It has been a year since I defended my PhD. A year since I was called Dr. Le Busque for the first time and well, what a year it has been. Since that time the world has changed drastically for everyone. This has made my reflections even more interesting. I remember the Viva day vividly, how nervous I was, yet how prepared I felt. I was honestly just so ready for it to be done.
Now when I look back, I genuinely remember the day as an extremely positive experience. One full of pride and relief. Going back to the office and telling my colleagues that I passed. Calling mum and telling her I did it! Popping the most expensive bottle of champagne I have had in my life with my partner. Although the journey wasn’t over on Viva day, as I had minor changes to make to my thesis and all of the administration requirements to complete, it felt like the most pivotal day of the PhD journey.
In the Instagram post that I published when I shared that I had passed my Viva I wrote, “I don’t actually know if I’ve ever been genuinely, genuinely proud of myself, but today I am”. This still stands true for me.
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