Jill Van Allen, Ed.D.的动态

Throwback to an unforgettable moment – our PhD convocation in 2016! It takes me back to the challenges I faced during my Ph.D. journey at the University of Southampton. Reflecting on how far I've come since then in my academic career fills me with gratitude. A big shoutout to my supervisors, Prof Malcolm Higgs and Professor Dean Patton, for their unwavering support and invaluable guidance throughout my studies. Special thanks to my dear friends Dr Dorrie Y. Chao (who is in the picture), Andrea Eross, Dr Ali El Dirani, Dr Saidimu Terra Leseeto ., Bernard Franklin Bempong, Nomahaza Mahadi, and many more who stood by me, motivated me, and helped me turn my dreams into reality. To those who are currently pursuing a PhD, of course it is a challenging journey, but remember, every step you take brings you closer to your goal. Here are some motivational words to keep you going and stay motivated: Believe in Yourself: You were chosen for this path because you have the potential to succeed. Trust in your abilities and the hard work you’ve put in so far. Embrace the Challenges: Every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the difficulties as they shape you into a stronger, more knowledgeable individual. Stay Connected: Lean on your peers, mentors, and loved ones. Sharing your struggles and triumphs can provide the support and encouragement you need. Celebrate Small Wins: Every milestone, no matter how small, is a step forward. Celebrate your progress and use it as fuel to keep moving. Take Care of Yourself: Your well-being is crucial. Make time for rest, hobbies, and activities that rejuvenate you. A healthy mind and body are essential for sustained success. Keep the End Goal in Sight: Remember why you started this journey. Your research has the potential to make a significant impact. Keep your vision clear and let it guide you through tough times. Good luck! #Throwback #PhDConvocation #Gratitude #AcademicJourney

I have been reflecting this week upon my official graduation of the PhD on Sep 13, 2024. When starting my PhD study back in 2019, I was filled with excitement and anticipation about the research and learning that lay ahead. However, in 2020, everything changed. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life globally, and I, too, faced its impact head-on. The entire first year of my research had to be put on hold, forcing me to reconsider how I could move forward. Having to stop all the work I had done was difficult, but it also presented an opportunity to adapt shifting my research direction. There were many uncertainties, and learning to navigate new research avenues under such unprecedented circumstances tested my resilience. It was a tough transition, but it also taught me invaluable lessons about flexibility, perseverance, and the power of adaptation. Fast forward to December 2023—after years of hard work and determination, I completed my PhD with no amendments. This achievement was a testament not just to my academic efforts but also to the resilience I developed during the pandemic. In addition to completing my PhD, I was also honoured to receive the Gold GoHerts Award, a recognition that further affirmed my commitment to personal and professional growth during my time at the university. Reflecting on these experiences, I realize that setbacks and challenges can be transformative. Resilience, persistence, and compassion—both for yourself and others—are key ingredients for success. The ability to adapt and grow from difficult situations can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes. Congratulations to all graduates Class 24 at UH. To everyone who supported along the way, and believed in me including my supervisors Professor Theo Gilbert, Professor Saskia Kersten, Dr. Li Meng, academic and professional staff, colleagues, friends, and family, I am incredibly grateful. Beyond personal accomplishment, I hope this work adds value to my field and makes a lasting impact. My goal is to push the boundaries of knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing conversations and advancements in cognitive compassionate communications in HE and beyond. I hope this story encourages others to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Whether you're navigating academic hurdles or facing personal obstacles, always remember that you have the ability to overcome them with determination and a compassionate mindset. Success is not just about achieving goals but also about how you rise above the obstacles in your path. #PhDGraduate #ImpactfulResearch #NewBeginnings #Grateful #ReadyForTheNextChapter

Theoretical framework for PhD Aspirants !!!! Precise and Comprehensive ??

