I am writing with so much excitement to say this year ended far better than the last. This time, things were different. I wasn’t bitter about failing a course with a B+ (or worse) and being required to retake something else in place of it since A- and above is the passing grade because the graduate manual warrants that. I wasn’t crying over an email begging a professor to reconsider my grade because I was a few marks away from an A-. None of that happened this year.
What I did do, however, was put in the work that needed to be done — diligently, in the best way I knew how — and I accepted the results for what they were. I didn’t cry until my eyes turned red. I didn’t lock myself in my room for days, bedridden and drowning myself it sorrows, self-pity, and depression because I didn’t get the luxury of being reduced to an alphabetical grading system that determines my academic standing but not my intellectual worth.
What changed
In my first year, I felt it was my fiduciary responsibility as probably the only Black female in the PhD in Computer Science programme at Stony Brook University to get it right all the time, ALL THE TIME. And that meant garbage in → garbage out, in that, after putting in the endless hours to study by default, that should result in an automatic pass, which I learned the hard way is not always the case.
A little bit about my academic journey: My undergrad was in Computer Engineering, and while I studied some foundational and underlying concepts, it is not as elaborate as someone who studies Computer Science. While my grad studies in Canada was in Computer Science, the courses taken were geared toward my thesis. Hence, my advisor recommended courses deemed relevant for the advancement and implementation of my research, and not the broader scope of Computer Science. So in many ways, this PhD has been my true introduction to Computer Science as a discipline.
Through courses like System Security, Data Science Fundamentals, Smart Energy in the Information Age, Theory of Computation, Visualization, Logic in Computer Science, and especially Computer Graphics, I have built a new appreciation for the field. Trust me, the name “Computer Graphics” and what the course actually entails are polar opposites — it’s a mix of algebra, physics, and so much in between! Courses I certainly regret taking merely for the fact that I didn’t enjoy were Theory of Computation and Analysis of Algorithms—for the fact that I got a grade I hate to have on my transcript.
So, if there is anything my second year taught me: it is to give myself grace. Extend grace to myself and not be too hard when things don’t align the way I imagined them to be. So while I didn’t get an A in Algorithms, I merely took another course the following semester and appreciated the concepts and knowledge I gained. And no, I am in no way, shape, or form trying to justify my failures—errrmmm, failures is such a strong word. I am in no way trying to justify why, despite studying and putting in the hours like the dedicated person I am, sometimes one can study and do what they can, humanly possible, and still not excel. So yes, I cut myself some slack and awarded grace to myself.
How did it end?
Well, I was given a leeway that most PhD students don’t usually get—thanks to my advisor speaking for me in rooms where I wasn’t present. Here’s what I mean: normally, all qualifier courses must be completed within two years. Instead, I was allowed to take my Research Proficiency Examination (RPE) in Spring 2025 and carry my last qualifier course over to Fall 2025. So how did the year end? I accomplished exactly what was required: one course per semester (with an A–, of course) and passing my RPE, and I did just that.
A part of me wishes I hadn’t been given this preferential treatment. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for everything my advisor has done (and continues to do) behind closed doors. But I also believe I would have managed to complete all my courses within two years and taken my RPE later – I would so very much would have preferred that option.
Still, I’m thankful for the support. This year, I also submitted a paper to FMCAD 2025, which was rejected. I revised it and resubmitted to ICSE 2026. At least something is moving forward, I look forward to this paper finally finding its home.
How time flies…third innit?
Oh who would have thought? I am a third-year PhD student and hopefully soon PhD candidate!!! Priscilla Kyei Danso, PhD Candidate! That certainly have a good tone to it and now imagine Dr. Priscilla Kyei Danso! O Lord! O Lord!! I am taking Machine Learning this semester, demanding but I intend to put in the work. My brain sometimes zones into the mode of you are third year and shouldn’t be taking courses and should be focusing on research full-time but I feel that should actually be the motivating factor and not the de-motivating factor. With just one more course left before advancing to candidacy, I plan to give it everything I’ve got, earn that A–, and end the semester with a huge sigh of relief. Here’s to being hopeful about getting that A– in CSE 512 Machine Learning.
I owe you another post when I (fingers crossed!) pass this course and officially advance to candidacy.
