I’m going back to school in September to study an MSc in Science Communication and Public Engagement at the University of Edinburgh. I’m excited to enter into a formal programme of study again after 20 years out of education, and interested to see if my brain still works after a decade or two of sleep deprivation via childcare and shift work.
My maternal great-grandfather, Ralph Stranger, was a physicist and wireless engineer who was a science communicator before this was an avenue of research or training. He wrote a number of books including my favourite title, Wireless: the Modern Magic Carpet.
Can I complete a course of study around a full time job and childcare responsibilities? The course directors think that the part time course can be completed with 10-15 hours of study per week. The whole thing is online, with asynchronous content, meaning that there is no formal timetable. Despite all of these things that make the course easier, I feel nervous about it.
My therapist tells me that the feeling of not being able to do a hard thing is part of doing the hard thing. So I’m trying to embrace the feeling which is settling on my brain now.
I’m trying to see this feeling as a fluffy puppy, which will be with me for the duration, snoozing on the passenger seat as we navigate the route of the course. Sometime waking up to remind me that it’s highly unlikely I’ll get this across the line, sometimes sleeping peacefully, allowing me to get on with it.
I’ll let you know how I get on.
I’m very much looking forward to bringing you Series 29 of Walk the Pod, which is rather helpfully on stress and pressure. Have a listen to the podcast here and subscribe for new episodes from September 5th.
Rachel Wheeley 