Things to remember

Set Milestones

1) Research Topic / Proposal

2) First Committee meeting / POSC

3) Professional Development

4) First Professional Conference

5) Structure Your Thesis / Dissertation

6) Preliminary Examination

7) Final Oral Examination

Advice

1) Communication

2) Seek Feedback: Asked to be evaluated

3) Keep in Contact with Committee

4) Broaden and Engage

5) Be a Good "Citizen"

6) Write Regularly 

I attended a Graduation Orientation for all international students today. Principal members of graduate committee took turns giving a public speech. I absolutely loved it.

And the list above is from the orientation. 

Getting a Ph.D. degree doesn't solely mean that you become an expert in certain fields but you know how to lead a team with leadership and communication skills. And writing skills are also really important.

What I need to do is 

First ask for some help from writing center to learn how to write in a concise and logical fashion

Second get involved with people outside my expertise and learn more new things

Third "Be Alive, Be alert, Be Awake, Be Enthusiastic"

Let's try to finish my phd course successfully in 4 years. 5 years that most phd students go through is too long for me.