'a long lonely climb'
Before I allow myself to moan about research, may I direct you to this witty rhyme I found on a PhD survival forum, and a reflection on a project's process and end: *smile*
1) fairjanet says:
Hi,
I'm an Austrian PhD student writing about poetry in performance in the UK, and it's been a bit lonely so far because I haven't found anyone to discuss my work with. Does anyone know other PhD students who are writing about poetry in English? Or does anyone know how I could find them? Write to every single department in every single UK college?
Cheers,
Julia N
(www.fairjanet.at/phdthesis.htm)
Ann replies:
An Austrian student named Ju
Just didn't know what to do
High and low did she seek
For someone she could speak
To regarding the work that they do
I'm sorry I can't help this time
For science my work is, not rhyme
But I hope that you find
One of similar mind
As research is a long lonely climb
Perhaps write to those in your field
At conferences keep your eyes peeled
And hopefully fate
Will find you a mate
Fellow researchers will be revealed!
[Good luck - please forgive me for the terrible 'poem'!]
2)
'... instead of focusing on intent or outcome per se, I am trying to remind myself that what counts are discernment, flexibility, and completion. Evaluate on a regular basis the state of the project to see where I am and where I can go. Change course as needed and desired (small/big, many/few, diff. ideas to try, etc.), and no matter what, finish it in some way: maybe the idea was a dead end, but be sure to note the lessons and package what I have done so that it can be presented...'
by James