Marika (she/her) is a first year PhD student of English Literature at Swansea University doing a project in comparative literature. She is researching the presence of Giacomo Leopardi, the most important Italian author of the 19th century, in James Joyce’s masterpieces. Before moving to the UK, Marika completed a Master’s Degree in Modern Literature and Philology, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in International Communication. Marika Strano’s interests range from classical philology (with a particular focus both on Petronius and Apuleius’ novels, and on the reception of the Greek Myth in Italian and Irish Literature), to Modern Italian, Irish, English and American authors. Twitter: @GiacominoJoyce

My PhD Journey As An International Student

Marika Strano, a first-year PhD student in English Literature at Swansea University, shares her journey as an international student in her PhD program. Despite the difficulties and rejections she faced before being accepted at Swansea, Marika was thrilled when she finally received her offer to study in the UK, but she also shares the challenges of being an international student and how it affects her mental health.

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Anxiety in Academia: Using Anxiety as My Superpower  

Anxiety is a debilitating condition that can make the simplest of tasks difficult, let alone a PhD. This empowering article follows Jake’s experience with anxiety during sixth form and university, and how once he discovered research he began to view anxiety as a superpower to keep his PhD pushing forwards. He shares anxiety-reducing techniques for when it gets too much, including affirmations and breath control, and emphasises the value of accepting anxiety in your life.

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Solidarity In The Collective

It’s important to find community and support while undertaking a PhD. For Kathryn, forming a decolonisation collective held potential for friendship. In this article she reflects on the valuable lessons learned from being part of a collective, including the need for solidarity, sharing resources, and supporting one another emotionally and mentally.

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They Said I Was ‘Too Old’ – My PhD Journey

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.

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