I would be lying if I said it wasn’t hard to study a PhD. You need to be focused and self-motivated and at times it can be frustrating and overwhelming. However, you have the freedom to explore your own subject area which can be truly exciting, if a little daunting. I found completing a master's to be a helpful step towards the PhD, but the experiences have been quite different. As a PhD researcher, you spend a lot more time outside the University attending and presenting at events and conferences, meeting fellow researchers, academics and practitioners in your field of study. PhD research is also much more self-directed, both in terms of research content and training. You have to find your place in the world of research.

My day-to-day life varies. Some days can be quite isolating, whereas others are crammed with back-to-back meetings, events and conferences. That’s what makes it so exciting to be a researcher - the variety. The highlight of my week as a PhD researcher is when I get to work with my group in the community. The day begins like every other, checking emails and catching up on admin. I often try to fit in some reading and writing as well before I go to Charnwood Arts. In the afternoon, I work with participants of RawArt and then later with ManCraft, my own textile craft group for men. I love it! It’s unpredictable and often manic, but I love seeing participants progress and we often have a bit of banter too. After the workshops, I write a new entry in my journal documenting the activities of the group.