Last month, I defended my dissertation, culminating a five-year journey. Surprisingly, I don’t feel like half the snob I imagined I would become after completing my doctoral program. I have been reflecting a lot over this past month about how this journey has changed me as an individual. ???????? ???? ?????? ???? ???????? ?????????? ???????????????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ???????? ??.??.??.??.?? ????????: After five years of relentless rejection from conference papers, journal submissions, job market, I got through the doctoral training, sheerly relying on my grit. Thanks to my advisor, faculty, and dear ones' faith in my capabilities, I feel 10x humbler than I was going into the program. ????????????????????: I was formerly prone to quitting at failures. However, having navigated through several failed experiments and reviewer comments that can be constructive but also cringe-inducing, I have learned how to enjoy and persevere through failure. Paralleling this approach to personal challenges, I handle confrontations with respect and evidence-based reasoning. ????????????????????????: Passionate about challenging research ideas, I learned to overcome skill gaps by self-teaching techniques that enabled me to address specific research questions. I have learned how to adapt and navigate through unique challenges both in my professional and personal life instead of just sliding them under the rug. ??????????????????????: I feel incredibly lucky to have been mentored by people who had no qualms about sharing their knowledge. One of my mentors always says that the paper is the priority, not our egos. Pre-academia me would have been very calculative about sharing anything with others. But now, I have so much more appreciation and respect for the community-first mindset. ??????????????????: Research requires enduring years of effort with uncertain outcomes, confronting disappointments like discovering pre-existing literature. As a result, I am no longer afraid of pursuing long-term goals. Fun fact - empowered by my doctoral training's mental endurance, I trained for and finished my first half-marathon. What is a trait that your job or professional experience helped you build? Please comment below, I am curious :) #phd #doctorate #highered

Reflecting on My PhD Journey: Only 3 months to go!! As I find myself in the final stages of my PhD, I am filled with a mix of pride, gratitude, and anticipation. This journey has been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience. Something which seems to have been a little different from many doctoral journeys. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on a couple of key points that have shaped my path: ?? Resilience and Perseverance: The road to a PhD is never smooth. Each obstacle taught me the importance of resilience and remaining appreciative for the support you are given. It’s about pushing through setbacks and staying committed to the end goal, even when the journey seems overwhelming. This is a learning process and it's a privilege to be part of it. ?? The Power of Collaboration: None of this would have been possible without the support and collaboration of my mentors, peers, and colleagues. Networking and collaboration are invaluable but it isn't easy. Put yourself out there, volunteer your skills, peel yourself away from the lab or keyboard and take that chance to have a conversation over a quick coffee. ?? Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and being adaptable to new things, people and situations is KEY. Fall on your feet, and land on your arse. It's a process which shapes you for the future! Maybe in a months time I'll look and think I was crazy being so enthusiastic when the hard times are likely to come as I cross the line. ?? Here is to enjoying the final stage of my learning career and the intellectual freedom that comes with it!

Helpful tips for prospective PhD students

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving into one of the most pivotal moments in any PhD student's journey: The Comprehensive Exam. It's a milestone that tests not just your knowledge, but your perseverance, critical thinking, and passion for your field. Here's what you can expect: 1. Depth and Breadth of Knowledge: Prepare to showcase not only the depth of your specific research area but also a broad understanding of your field. It's about connecting the dots across various topics. 2. Critical Thinking and Application: Expect questions that challenge you to apply your knowledge in new, unexplored ways. It's not just about what you know, but how you use that knowledge to solve problems. 3. Format Variety: Whether it's written essays, oral exams, or practical projects, the format can vary widely by program. Familiarize yourself with what your department expects. 4. Endurance Test: Comprehensive exams can be marathons, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Mental and physical preparation is key. 5. Feedback Opportunity: It's not just an exam; it's a chance to receive valuable feedback from faculty on your progress and areas for improvement. Remember, this is a journey of growth, not just an academic hurdle. You've got this! ?? ?? For more insights, including preparation tips and personal experiences, check out our latest YouTube video on the topic! Dive deeper into what awaits you in your PhD comprehensive exam and how to navigate it with confidence. Click the link to watch now and join our community of scholars on this incredible journey! ?? ??https://lnkd.in/g2fN6UJd #PhDJourney #ComprehensiveExam #AcademicSuccess #PhDAdvice

Lessons for every PhD Student

This is good to reflect on and maximize ur study time

Please #share I am not the first to earn a PhD, and I certainly won’t be the last, but receiving this email took a heavy load off my shoulders. For those who have walked this path, or are still on it, you know the journey is anything but easy. The countless hours of research, the sleepless nights, the moments of self-doubt; it all leads up to this moment. _ But this isn’t just about me. It’s about the many PhD and MSc students out there, grinding day after day, sometimes feeling like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. I want you to know that every struggle, every setback, every moment you question your worth is all part of the process. You’re not alone in this. I have faced those moments where giving up seemed easier, but trust me, the journey is worth it. _ This email from my supervisor lifted an immense burden from my mind and heart, and I pray that each of you will also experience that moment of relief and triumph. Your hard work is not in vain. Keep pushing, keep believing, and most importantly, don’t give up. I pray for your success and strength. May you all reach the finish line and feel the satisfaction of completing what you started. The world needs your brilliance and dedication; please ???? don’t deprive it of the unique contributions you’re destined to make. Stay the course. You’ve got this.