Lauren Smith is an autistic author and PhD student at the University of Glasgow. Her research focuses on holistic wellbeing within alternative provision settings. Lauren is the founder of A Different Perspective CIC, a community group supporting young autistic people and their families. You can find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADP1998 Her website is: https://www.adifferentperspective.info/

The Journey to Authenticity in Academia

‘If a PhD is to be an ordeal – and indeed, it is – then let it be an ordeal wherein you find meaning in something that is true to yourself’. This article explores the feelings of imposter syndrome and the pressures to follow academic trends at the start of your PhD journey, disconnecting you from your true interests. A translation project helped the author realise the value of embracing his authentic self and focusing on what truly resonates with him. By shifting to linguistics and translation studies, the author found fulfilment and meaning in his research.

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