So, as of the 1st October I am officially a doctoral candidate 🙂
And I started this journey with a chest infection … so I was very thankful (for the first time I think) that, due to the virus, everything is online and I could attend the intro events from my sofa. It’s not the same as being there, meeting people IRL, but at least there’s something.
First tasks – decide which of the research training modules would be best to start off with. As I’m part-time I know that I will have the time to leave some until next year, but I’m sure there will be some that are useful right now.
My other important task is to get my new home office sorted. The decorating has been done, the carpet is being fitted Wednesday. So Wednesday evening I can move my desk upstairs and set everything up. The other desk and the sofa won’t be here for a couple of weeks but that’s no big deal.
My daughter is going to help me put the whiteboard and shelves up later too. I’ve already put plants on the windowsill. I want to make this as comfortable and calming space as possible. After all, between working from home and working on my PhD, I will be spending a lot of time in there.
I’m remembering that I am at the beginning of my journey, my training. I am not expected to know everything, I am expected to make mistakes, I am expected to change my thoughts as I learn more. I am remembering that you only really fail if you don’t try.