on how to cook her go to grad school meal.

Event Recap: Gender Working Group Open Mic Night

January 18, 2022

Hannah Plumb recounts her time at the Gender Working Group Open Mic Night.

The Summer Internship Search: Waiting for the Right Position

January 05, 2022

Brielle Ruscitti talks about her journey to finding her summer internship.

Financing Graduate School as a First Generation Graduate Student

January 04, 2022

Ronunique Clark gives advice on how to find financial aid for your graduate school journey.

Professor Spotlight: Marji Erickson Warfield and Lisa Lynch

December 28, 2021

Daniella Levine gives two of her professors a shout-out.

Looking Ahead to Your Capstone with Sami Rovins

August 31, 2021

Sami Rovins advises on how to prepare for your capstone presentation.

Transitioning Back to Life as a Student with Sami

August 24, 2021

Sami Rovins gives her perspective on rejoining the academic world after a few years in the professional world.

Back to School Nerves (like never before!) with Daniella

August 17, 2021

Danielle Levine prepares to return to campus for Fall 2021.

Back to School Planning with Doug

August 12, 2021

Doug Nevins prepares to return to campus for Fall 2021.

Back to School Post-Covid

August 10, 2021

Hannah Lougheed prepares to return to campus for Fall 2021.

FAQs for Prospective Students, from Sami

August 03, 2021

Sami Rovins answers some of the most common questions she gets from prospective students.

Yes to Summer Reading

July 29, 2021

Daniella Levine talks about why you should embrace summer reading assignments.

Graduate School and APA Citations… They Have More in Common Than You’d Think!

July 27, 2021

What do Graduate School and APA Citations have in common? Doug Nevins has an answer.

Wondering What Courses to Take? Sami Has Suggestions!

July 22, 2021

Sami Rovins gives recommendations for some "must-take" courses at Heller.

Why Study Gender Policy?

July 15, 2021

Daniella Levine talks why studying gender policy is still vital.

Building Community around the World

July 13, 2021

Hannah Lougheed offers some tips for building your network in the midst of a pandemic.

What’s for Lunch? Doug Nevins’ Brandeis Culinary Tour

July 08, 2021

Wondering where to grab a meal around Brandeis? Doug has some suggestions!

Life After Heller: Sami’s Job Hunting!

July 06, 2021

Sami Rovins shares her next big journey: finding a job!

Persistence is Key: How to Unlock your Summer Experience

July 01, 2021

Daniella Levine shares some tips about how to find the best summer internship, co=op or volunteer opportunity for you.

My Experience with Fulbright

June 24, 2021

Hannah Lougheed talks about how her experience with Fulbright helped prepare her for Heller.

Time Management Challenge: Summer MBA Courses

June 17, 2021

Doug Nevins talks about how he's juggling his summer MBA courses.

Facing Your Fears at Heller

June 15, 2021

Sami Rovins talks about one of the biggest challenges she's faced during her time at Heller.

Finals Are Over, Now What?: Sazia Nowshin

June 10, 2021

Sazia Nowshin gives her recommendations for how to spend your summer break!

Joining the Heller Community: Daniella Levine

June 08, 2021

Daniella Levine reflects on what joining the Heller community as meant for her, as well as sharing what she hopes is to come.

(Half of) A Week in the Life of a Heller Student

June 03, 2021

Hannah Lougheed gives you insight into what a typical school week looks like.

Hello Heller! Kyle Doherty’s Acceptance Story

June 01, 2021

Kyle Doherty tells the story of receiving his acceptance for Heller.

Facing Challenges This Semester

May 27, 2021

Sazia Nowshin tells us about one of the biggest challenges she's faced in graduate school so far.

How Can Map-Making Impact Social Policy?

May 20, 2021

Doug Nevins shares some resources to learn map-making skills, and why it might be a more useful skill than you may think.

Letter to My Past Self with Sami Rovins

May 18, 2021

Sami Rovins pens a letter to her past self.

Changing the World 101: Policy Analysis

May 13, 2021

Daniella Levine shares her favorite class at Heller.

Building Meaningful Connections Through Zoom With Hannah Lougheed

May 06, 2021

Hannah Lougheed shares some suggestions how to make meaningful connections in a virtual world.

