This year has brought a lot of tough, new challenges, one after another.
I am very grateful that my family and I have been able to stay in good health and have normal lives, apart from staying home. Despite all the difficult circumstances during the ongoing outbreak, as a PhD student, I was able to accomplish my goals:
- passed my PhD viva in July and concluded the degree in October
- received a job offer before the viva and started the new role straight away
- gained the opportunity to work as an editor
Hidden under these small successes were unsuccessful parts. I started applying for academic positions in November last year and submitted four applications between November and April, all of which were unsuccessful. The job-hunting period was very stressful, and there were always so many worries in my head. After my fifth application and the very first interview I was granted, I received the offer in July.
A student’s letter
In the very last session of the autumn semester, a student gave me a scanned copy of her handwritten letter to me with these words:
“You have encouraged me and given me confidence in my studies. I had a lot of tough challenges this year and have been considering taking a break from university. But you taught me to have confidence in myself, and all my classmates would agree with me. I can’t thank you enough.”
While reading, I had tears in my eyes. The autumn semester was difficult in terms of online teaching, maintaining its quality, and keeping students motivated. Almost everything was experimental in the sessions, including creating lecture videos, conducting and marking all exams online, and providing feedback. My colleagues helped a lot, offering online meetings and providing clear direction and much advice. Students and I discussed our need to maintain interactions by seeing each other’s faces online whenever possible.
PhD certificate
I received the certificate for my doctoral degree.
One more surprise ‘gift’ was that I discovered my journal paper has been cited in two papers. This made me emotional and gave me a real sense that I am part of the field and that I am valued. I really cannot say enough how grateful and how lucky I feel.
