The journey had already been shaped by hardship, perseverance, hard work, dedication, humility and planning.
There had also been interventions from people who saw potential in me and decided to help. Then there were unforeseen events that created much-needed twists and relief.
And, as I reflected in Post 25, there were events for which different people could offer very different explanations. Science may speak of probability, circumstances, cause and effect. Religion or spirituality may offer explanations involving God, ancestors or some greater purpose. Neither necessarily provides a conclusive explanation for the entire sequence of events.
All of this had now brought me to another chapter of my life.
I was going to pursue a PhD.
Another Kind of Challenge
A PhD requires a clear plan, clear and realistic objectives, dedication and sustained hard work.
These were not entirely new demands.
Throughout my journey, I had already been required to develop many of these qualities, sometimes without even recognising that I was doing so.
When financial difficulties threatened my studies, I had learned to identify the immediate problem and focus on what was within my control. When I needed employment, I developed a plan and continued applying. When professional registration became important, I deliberately pursued it.
Now the objective was different, but the approach was familiar.
Looking backwards, it almost seems as though life had been preparing me for what came next.
But was it?
Was life really preparing me for a PhD, or does it only look like preparation because I now know where the journey eventually led?
That is difficult to answer.
What I do know is that by the time the PhD opportunity arrived, I had already developed many of the qualities I would need to pursue it.
The Scholarship Changed the Equation
There was also one major difference between this stage and some of my earlier experiences at university.
This time, I had funding.
The PhD opportunity came with a scholarship that covered registration and tuition fees. It also provided a monthly stipend that catered for my living expenses and more.
For someone whose educational journey had repeatedly been complicated by financial difficulties, that mattered.
For once, the immediate struggle was not simply about finding enough money to remain at university.
But having funding did not mean that the journey would suddenly become straightforward.
The PhD would bring challenges of its own.
It would also bring friendships, professional networks, international travel and experiences that I could not have imagined when I first started university.
My world was about to become considerably bigger.
Join the conversation
When you look back at your own journey, have there been experiences that only later appeared to have been preparing you for something you could not see at the time?
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