Back in November 2021, I wrote a blog post with the same title (almost). Things changed a tad since then and I have been successful in securing a PhD place with Falmouth University via its Environmental Futures programme.

I am incredibly excited. I’m writing this ahead of my third day of induction. I have to say, I’ve veered from excitement and I can do this to what the hell am I doing, it’s too much quite a few times. But that itch I mentioned previously still needs scratching.

At this moment, I’m still waiting to finalise in principle support via my workplace (I’m currently in full-time employment). The reality is, if I don’t earn a certain amount, I risk the security of my family and the roof over our heads. I won’t do that so there is the slim chance I won’t be able to carry on or may have to defer my PhD - it’s a sobering thought when I have yet to truly ‘begin’ but is a part of the whole PhD process.

Still having a loan to pay from my Masters, taking on more monetary burden while facing a cost of living crisis is not something I can do. Even as a mature student, I’m not from a wealthy background, this PhD isn’t just to fill time (please don’t think I’m saying for those comfortably off and doing a PhD it’s just a hobby, I’m not - but the luxury of ready money does provide the luxury of free time).

But a challenge is something I love. So I am determined to see this thing through and (for a moment) add something to the world that wasn’t there before.