Approaching the finish line

With just four more weeks of  lectures, followed by a month of Easter ‘break’ and a two-week long exam period, I have less than 11 weeks ahead of me. And as it is with all races,  the last stretch is when you really have to summon all the energy, determination and skill and give it your all in your final sprint towards the finish line. And while you build on your past performance, the final sprint will make the difference. Thankfully, while I want to finish ‘first’, in my race, more people can (and hopefully will) be awarded the same for their efforts. In this last push, the intensity is immense and really testing my abilities. I feel like a fireman, running to solve one crisis and just when I put out the fire, another bursts out somewhere else, calling for my attention. This requires flexibility and great determination and, above all, not panicking. I feel like there is a lack of balance in my life right now as all I do is study-related. Weekends blend with workdays and there is only little time for sleep, socializing is almost non-existent. Thankfully, my commitment is strong and I can rely on the support from my friends and family. Not having to worry about finances at the moment, thanks to the Foundation, is also a huge relief. I also must admit that I enjoy the pressure as I am never idle or bored. I feel lucky that I am enthusiastic for what I do. I enjoy working with my highly knowledgeable supervisor on my dissertation. I really appreciate the opportunity to enter into a career mentoring scheme whereby I can forge strong relationship with an experienced professional to give me guidance in the months to come. Finally, I feel immensely lucky to be able to be in touch with inspiring professors that really do care about their students’ future. I hope that future is bright.