Many people have looked at my PhD with scepticism. 20+ papers in 3 years, is rare, raising questions and concerns.
Understanding some context could help.
I spent my teen years and most of my early adult life in Nepal in great deprivation like many other millenials. 1/n
Understanding some context could help.
I spent my teen years and most of my early adult life in Nepal in great deprivation like many other millenials. 1/n
Life then in Nepal was life now most places during the COVID-19 pandemic, an analogy you can relate to.
Because of political instability, we frequent strikes, curfews frequently (~ violent Lockdown); load shedding (it's power cut off > 18 hrs in a day, yes in a day). 2/n
Because of political instability, we frequent strikes, curfews frequently (~ violent Lockdown); load shedding (it's power cut off > 18 hrs in a day, yes in a day). 2/n
Can you believe that we still get water in our taps only few hours every 10 days.
We wake up at 3 am, use electric pumps to pump water into tanks, and spend water sensibly for the next 10 days. We strategically plan who takes bath each day with least water. 3/n
We wake up at 3 am, use electric pumps to pump water into tanks, and spend water sensibly for the next 10 days. We strategically plan who takes bath each day with least water. 3/n
At work 3/4 teaching staff shared a computer, had limited speed of internet, we waited our turns to use computer to make teaching slides.
We work 6 days a week at the Uni/ Hospital, spent 12 hrs everyday at work (includes commute). 4/n
We work 6 days a week at the Uni/ Hospital, spent 12 hrs everyday at work (includes commute). 4/n
I worked 2-3 days in the clinics, lectured ~ 12 hrs/wk other days. I reached home at about 7pm, dinner, and would sit down to prepare 4 lectures. I worked on research 12 pm to 2 am most days for 3 years. I published 3 papers in these 3 years. 5/n
Only day off was Saturday, I worked for Nepal Health Professional Council to improve physio regulation for Nepal and contributed to physio association @NeptaNepal activities including organizing conferences. Seeing family & friends and their aches was my weekend passtime. 6/n
Internet was slow, damn slow. You could load a page, go out to cook a dish by the time a page would load. We had no access to online databases. Downloading 1 article took 1 hour. Uploading my 1st paper in Editorial Manager took me 10 days. The pdf proof wouldn't download. 7/n
It brought tears to my eyes and I realized how deprived I was. Although my life seemed normal to be back home when I was living it.
On day 1, I promised myself, I will achieve as much as possible and gain most during this PhD.
I knew the worth of what I was offered. 9/n
On day 1, I promised myself, I will achieve as much as possible and gain most during this PhD.
I knew the worth of what I was offered. 9/n
I had the plans set at day 1, @ithinkwellHugh resources were instrumental. I sticked 2 plans and checked weekly. I had in fact completed most of my work in 2 yrs. I spent yr 3 of PhD learning new stuff outside of PhD and visiting labs and presenting internationally. 10/n
Some colleague back in Nepal had destroyed my research and teaching data in my computer. But in New Zealand, I had everyone who were supportive. Everyone did their job, and I could focus on my own research and writing. I received all support I needed. 11/n.
Let's leave PhD and 23 publications beside. Research is not only thing people from developing countries learn when they come to developed countries. We had no traffic lights that worked in Nepal. I learned how to cross traffic intersections, use pedestrian crossings.... 12/n
Learned how to greet people, use debit cards, or just order at Subway. Everything is so new. Even English language is different in every country, & so are language. That takes time. 13/n
Have you ever thought how hard it is to drive in a country which has traffic rules and (most) people follow it. That's another steep learning curve.
I got married 3 months after starting PhD and living with someone other than you is also another learning experience. 14/n
I got married 3 months after starting PhD and living with someone other than you is also another learning experience. 14/n
The main point is that life here in New Zealand is easy (at least for us). There is just no stress.
My PhD was like a 3 year long vacation (thanks everyone who are associated with it). I made most use of resources I was given, took weekends off... 15/n
My PhD was like a 3 year long vacation (thanks everyone who are associated with it). I made most use of resources I was given, took weekends off... 15/n
I went out for vacations (locally & internationally) with @Anupa_Pathak. These re energize my body, mind and spirit. I knew I had to go back where I came from, where I will not get all these luxuries. I had to get most out of my PhD. I just did that. 16/n
Different students come from different contexts, rather than doubting someone's work, we should all try to understand different people have different life contexts, life goals and priorities. My PhD is my professional development steps for me 17/n
It shouldn't be compared with someone else's work, nor someone else should be patronised by giving my work as an example. This doesn't and shouldn't set high bars for a PhD. Nor PhD students should be discouraged to set high bars for themselves. @WCPT1951 18/n
Every student is unique, every PhD is too. Try to understand individual contexts, individual students and assess their PhD in the context of their own work. Not in relation to others'. Appreciate good work, provide constructive feedback 2 help improve otherwise. @IASPpain 19/n
When someone criticises someone else's work, share this to show them a perspective of one student. Other students have their own contexts and stories. Each is unique. Let's support future scientists and not discourage or demoralise them. Amen 🙏 20/20
PS, if you ever were hungry for food a few days and finally you find food. What did you do, or what would u do? And u don't know whether u will get to eat again. Writing was the same experience for me. 😊
