Raising consciousness will not save the world -- but it's possible that social conscience will.
The start of my second year brings me out of silence, and into questions about what kind of academic I want to be.
Reflections on the PhD process, and preparing for the year ahead.
My style of learning and understanding has completely changed -- and now I understand the point of a PhD.
In the scramble for limited funding, it's a game of hurry up and wait -- for students and departments alike.
The important role of procrastination in the intellectual process: maybe it's not just laziness.
In moving from details to the big picture thinking, I suffered a crisis of confidence and discovered that a PhD is about a lot more than intellect.
After a formidable search through the social science departments of Scotland, I found the perfect fit: a place with radical politics, a visionary attitude, and helpful people.
The beautiful sensation of seeing everything fall into place, just for a moment: an intellectual high.
The flu, from a PhD perspective: not what I expected.
September 13, 2006 - Category: Column
Topics:
education,
phd
Reflections at the start of my PhD.
