I actually finished it.
No one is more shocked by this than I am, considering it was my third attempt. Twice I had to postpone my studies because of my mental health, and I couldn't keep going. This time, I've finished it. The dissertation is complete, and yes I really did write my dissertation about Fallout New Vegas, HBO/BBC's Rome, and the film Carry On Cleo. Yes, really. I don't believe it either sometimes, but that's the joy of my degree.
Now I'm looking at the future, but really I want to reflect on the past. I want to look at what I've learned over my degrees.
I now know how to study
This was a huge problem I had when I did my undergrad. At school, I was taught a thing and then I knew it. I didn't have to study, I didn't have to do exam revision. I just knew once I'd been taught it. For my undergrad, I had to learn how to take effective notes, what works for me, what doesn't. It took me a long time to do this, because quite simply, I never had to do it before.
I now know how to not study
For the final year of my MA, and especially when doing my dissertation, I learned how to take breaks. I can now fully switch off from something and rest. This is also not something I had ever done before, because I felt guilty when I rested. Now I couldn't care less, and I'll take breaks when I need to do so. Finding that balance between getting stuff done and getting rest has been a life saver. I'm much better now at setting boundaries, at saying "No, I'm having a day off that day" or not replying to messages when I'm on a break. It's not perfect, and I'm still hugely stressed out by everything ever, but I can begin to take breaks.
Even the most respected classicists are terrible academics
I know I might get judged for saying this, but I sit by it. Some rarely cite source, which is terrible academic behaviour. Always cite your sources, always say where you're getting your evidence from. Some will make huge sweeping judgements about something with absolutely nothing but their own opinion to back it up. Some will have a lot of references in appearance, but really they're just citing their own books that they had published, or a book they've written that will be released soon... which means they're just referencing themselves. You cannot prove your argument by saying you agree with yourself. Some don't believe that the gender spectrum is a thing, and that's a whole different rant for a different time.
Community is essential
I'm not just talking about the TV series Community, although that has absolutely been essential to me. Rather I mean that getting to know other people is essential. Studying can feel isolating. You might be the only person in the entire world working in a topic, but there will always be other people who are having the same problems as you. It is so important to connect to other people. I'm disabled and housebound, and since... ya know, everything happening right now is happening right now... being able to go to a library or meet other people has become impossible. Connecting with people online and sharing my experience has helped so much.
That's enough for now, I have some more blog posts to write, and the end of my second degree to celebrate.
E