And So It Begins...

It's Wednesday. So much has happened already: Our final portfolio grades have been released. One less thing to obsess over. I am pleased to say that I will be graduating with a Distinction. This means the world to me because English is my seventh language and I have had to jump through many hoops to be where I am. I did A-Levels in languages, not because I wanted to, but because those were the only topics I could handle in an English school. I went on to do a BA in French and Hispanic Studies for the same reason. My English only really improved once I did an MA in African Studies. I am sharing this here because from the outside, one's journey looks easy on paper. I don't believe in glitter.  Back to this week. We had our Creative Writing induction session. I met my fellow doctoral researchers. They were in a room in Glasgow; Andrea and I dialled in. We are both accustomed to this setup thanks to the MLitt having been delivered by distance learning. It was lovely to see some familiar faces, to meet others and hear about everyone's projects. So much enthusiasm!  On Friday, I have my first supervisory meeting with the 'Dream Team'. I consider myself very lucky to know them from my MLitt and to have a wonderful relationship with both. That does not stop me from being nervous about it. Is my Excel workbook amateurish? Am I going through my indicative bibliography slower than I should be? Am I approaching my research wrongly? Is my literature review outline seriously inadequate? I could go on. And before I pull you into my 'freaking out' orbit, please know that you are not expected to have any of the above ready for your first supervisory meeting. This is just me. I need to see and feel the ground beneath my feet. Even a hint of it.  I can hear my future self laughing: 'You thought there was ground this early?'