#PhD and #AcademicChatter, I see lots of 'stuff' here on Twitter about the PhD journey.

Much of what I see is negative.

Perhaps it's just the accounts I follow, the current 2020 mood, COVID challenges... I'm not sure, to be fair.

A PhD positive thread:

My journey has been really positive. I'm a part-time student of the Education faculty. My PhD is #qualitativeresearch looking at the experiences of teachers of Italian in Victorian secondary schools, focusing on strengths, challenges and teacher generated theory.

I have been blessed with brilliant supervisors and a super supportive uni administration. Despite the hard work, long hours, and sacrifices I've made to get here, I am really enjoying it. Being able to dedicate myself to something I am really passionate about is such...

a privilege. As a person I'm really intrinsically motivated and I thrive on independent work, so the current set-up is working for me.

Is it easy? No.

I have a 6 mth old and a 2.5 yr old who dictate when and how I study. I am up at 5:30 every morning to work in peace.

Thankfully, I find my content stimulating and motivating enough to keep me at it every single day.

I'm 4 years down and fast approaching my mid-can review. Ethics done. Data collection done. Data organised and analysed. I'm ready to start the discussion.

I guess my reason for this thread is to reach out to those thinking about going down the PhD route, or who are perhaps new to this kind of study. Remind yourself why you are here, what you can offer the world, knowledge and society, and take it all as it comes.

Yes, there will be challenges. This isn't easy. But please remind yourself of joys along the journey. Find ways to thrive, practice self-care, take breaks, ask for help, reach out and connect with others, stay social.

Lots of people want to help you on your journey.