I’m freeeee!! I had the viva part of my Early Stage Assessment yesterday and I’m relieved to say that I passed. I say relieved rather than any other adjective because that was the overwhelming feeling I had yesterday. That and wanting to sleep.
It’s all exciting, but this past week has really emphasised that balance is key. A lull in PhD life isn’t necessarily bad, but you just have to keep that momentum going and no one else is going to do that for you. I’m finding that it’s difficult to focus on much with my assessment looming over my head, so it’s nice to have a break from intensely working on my project. I’m sure things will pick up again on that side of things next week.
My overwhelming feeling right now is gratitude to be honest, yes I’m stressed and worried, but I am so grateful to the people around me. The ones who are giving up their time to help with my presentation, to give me feedback, to do run throughs with me, to hug me when I cry and listen when I’m just talking. Many say PhD life is lonely, but right now I feel surrounding by people who care.
I need to keep that Impostor Syndrome monster at bay, because it’s really not going to help my progress or productivity. Rationally and logically I know that, I just need to find a way to remember that consistently, because I know things are going pretty well. I have some results and I have some progress…more and more each week. That really is a great thing to be proud of.
Shruti's PhD 