Page 71 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 5 | June - July 2024

How did your life experiences prior to pursuing your PhD
contribute to your academic work? Our life experiences shape our perspectives and approaches to

In my professional field, I’ve realised that early childhood experiences aspects of life, including academia, and I chose to focus on personal
growth and learning rather than striving to outperform my peers
heavily shape one’s life. While I had a good upbringing, I acknowledge academically. Refraining from comparing yourself to others allows
imperfections in every family. Effective coping and access to support you to rely on your own abilities to tackle your academic pursuits
and resources significantly impact our outlook on life. Due to
limited professional help and social support, I sought answers Did you encounter any biases or stereotypes due to starting your
through spiritual practices like meditation, which I’ve continued. academic career later in life, particularly as a woman?
This journey helped me discern between spirituality and religion, I didn’t face any biases or stereotypes as such, mainly because my
influencing my academic pursuits. Understanding consciousness chosen field of study was women-centric. Even if I had chosen a
became crucial in my field, and my spiritual insights enhanced different field, however, I believe my life experiences would have
my comprehension of psychological principles. This inspired me prepared me to address challenges effectively.
to continually pursue self-education and professional development
to deepen my understanding of humanity. What accomplishments are you most proud of in your academic
career?

How did you balance family, work, and academic responsibilities
during your studies? I take immense pride in completing my PhD despite encountering

numerous obstacles along the way. My father’s brain injury and my
It’s worth noting that during my PhD journey, I was already single, own health challenges presented significant hurdles that I had to
and didn’t have children. Furthermore, I was studying abroad, not navigate independently. Eventually, I identified the root cause of
in Thailand. While I didn’t face the same pressures as women my health issues and sought appropriate treatment. Through these
with families, I did experience significant pressure from my own experiences, I learned to rely on my own capabilities, which greatly
family. To maintain equilibrium, I made it a point to visit them bolstered my confidence. In essence, my PhD journey enabled
regularly, at least twice a year. Financially, although I was given me to streamline my thought processes, leading to the resolution
support, I was teaching extensively at the university, to make up for of numerous personal and professional challenges. Today, I have a
my living expenses. I will forever be grateful to my parents for their profession that I can leverage throughout my lifetime.
unconditional support in many aspects during my studies.
In what ways do you think academia can better support individuals
What advice would you give other women considering pursuing who pursue their academic careers later in life?

a PhD and an academic career later in life. I believe the answer to this question largely depends on individual
It’s clear that individuals pursuing a PhD come from diverse life personality. For those who are independent by nature, academia
backgrounds, so I’d rather share the insights gained from my own may align well with their preferences. Additionally, academia can
journey, which could provide valuable guidance to others on this accommodate individuals seeking a different lifestyle. Academics
path. In my view, the decision to do a PhD largely depends on have the freedom to work on their own terms, such as choosing their
one’s passion for the subject matter and their ability to persevere. teaching schedule and designing course content according to their
It’s essentially a trial of endurance. If someone is deeply passionate preferences. They also have the autonomy to pursue research and
about their field or motivated by the career they envision, they are publish papers based on their interests.
more likely to pursue it later in life. Another critical factor is your
PhD supervisor – it’s essential that they have firsthand knowledge of Moreover, academia fosters personal growth and development.
the project’s subject matter, and a genuine interest in the candidate’s Pursuing a PhD later in life allows individuals to enrich their research
success. Additionally, if the project stems from the candidate’s own perspectives with their life experiences. Finding fulfilment in a field
ideas, it fosters a sense of ownership and autonomy throughout the of passion can significantly contribute to emotional, psychological,
process. and mental wellbeing.

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