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/

When Dreams Fall Apart: Mental Health and New Beginnings in Academia and Beyond

In this motivational article, the author reflects on his mental health journey of realising teaching wasn’t his dream job after all and starting over in an academia-adjacent career. The article highlights the value of clear boundaries between work and home, of prioritising mental health in academia and beyond, and of being brave enough to choose another road when you reach a dead end.

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The Week Before My Viva

Sue Lynn Mah shares her experience preparing for and passing her PhD viva in her article. In the week leading up to the big day, she re-read her thesis, had a mock viva with her supervisor, practiced explaining her work to people outside of her field, and printed out a physical copy of her thesis. Her tips for viva success include picking out your outfit in advance and practicing your elevator pitch.

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