In my previous job, I was working in a local authority for Active Harborough Activity Alliance as an Assistant Physical Activity Development Officer. With it being my first job out of University, it was a brilliant stepping stone as it introduced me to the world of work and gave me a chance to adjust from student life to the professional community.
I was in post for 9 months and learnt a lot about how the 'system' works with regards to funding, commissioning and where local government fits within that. I got the chance to liaise with many different professionals in the field and I thoroughly enjoyed every second with such an awesome, supportive and sociable team.
I thought I would never look back and consider further study - especially given the challenges I’ve faced personally over the past couple of years whilst studying for my undergraduate degree. I loved Leeds Beckett University and the degree was perfect for me, but I've found it difficult not to have negative associations with studying due to what was happening in my personal life at the time. However I fought hard, finished my UG with a 1st and did myself bloody proud. I had considered studying for a MSc in Public Health/Physical Activity/Nutrition, but only if I thought this would enhance my opportunities to get involved in more clinical work in obesity and metabolic disease.
I hadn't seriously considered a PhD up until now, I didn’t think I had the right personality for it. I remember my Athletics coach (who was also a lecturer) disagreeing and said that I possessed all the key attributes to be successful in academia.
I didn’t believe that for a while – but when my current Director of Studies approached me regarding this PhD, I started to ask myself ‘what if it is possible?' 'I'm more resilient now, maybe I could do this?’. I was SO passionate and excited about the topic just from reading the brief – my face lit up every time I re-read the Studentship advert and I couldn't stop thinking of - I couldn’t ignore that feeling, so I went ahead and applied!
I did a lot of preparation for the interview and I'm grateful that the panel of academics chose me to receive the excellence bursary. I couldn’t believe it. My DoS was so complimentary and reassured me that I had what it takes to succeed. That was great to hear after all the tough times I had fought through in UG studies.
My PhD is investigating how healthcare professionals can promote physical activity more effectively in patients with diabetes. It is the PERFECT topic for me - I couldn't think of anything else I would rather do a PhD in. I've always wanted to work in the field of health promotion and diabetes/obesity, especially after I completed a placement at Leicester Diabetes Centre in 2016.
You never really know if career changes are 100% the right decision at the time, but I just had to go with my heart on this one. I loved my job as an Assistant PADO but I didn't feel challenged and it wasn’t quite scientific enough for me. I like to keep advancing my knowledge, be pushed and develop in ways I thought I couldn't.
This PhD is definitely going to be my biggest challenge yet - so many people have said it's a rollercoaster process but a valuable learning experience. I'm sure there will be hard times when I want to give up or I don't feel good enough to complete it...but I can tell already that my supervisory team are super supportive and I could go to them if I needed anything.
I'm very lucky to be in this position and there's so much fire in my belly about the effect my research could have in the field of health - so, LET'S DO THIS!
Here's to attaining my doctorate in 2023! (and looking as happy as Mum & I did here for my UG!)
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