I am now Dr. Petrullo, and #PhDone! (a thread) Today, I successfully defended my PhD. As a #firstgen college student, this felt impossible & still feels surreal. I want to share how I got here in the hopes that it might inspire other #firstgen students. (1/6)

I loved to learn but was not the best student. My parents didn't care much about my grades or homework, or know what the SAT was. College was overwhelming & I skipped class a lot. I worked multiple jobs, never did a research internship. Still have a ton of student loans (2/6)

I was premed because "scientist" was not on my radar & being a physician was easier for my working class family to support. I hated premed classes & wasn't invested. I graduated w/ a mediocre GPA but got the chance to do some science research after graduating. I loved it. (3/6)

I had a hard time getting into a program b/c of my GPA & no experience. Everyone had presentations, publications, fancy summer field schools. I got off of a waitlist for an MA program + did two years there before applying again for a PhD, & now 7 years later, I am #PhDone. (4/6)

It can be hard to be #firstgen in #academia & feel like you are less prepared & less worthy. Lots of people have academic parents that can support them financially & emotionally in this journey. (5/6)

Today, I am so proud of myself & every other #firstgen out there navigating higher ed. We are resilient, determined, and creative. Now, for many beers... (6/6)

@OpenAcademics #phdchat #AcademicTwitter @AcademicChatter #phdlife

also props to @bat_biomes for the awesome diss art!