All is Well

I like to be ahead of things. It tames my mind, the 'freaking out' part of my mind. I have completed some of the mandatory training. In case, like me, you would have liked to know what these were before the start date, here they are: Research Integrity, Introduction to Research Data Management for PGRs, Introduction to GDPR, Information Security Awareness, and Diversity in the Workplace. These were online and self-directed. I have one more mandatory training session to complete, which will take place in early November: a guide to my DFA at the University of Glasgow. I need that session... Remember my signature question: What are the criteria? If it were up to me, I would have had that session on Day 1 and probably again on Day 5. I have also enrolled in as many other online activities as are available on the university's digital platform: Writing Your Literature Reviews (yes!), Virtual Writing Retreats, Useful Things You Need to Know, Format with Style: Writing your Thesis in Word, and so many more. None of these are mandatory, but as I said, I like to be ahead of things.  There are many wonderful welcome events on campus. Unfortunately, I am currently based in Singapore, so that is a thirteen-hour flight (sometimes more) for me. I dial in whenever I can. All is well here among the palms, orchids, flying cockroaches, monitor lizards, the family of otters, the heat, the humidity, my notepads, reading list and merry-go-round — I have survived week one.