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Uncharted Waters: Riding the tides of my PhD Journey.
The PhD journey is filled with challenges, discoveries, moments of self-doubt and sometimes fear. Additionally, the PhD journey also comes with excitement, growth and many wins. As I navigate this path, the experiences, lessons and struggles of completing a PhD are too valuable to hoard. That is why I have started The Academic Odyssey. The blog is a safe space to document my journey. It allows me to share insights and connect with like minds on a similar path.
WHY THE ACADEMIC ODYSSEY?
An odyssey is more than just a journey, the adventure comes with unknowns, trials and moments of triumph. A PhD is exactly that, a long treacherous voyage through research, writing, and a life totally dedicated to academia. The highs and lows, ebbs and flows, obstacles and breakthroughs, are sometimes synonymous to being shipwrecked on an uninhabited island. Through it all, there is learning, resilience, and personal growth. This blog will capture it all!
EMBRACING THE JOURNEY?
The Academic Odyssey is a mix of personal reflections and practical advice. I will share journal-style posts about my experiences, the struggles, the wins, and everything in between. As I navigate the journey, I will share:
Academic Insights on writing, productivity, conferences and research challenges.
Lessons learned along the way, from dealing with procrastination, impostor syndrome to staying motivated.
Discussion on the PhD experience, taking care of your mental health, work life balance and the realities of academia.
Whether you are a PhD student or thinking of starting your PhD, this is your safe space! It is also a safe space if you are just curious about academia.
LET’S GET PERSONAL.
This is my second semester and already I am introduced to deep research through my graduate assistant work. I have developed new strategies to tackle procrastination. I have also experienced moments of excitement. For example, I won the top doctoral student presenter prize of US$1000. This was at the recently concluded Research Association of Minority Professors conference 2025 in Mississippi, USA.
WELCOME ABOARD!
The Academic Odyssey is a space for honest conversations, shared experiences and navigating the academic space. I would love to hear from you. Share your topics of interest, your struggles, wins, and any questions you have about the PhD experience. Meet me in the comments and let’s embark on this journey together.
Monique
Monique Oates is now pursuing Doctoral Studies at Prairie View A&M University in Texas, USA. She is a native of Jamaica and holds a Master’s degree from University College Birmingham. Monique completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of the West Indies. She also obtained teacher certification from the College of Agriculture, Science & Education. Monique is the mother of two teenage children who have embarked on the PhD journey alongside her.
2 responses to “Uncharted Waters: Riding the tides of my PhD Journey.”
Great initiative! I firmly believe we learn best through sharing. When I embarked on my terminal degree, it was driven by a promise to myself: to prove that the professors who taught me were not inherently more knowledgeable or aware than I was. Their greatest contribution was dispelling the myth that PhD holders are superhuman. Initially, it felt like venturing into the unknown, but by the end of the first session, I realized I belonged and felt like a leader among my peers. To anyone hesitant, just start—the rest is easy.
Thank you Dr. Wright, my first semester definitely felt like venturing into unknown waters. As time progresses, I am coming into my own, sharing my experiences with my colleagues and embarking on this blog. There are many PhD students out there who are not coping, I hope that my small effort, through this blog will be the lighthouse they need to guide them safely home.