Learning, Presenting, and Growing: My journey as a research candidate

Source: Paul Maximilian Bisca, 2019

This year's 18th November can be remembered in a little different way. I was excited, but worried deeply for the fact that I have to face some seasoned or established academicians and scholars and professors, in fact the brain box in the research field and overall understanding of the research process. 

Indeed, I am fairly new to the hard core academic. I mean in the real research field. I am a master by research candidate in information sciences under the supervision of two great academicians. 

It is little over three months now that I have forged into this field. The field that I am in fact interested in, always had a dream to become a professionally trained researcher, although research doesn't necessarily require one to sit under supervision. It is more of an interest and dedication area of study. With basic skills, and interest is enough to start this learning journey. 

However, to me it came at the cost of a difficult time of my life. Perhaps, it came as a compulsion more than my interest even though I am very much interested in learning new things. Maybe I believe this is a perfect time that waited so long and did not spare me this time. It is by little coincidence that a new moment of life begins, so I strongly believe that this was the perfect time. 

I am a fulltime research candidate in the University of Canberra (UC), Australia. A beautiful campus with amazing facilities and infrastructures. A perfect place to practice, learn and unlearn and relearn almost everything. Without any doubt, one can easily build a future here. Just that one needs dedication, determination, and passion to work in an interesting field. There is nothing wrong in choosing any field of study, just that one needs to prove. 

After almost three and half months commencing my course, it was time for me to showcase my work in the form of a short presentation, in fact to inform the faculty and other interested friends. It was my Introductory Seminar, one of the important key milestones before I finally proceed to the confirmation seminar. It is basically to track and to show that I am working and work in progress is happening. 

More than the presentation, it was my worry and stress that made a few days high on alert with some level of anxiety rising over the head. Confused, worried, excited, and tensed so much that, all IFS and WHATS and WHYS were the questions running down my head all over till the time I finished my presentation. 

I did my part as a third presenter after two of my friends did their part. It was 11:30 am, and it was my turn to prove my working topic...All mixed in thoughts and I presented for 21 minutes and 34 seconds when I checked the screen time. Finally, when I did my part, I was happy, relaxed and felt light. I got some good feedback and some critical suggestions that if I can work that way,,,include this,,, check that,,, refer that theory,,, related that to this,,, how can you test,,, what is your expected outcome,,, and so on. 

I have a dream, I have determination, I have courage, and I have a heart to serve one day as a research fellow to any institution as a bank of knowledge. When time will tell!

I was finally happy and relaxed, however, I have a huge task and responsibility to take forward in different levels with different energy and skill sets. I have to and I will, all it takes is my determination and willingness to sacrifice time and time and time...