||The One Where I Got My Doctorate||

Having a doctorate degree is not the end of the line, it is just the beginning. It signifies that the responsibility of enriching the field and minds of people have been passed on and one is expected to contribute in it.

I am lucky enough to have such parents who do not care what society says as far as my career choices are concern, but that did not prevent them from getting affected!

 In a time when flaunting synonymies with existence, I tried not to showcase my academic journey of last 5 years and 3 months to be precise; which, to some might look, that I was having a time of my life and the degree was just handed to me on a silver platter!

To them, I say thank you…because had you not underestimated me, I would not have doubled my efforts.

To those who said that I was wasting my time, I say thank you, had you not criticized me, I would not have prepared myself in such a way that got me appreciation from my idols who are stalwarts.

To those who said that I should have had an appropriate amount of savings by now to be happy, I say thank you because you were right I do not have savings and have educational loan but there is a slight chance that future generation may read my reference in their texts, and believe it or not that makes me happy!

To all those people who said that a PhD could be bought, I say thank you…..because I felt so sorry for the state of R&D(Research and Development) in our country (and also mentality of people, but one thing at a time), that I gave every ounce of my energy and mental peace into it just so I can finish mine as soon as possible.

I am not the same person as I was when I started it.

My surroundings got changed.
People with whom I interacted on a daily basis got changed.
My residence got changed.
My city got changed.
My outlook got changed.
My temperament got changed.
I got to know what depression looks like.
I got strength from unexpected places.
I made new acquaintances which gave me a sense of belonging.

....And few constants who genuinely feels happy for me, to those, I owe incredibly.

And most importantly I got one permanent roommate who has been incredibly patient through all these madness!

So to ALL who remain ready to criticize, it is just a humble request that please do not discourage anyone who wants to go into academics and research because it, in itself, is one of the hardest career choices. You may not understand something but that does not diminish the value of the same.

And to those who want to get into the academic sector; it is incredibly self satisfying, however, if you want to flaunt your bank balance or photographs of foreign tours you might need to wait a bit longer. It is nerve wrecking in a world of social media so if you do decide to go into R&D, surround yourself with people who will never give up on you; even more, when you want to give up on yourself.

#StayBlessed