My Journal
First day of my PhD Journey
15 SEP 2024
After getting admitted to this PhD program, I had my schedule registered late due to some technical problems. I am finally here, starting the first day of my PhD journey. I was excited to join the first class with Professor Abdulaziz. As I joined the class, a discussion was already going on, and they all welcomed me; I felt honoured to be a part of this group. I tried to catch up and see the missing assignments my classmates had.
I am travelling to attend my class
29 SEP 2024
​Since I have not settled, I had to rent a hotel this week, which is very close to the graduate building. I struggled with transportation as I am not a big Uber fan and always like to drive to work and school. However, once we started our class, I saw that it was worth the trip as it was enjoyable, and I learned a lot more than I expected. Our professor is well-known at my home university, so I am fortunate to be his student.
Enjoying the class
06 OCT 2024
I arrived a bit late. We had a long discussion about reading strategies. I learned a lot and will apply these strategies in other courses. This class is 4 hours long, but I never felt the time as if we enjoyed it. However, we do have a lot of assignments, but I actually enjoy learning new things as I do them.
Planning for a discussion panel
20 OCT 2024
I was absent last week, but I got notes from my classmates about what they discussed during that class. A discussion Panel date is set to be on the 3rd of November 2024 at noon. We discussed topics to be covered in the panel. I am excited to be part of a panel discussion for the first time. I like being on stage for academic presentations, as I cannot sing and have a horrible voice!
I didn't expect to be busy this semester
27 OCT 2024
Guess what! Today is my elder daughter's Birthday. She is turning 15. I had to travel to Abha to attend today's class, but I bought her a gift and left it on her bed so she could see it when she returned from school. She loved it. As for today's class, I always enjoy everything because I am studying for my PhD with passion. However, there are too many assignments, and I barely have time to read some materials to prepare for the following classes. But I love this stage of my life where I am pursuing the dream of my life.
The panel discussion
3 NOV 2024
Today, we had a panel discussion, and we all participated in the panel. The topic was about the future of research in applied linguistics. It was so much fun as a first experience. I am honoured to be part of this group, as I enjoy working with them all. I was happy when I saw our professors joining us, especially Dr. Emad and Dr. Bochra, who came despite being busy. I am always grateful and honoured to have such professors.
We are coming to the end of this semester
24 NOV 2024
Today, I was allowed to present my findings regarding my term paper. My professor has given me some comments that would help me write a conclusion for my term paper. I honestly was distracted during the second half of the class as my son was sending me photos of his knees, which he injured while running, so I was a little bit worried, and I had to text the maid to tell me how bad it was. At the end of the class, I honestly felt slightly sad as I learned that Professor Abdulaziz may not teach us next semester. He is a great professor; all students will be lucky to be his students.