Less than 4 months left of "PhD life" Out of 4 years! Where did the time go! They all said it would go fast, they weren't kidding! So as you do when things are coming to an end, I've been reflecting on my time. A thread follows of a few of my thoughts...

"Have an answer ready for when the panel ask you why as a mature person (age 34) you want to start a PhD now" was advice I got.

Erm Why not!

A PhD is a learning experience, a journey of discovery & of personal development. Age shouldn't be a barrier

All academics aren't equal. After all.... they are just people too. Get out into the community specific to your research and the wider field, you will find the helpful, good folk. Ignore the unhelpful, snobby, ego centric ones. Its their loss.. they can't all be cool

Fieldwork. I was a team of one and some days it was tough & lonely...I can't deny. But I will miss that forest! I found confidence in making decisions, resilience born out of things going wrong, fitness from running around like a headless chicken... with a wheel barrow

On day one I was overwhelmed by the amount of articles to read on my subject. Advice : Just stick with it. It gets easier. I love reading now & writting up, it's cool... Weird huh Finally got that chance to link all the ideas in my head and put them down on paper!

Publishing papers! Brutal, weeks writing & rewriting stuff only to receive reviewers comments that floor you like someone drove a stake through your heart..

Take a day off, drink tea (helps to solve problems) & realise these reviewers are actually helping you. Appreciated!

PhD friends....essential! Having folks that are going through similar stages, struggling and winning, good times and bad, all helped to keep me from sinking during the darkest days and I am looking forward to hearing all of them say that they are officially Dr!

I have met some lovely people along this journey and I've had some amazing experiences too. The simple reason why I chose to do a PhD... It was exactly for those things! It's a huge privilege to undertake a PhD and for that I am grateful, Thanks @e3dtp @Forest_Research @UK_CEH