My name is Cara, and I've just completed an MA course in Media, Communications and PR at Swansea University. Completing the MA and dissertation was a valuable and challenging experience, but I also had a lot of satisfaction. I learnt a lot about time management, keeping focus over a long period of time, and how to build confidence in my own research — skills that will be invaluable as I progress towards my PhD. This year, I'm starting my PhD sponsored by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and under the supervision of the media department, again at Swansea University.
On Tuesday, 16th of September, I attended the first induction meeting of the Coleg Cymraeg as part of the research scholarship. It was an experience that really felt like a new beginning. There was nothing better than having a cup of tea and the opportunity to meet other students, not only from Swansea but from all over Wales. Everyone was on the same journey, and that was very encouraging – I realised that I'm not alone in this process; we are a community.
The day began with greetings from Dr Dylan Phillips, who gave a clear explanation of the role of the Coleg Cymraeg and the expectations of the scholarship. That presentation made it all feel real – and also exciting.
Dr Manon James then introduced all the opportunities associated with the scholarship: from the research skills courses and the journal Gwerddon, to the opportunity to lecture. She emphasized how we can grow not only academically, but also as individuals.
We met Nadine Kurton, communications officer for the Coleg Cymraeg, and she shared the opportunities available to postgraduate students to appear in the media. While the idea of speaking in public on TV or radio may sound daunting, Nadine stressed how valuable the experience is, and how it can help share our research with a wider audience. Lunch afterwards was a relaxed opportunity to chat, connect, and ask questions in a much more informal atmosphere.
In the afternoon, there was a workshop with Dr Hanna Hopwood. This session was extremely beneficial and inspiring, encouraging us to reflect on our way of working and how to look after ourselves throughout the research journey. She emphasized how difficult it is to sit in front of a screen 9–5, and how important it is to exercise, eat healthily and drink enough water. She encouraged us to look back on our previous experiences and ask ourselves: what motivates me? What does success mean to me? And how can I create a better and more balanced experience while doing a PhD?
Returning home and reflecting on the day, I felt that my journey had become much clearer. I had received a clear explanation of the expectations and had more of an idea of what I want to achieve over the next three years. The day really was a bridge between my time on the Masters and PhD – showing that it's not just hard work and productivity that counts, but the way we choose to experience the journey. I left with a mixture of excitement and gratitude – and ready to embark on the PhD journey.