Donna L. Halper’s PhD journey began after she lost her job in radio and wanted to reinvent herself as a full-time educator. However, being in her 50s and a woman applicant meant that she faced rejection from several universities, making her determined to prove them wrong.
This article explores the challenges, doubts and pressures faced during the pursuit of a PhD. It takes a close look at how PhD candidates are chosen, highlighting the need for looking into the scientific character of the candidate and their way of thinking rather than just focusing on academic achievements alone. The narrative also highlights coping strategies, advocating for resilience and self-reflection. Ultimately, it offers motivation to others, encouraging them to persevere in their pursuit of knowledge and passion in the face of adversity.
This article details the experience of a Professional Doctorate student (and full-time working parent) suddenly becoming aware that she has ADHD – being given a new, neurodivergent lens through which to see herself, and the additional challenges (and solutions) that it brings to a PhD journey. The article offers solutions for coping with a neurodivergent brain in a world generally designed for neurotypical ways of functioning.
Are you a PhD student with ADHD, autism and/or mental health difficulties, or want to find out how you can support those who do?
In this article, our Editor-in-Chief reflects on a compilation of our top articles featuring impactful stories of perseverance from neurodivergent PhDers. These five writers all offer valuable support on how to navigate the PhD and prioritise wellbeing in the face of challenges posed by neurodivergence in an unaccommodating world. If the summaries sound good, you can enjoy the full articles for yourself (click the titles to open in a new tab)!
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