Page 68 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 5 | June - July 2024

RESILIENCE

Reinvention
and

Inspiring stories of women in the community
who’ve pursued their PhDs after turning 40.
B Y R UB Y SIRINAR ANG

recently had the opportunity to interview two remarkable Thai-Indian women who
embarked on the journey of pursuing a PhD after turning 40, despite encountering setbacks
and challenges in their lives. Reflecting on my own aspirations for doctoral studies, I’ve
encountered numerous women who never considered academia in their 40s. Questions
arise: Why pursue further education? What’s the purpose? Some argue life is fleeting,
so why bother? Yet, dressing up and showing up is one thing; summoning the resilience
and courage to pursue advanced degrees is quite another. Is it merely acquiring another
certificate, or does it epitomise genuine resilience and empowerment? Masala spoke to
two such women who found the grit and determination to pursue academia later in life.

68 | MASALA MAGAZINE JUN-JUL 2024