It’s all been leading to this…

I guess it seems quiet on the PhD thesis front, but it isn’t. As you’ll know from my last update, I have submitted my thesis, and this is where another chapter begins (if that makes sense!). 

Given my Viva Voce is really close now, presumably my examination committee are reading, or have read my thesis, and will be collaborating on questions ahead of the exam discussion.

I am deep in the preparation period too. From my perspective I have read books, attended classes, watched videos and read a plethora of blogs on what to expect in the Viva from the examiners; I have consumed multiple chapters / watched videos on how I should conduct myself, and even read repeated advice on what I should wear to the exam. Some of the reading has been comforting and even makes me look forward to the opportunity to talk about my research, but on the opposite side of the coin, you don’t have to look too hard or too long to find ‘stories’ which are utterly horrifying. For every positive experience, there is a darker perspective, and a deep detailed account of a nightmare Viva that went horribly wrong.

I’ve taken a step back from all that now, and I’m centring myself in my work and focussing on the things I can control, like remembering why I am so passionate about my research, why it was incredibly important to me to write it in the first place, and of course relocate myself in my arguments, my theories, my outcomes, while being reflexive on its limitations, because after all, this is just one person’s research. However, I do hope it teases others into engaging in a similar approach to filmmaking theory.

But first things first, I am doing everything I can to pass this exam. I want to be able to share my thesis. I really believe it has much to offer… but it does of course remain to be seen if the examiners agree.

Wish me luck ☘️