Missing Home-cooked Meals: From a Very Hungry Graduate Student, Sazia Nowshin

May 04, 2021

Sazia Nowshin explains how she combats homesickness through food.

Sami’s Top Five Moments at Heller

April 29, 2021

Sami Rovins shares what her top five moments at Heller have been.

Library Appreciation Day with Doug Nevins

April 15, 2021

Doug Nevins shares some of the resources available to Heller students at the Brandeis library.

Scuba Diving and Grad School: What’s the Difference? Hannah Lougheed

April 13, 2021

What do scuba diving and grad school have in common? More than you'd think, according to Hannah Lougheed.

A Letter to My Future Self (to read upon graduation): Sazia Nowshin

April 08, 2021

Sazia Nowshin shares what she hopes to accomplish during her time at Heller in her letter to her future self.

A Letter to My Future Self (to read upon graduation): Hannah Lougheed

April 01, 2021

Hannah Lougheed shares what she hopes to accomplish during her time at Heller in her letter to her future self.

Navigating Challenges in Graduate School with Sami Rovins

March 30, 2021

Life happens, even when you're in graduate school. Sami Rovins shares how she's navigating a tough situation while attending classes.

Hello Heller!: Daniella Levine’s Acceptance Story

March 25, 2021

Daniella Levine tells the story of receiving her acceptance for Heller.

Balancing the School-Work Lifestyle with Andrea Tyree

March 18, 2021

Andrea Tyree gives you her tips for keeping a life-work balance.

Hello Heller!: Sazia Nowshin’s Acceptance Story

March 16, 2021

Sazia Nowshin tells the story of receiving her acceptance for Heller.

“The New Normal”: Things Doug Nevins is Excited About Reopening in Boston

March 11, 2021

Doug Nevins shares what his plans are now that Boston is beginning to re-open.

How Social Justice Oriented is Heller? Andrea Shares Her Thoughts

March 04, 2021

Andrea Tyree shares her perspective on Heller's commitment to social justice.

Hello Heller!: Hannah Lougheed’s Acceptance Story

March 02, 2021

Hannah Lougheed tells the story of receiving her acceptance for Heller.

How Sami Rovins Manages Self Care (And How You Can Too!)

February 25, 2021

Sami Rovins gives some tips for self-care while in grad school.

A Week in the Life with Sami Rovins

February 11, 2021

Sami Rovins shares what a week in the life of a Heller student looks like.

Facing Challenges with Doug Nevins

February 09, 2021

Doug Nevins tells us about some of the challenges he's faced this semester.

How to Get Ready for Grad School in Less Than an Hour a Day: A Guide by Andrea Tyree

February 02, 2021

Andrea Tyree gives newly admitted students tips on how to ease their transition into graduate school.

The Final Stretch: Sami’s Last Semester

January 28, 2021

Sami Rovins talks about how she she's powering through her final semester.

Andrea’s 2021 Resolutions

January 21, 2021

Andrea Tyree gives us a peek into her resolutions for 2021!

Doug’s New Year’s Resolutions

January 14, 2021

Doug Nevins shares his New Year's Resolutions for 2021.

Writing Your Best Statement of Purpose with Sami Rovins

January 12, 2021

Sami Rovins gives her advice for writing your best statement of purpose.

My First Semester: A Look Back with Andrea Tyree

January 05, 2021

Andrea Tyree reflects on her first semester at Heller.

Changing the World 101: Democracy and Development

November 24, 2020

Sami Rovins shares her favorite class at Heller.

A Letter to My Future Self (to read upon graduation): Andrea Tyree

November 10, 2020

Andrea Tyree shares what she hopes to accomplish during her time at Heller in her letter to her future self.

Election Week Fretting

November 05, 2020

Doug Nevins reflects on the experience of being a member of the Heller community during the 2020 election.

Learning from your Heller Classmates

October 29, 2020

Sami Rovins talks about what she's learned from her Heller classmates.

Changing the World 101: Assets and Social Policy

October 22, 2020

Andrea Tyree shares her favorite class at Heller.

A Whole New World: MA COEX to MS GHPM

October 15, 2020

Sami Rovins talks about the transition from the MA in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence program to the MS in Global Health Policy and Management program as a dual degree student.