Finally, I got my garden tidied up! Finally, I completed the final revision for a book I co-edited, and we are ready for the book launch. My garden was messy for the whole winter. Every time I saw it, I either blamed everyone, including myself, or tried to convince myself that I don’t have time …
I base the PhD journey on a PhD programme in the UK, so it’s the classic model with a big book thesis, and a private oral examination or viva. For a full-time programme, you’ll have four years to submit your thesis and five years for a part-time student. From day one, you start to meet …
Sometimes, a PhD, a relationship or a part-time job just seem too much, and nothing is working:( Take several deep breaths, let your shoulders drop, be with yourself for a few minutes. Let go of the frustration, fear or anger, and everything will work out for your growth. Smile, pick yourself up and take one …
Have you ever seen the pretty pattern on your latte? I went to my usual café for my morning working session this morning. The skilful staff made this fantastic leaf on my latte. It was like drawing with a milk jug (without a stencil) in 5 seconds. I am grateful for the service to detail. …
Do you know the story of squash and squeeze? We can all learn from it. The simple version is: An old lady lives all by herself in a small-ish house. But she feels her house is too small and constantly complains about it. So she asks a wise man for advice. The wise man tells …
This was an aha moment when I talked with my dad. My dad has been working on a large campus construction project for the last five years. The job is demanding, and he often needs to work during weekends. And he has already passed his retiring age; he doesn’t have to do it. But he …
An aha moment: the joy of doing things, including a PhD Read More »
My little ones have been my teacher daily: keep trying, be honest, ask for what they want, smiles at everyone, and not hold grudges, and the list goes on and on… Well, I had my lesson this Saturday when I was helping my 5-year old boy find LEGO pieces. He’ll ask me to find a …
1 lesson I learnt from my son and a box of LEGO to help complete a PhD on time Read More »
I had a workshop on how to plan and write a PhD thesis with 91 PhD candidates last week, and all the participants said they are more confident to complete their PhD on time on the feedback form. This means a lot to me. I’m doing what I am genuinely passionate about: teaching, sharing my …
Are you a mum with little ones, and are you doing a PhD? If your answers are yes, and yes, this blog is for you. First and foremost, you’re a superwoman. I applaud you. I know how challenging it can be to conduct a PhD research, without taking care of little children as well. But …
