Reflections about PhD studies
As I mentioned in my previous post, I began my PhD studies late last year. Currently, I am 6 months into a 3-year program, and I have come up with some realizations that I thought would be helpful for my future self to reflect on.
Shortly after I scheduled my master's thesis defense (January 2024), my thesis adviser already floated the idea of applying to the PhD by Research program. This program is designed to be finished in 3 years since it requires fewer units than the regular program, and this is often the track for students who got their master's at the same university. I was reluctant to entertain the idea of getting a PhD at first, telling people I was not ready.
But after much discernment, I decided to apply afterall. I guess just like most things in life, you will never be 100% ready. I thought I was ready when I applied for my master's. I literally wrote it on my application form word for word "I believe I am prepared for graduate study." It may have been true to some extent, but what I was not prepared for was to do graduate studies and life.
Two months into the program, my mother had a stroke. It completely changed my life and my priorities. I knew I had to step up, given that I was the primary caregiver at that time (I was the only child in the country), plus, it was the goddamn pandemic. I can't stress how that experience changed our lives. I guess that was also one factor that made me push through with my decision to stay in the country. I would have the chance to be with my parents at the same time, and work on my degree.
I got into the program. But just like during my master's, I faced a difficult challenge early on in my journey. I was not awarded a scholarship slot. Fortunately, I was blessed with financial support from other means. Now my only focus is to do my part: complete the degree.
And that leads me to my reflection about my PhD studies so far, after reading up about PhD experiences (see Knowledge Work in my Second Brain). I have come to realize that a PhD is meant to be done. It is more of a training ground, not defining your whole academic career. The real work begins after you get the degree, which basically signifies that you have demonstrated solid and independent scholarly work. Your research does not need to be groundbreaking; it just needs to contribute to something meaningful. The most important thing is to get it done, get it over with!