In this interactive session, Molly Keehn, Ed.D., and Angélica Castro, M.A., CPC, explore how structured connection, supportive accountability, and intentional celebration can strengthen persistence, enhance wellbeing, and support goal attainment in graduate education.

Drawing on research in motivation, behavioral psychology, and social connection, participants will engage in practical exercises designed to improve follow-through, counter the brain’s negativity bias, and build sustainable support systems within academic environments. The session addresses common challenges in graduate education—including isolation, stalled progress, and burnout—while offering practical, flexible strategies relevant to any members of the graduate education community, including students, postdocs, faculty, and program administrators.

Participants will leave with actionable strategies they can incorporate into daily routines to increase wellbeing, foster connection, and maintain forward momentum.

The session will also introduce CoJourn, a structured peer-to-peer goal-setting framework designed to promote consistency, accountability, and meaningful personal and professional growth. www.cojourn.org