Coping with Challenges on the PhD Journey with Rachel Campbell

The PhD Life Raft Podcast

Rachel Campbell completed her PhD in visual culture, celebrity studies, and musicology. Her thesis, 'The image of musical celebrity in the Nineteenth Century' considers the way visual representations of musicians influenced how they were seen as celebrities through analysis of oil portraits, busts, prints and other ephemera. She also holds a Bachelor of Music (First Class Honours) and is a professional musician and has been a music teacher for nearly 20 years. She has three children who play 8 musical instruments between them, and so in her spare time you can find her playing D&D (her current character is a Paladin called Florence Lightbringer) to try to escape the noise.

In this episode Rachel shares her unique journey into academia, having started her university education later in life after having children. Rachel discusses the initial motivations for pursuing a doctorate and how she navigated through the tough times and challenges during her PhD journey.

Rachel opens up about significant life events that occurred during her PhD, including her mother's battle with breast cancer and the end of her marriage. She talks about the importance of recognizing when you need a break and taking that time to prioritize personal well-being. Rachel emphasizes the need for self-compassion and modeling positive behaviors, especially for children, while pursuing a PhD.

Rachel shares her ‘happy ending’ and the fulfillment she finds in her current role and encourages other PhD researchers to “back themselves” as their undertake their doctoral journey.

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

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