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About Me

Welcome to Good Grad Ugly! I’m delighted to share a bit about my academic journey and the exciting path I’m currently on.
Community College: Sierra College

My journey began at Sierra College, a place that holds a special spot in my heart. At Sierra, I discovered my passion for learning and met incredible mentors who guided me through the initial stages of my academic career. I also found my love for teaching and sharing knowledge as a Chemistry tutor. I graduated with a 4.0 GPA and have Associate of Science degrees in Biology, Psychology, Social and Behavioral Studies, and Natural Sciences. The close-knit community and supportive environment provided me with a solid foundation, preparing me for the next big step.

From Sierra College, I transferred to the University of California, Davis, where I pursued my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in biology. My time at UC Davis was transformative and challenging, especially as I navigated the unique circumstances of graduating during the COVID 19 pandemic. I was in the University Honors Program and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. During my studies, I completed an undergraduate research project where I shed light on the difficulties experienced by undergraduates transferring from a community college to a university. I presented my work at conferences and also helped develop new methods for helping new transfer students in the University Honors Program. Despite the hurdles, I emerged stronger, equipped with not only academic knowledge but also resilience and adaptability.
While I love psychology, I wanted to focus on more biology related topics. Currently, I am a neuroscience graduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno. This phase of my academic journey is both thrilling and demanding as I delve deeper into my chosen field. Never would I have thought that I would be a graduate student for the Integrative Neuroscience Program at UNR working with the Mexican tetra fish on gonad development – but here we are! Being part of the vibrant UNR community has allowed me to collaborate with peers and professors who inspire and challenge me every day.

MY ACADEMIC JOURNEY

SHARING MY JOURNEY AND SUPPORTING YOURS

Through Good Grad Ugly, I aim to share my experiences, insights, and tips from my academic journey. Whether you’re just starting at community college, navigating undergraduate life, or embarking on graduate studies, I hope my stories and advice can offer you some guidance and encouragement.

GRAD SCHOOL MERCH

In addition to sharing my journey, I also provide merch that fits perfectly with graduate school life. From study essentials to cozy apparel, my collection is designed to support and celebrate the unique experiences of being a graduate student. Check out the merch section to find items that resonate with your academic journey.

In addition to sharing my journey, I also provide merch that fits perfectly with graduate school life. From study essentials to cozy apparel, my collection is designed to support and celebrate the unique experiences of being a graduate student. Check out the merch section to find items that resonate with your academic journey.

Thank you for visiting Good Grad Ugly! I hope you find my content helpful and inspiring. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to connect. Let’s navigate this academic adventure together!

Warm regards,

Bethany Ponte