Leaning into the academic virtual world—Ups and Downs, around and around
The COVID19 pandemic has led to many of us leaning on the internet like never before. However, this has been my reality for the past four years, even if it was augmented in 2020. You see, I’m at the end of a dual PhD trajectory which means that I’ve used the internet in many necessary, innovative ways.
Ups
The internet played an integral part in my trajectory of successfully navigating doing a PhD in two countries, with four supervisors and a constant sense of instability. The internet meant that I could arrange team meetings with my entire team even if at unorthodox hours for some of us. This was important to get everyone’s input on important project decisions and data interpretation. The internet also facilitated my access to resources from both institutions, a major plus in my books as I seemingly had the opportunity to view almost any academic paper and download many an academic software. Toward the end of my PhD trajectory, the internet facilitated my continued connection to SHE as I was able to be a part of the organizing committee for both mini-SHE academy in 2020 and SHE academy 2021. Another benefit as this opportunity contributed to my leadership and organization skill-building, both of which are critical to my academic progress.
Like many other PhDs, the internet was critical to successfully finishing my final PhD project which required me not only to conduct online surveys but also interview participants in a cyber environment!
Downs
Leaning into the virtual world was the source for a few misunderstandings during my PhD and occasional feelings of isolation. Has anyone else recognized this? While I was stationed at either university, I was able to take part in many conversations over tea or coffee. However, as I transitioned into a more remote situation, as many of us did during the pandemic, it was quite easy to suddenly feel a bit isolated. However, efforts such as the online coffee breaks at SHE and planned meetings with my SHE peers made things feel a lot better!
I also realized that for me, doing everything online is a lot more exhausting that in person! I had to quickly learn to schedule breaks between meetings, times to debrief after a big online presentation and schedule lunch that didn’t involve eating something at my laptop.
Around and around
It’s important for each of us, whenever using the internet, to consider how we present ourselves, how frequently we allow others to access us online and to consider the privacy of others when interacting online. Who can hear out conversations? When can we record a conversation? How many online meetings is enough in a day? As we spin through the pandemic and into a new normal for academic workdays, lean into the internet when it suits you but don’t forget to be mindful and take breaks.
Be well! Anique Atherley
Anique Atherley will defend her PhD on September 27, 2021, 10 am. Onsite in Maastricht!
Title: Beyond the struggles: Using social-developmental lenses on the transition to clinical training