The purpose of this blog is to provide an outlet for me to document my experiences and express my feelings. I always have so many thoughts running through my mind and I quite simply can’t keep them to myself. It’s nice to have a space to articulate them. I’ve kept a diary on and off since I was a small child and I’ve always found it to be cathartic.
My PhD has been a particularly challenging and isolating journey. A mentor of mine once told me, “This PhD will break you down and then build you back up again.” I can remember not quite understanding what she meant at the time, but now I certainly understand.
Fortunately I’m currently entering the ‘building back up’ phase of my journey as I prepare to finish in the lab and start writing my thesis, however the ‘breaking you down’ part was a dark and dangerous maze that, whilst I would never like to experience it again, I would like to reflect upon it now that it’s in my rear view mirror.
I thought my PhD was going to be the ultimate pursuit of new knowledge where I could focus on the intricate details of cellular and molecular biology in cancer. There has been some degree of that, of course, but a lot more of my energy has been dedicated to pointless meetings, conflict resolution, and people management.
One thing is for sure: I’ve learnt more about myself during this PhD than anything else.
I’m not actively promoting my blog but I don’t wish to hide it either. If my friends, family or colleagues find it, I’m okay with that.
I don’t know who out there is reading this blog, but whoever you are, thank you for sharing in this journey with me.
Photo by sarah Mahmuda on Unsplash
