Starting the PhD process

A picture of my little corner of the PhD office on my first day.

So I am at the end of my second proper week as a full-time PhD student! I'm not sure it still feels real yet and I am still trying to deal with all of the associated administrative, enrollment, registration related fun. Meeting lots of new people and fit in and seem impressive, whilst still being myself (especially with the supervisors) has also been the flavour of the past two weeks.

Short story that sums me up:

After attending the British Sociological Association symposium for the Death, Dying and Bereavement study group in London, I am walking into Fulham Broadway tube station discussing social theory and philosophy with my PhD supervisor. I am still trying to make a good impression, but see a Krispy Kreme stand. I halt our walking and our talking of Baudrillard as I announce I must buy doughnuts.

Hopefully this paints me as colourful or quirky rather than bizarre and abrupt. And I do love a raspberry glazed to be fair.

The task ahead seems daunting, but I am extremely excited to jump in and give it my best! I know that in months and years to come, this child-like naivety will seem ridiculous.. But we're not there yet!

I'm starting a PhD in 6 weeks..

Eep!

I'm Stephanie Mulrine, most people are lazy and refer to me as Steph, and I am about to undertake a PhD in 6 weeks time. I am excited and nervous. The balance of each of those feelings tips in differing directions on a bi-hourly basis.

I decided to start a blog for a number of reasons. The main being to have an outlet to stimulate writing and creativity. My writing is my main worry. I still don't entirely believe I am worthy of a funded PhD studentship. Writing fills me with terror. And I am well aware that leaving it all until my 3rd year will be a major disaster inducing such panicked paralysis that I may never complete. Not an option!

Another reason is to interact with other people, network, find like-minded people. A PhD seems at this moment that it could be a potentially isolating experience. So the blog is part of a strategy to combat that.

So, I suppose, a bit about me. I'm 27, I live in the North East of England with my bearded other half. I like reading, music, food, general simple pleasures. I watch too much news, 'what is too much' you might say? Top 5 male and female presenters? Too much. I love a bit of mind-numbing, trash TV.

I'll post soon a little more about the actual PhD content, but context and ego first. Obviously.

So, please, say hi and let me know what you think!