The Incredible Women I Shared My PhD With

Hi,

Happy second day of May, everyone! Here I am, bright and early (or maybe just early-ish?), diving deep into some data analysis research at work. And you know what this reminds me of? My amazing officemate from my Wollongong days, the one and only Pearl!

Pearl was a Data Analysis whiz from Prince of Songkhla University in Thailand. We were practically joined at the hip for four whole years in our little PhD office. It still blows my mind how quickly she picked up the Aussie accent. Seriously, she sounded like a local in no time! Meanwhile, I was over here still battling my Malaysian English, even after all that time Down Under. 😂 When I finally asked her secret, she said she barely spoke English back in Thailand, so she was basically starting from scratch when she arrived for her Master's. Her brain just soaked up the Aussie twang like a sponge! Makes total sense – send your kids to a foreign school, and BAM! Instant accent acquisition.

Our office was a glorious haven of estrogen and advanced mathematics – a six-woman powerhouse of PhD students in various fields of numbers. Right next to me sat Diane, the quintessential Aussie superwoman. Her accent was so thick, I swear I needed subtitles sometimes! This incredible human juggled work, family (all the way in Sydney!), and her PhD like a seasoned circus performer. Whenever I felt like procrastinating, I'd just look at Diane and think, "If she can do all that, I have absolutely no excuse!" Instant guilt-fueled motivation!

Then there was Rebecca, a stylish Filipina grandmother rocking her PhD just for kicks! At 60, she was living proof that learning has no age limit (or fashion sense limit, for that matter!). We'd always tease her, "Rebecca, why put yourself through this?!" And she'd just shrug with a glamorous smile and say, "Darling, I was bored!" She'd strut into the office in fabulous dresses, boots, and the most amazing hats, often topped off with a luxurious fur jacket. Meanwhile, the rest of us looked like we raided the discount bin at K-Mart. 😂

My heart still goes out to Bothaina, our Libyan sister. Her PhD journey coincided with the peak of the war in Libya. I remember her tense phone calls home, and we'd all hold our breath, ready with a hug whenever she needed one. She spent her entire time in Australia without being able to go back home. Her strength and resilience were a constant inspiration, pushing me to keep going and finish my own research.

And last but not least, there was Preeya, another lovely soul from Thailand. Quiet and reserved, she might not have said much, but she was always there for our lunch and coffee breaks. She navigated her own research challenges with a quiet determination, and it was wonderful to see her cross that finish line with the rest of us.

(L-R) Rebecca, Pearl, Me, Diane and Bothaina. Our monthly lunch ritual wouldn't be complete without Rebecca's dazzling dress and vibrant red hair lighting up the nearest restaurant. 💃

Pearl's graduation squad! (L to R): Diane, me, Preeya, the graduate Pearl, Bothaina, and a brief but bright encounter with Annie. Didn't get much time with Annie as I zoomed off shortly after she joined the PhD party.

Looking back, those four years in Wollongong were so much more than just studying. The friendships we forged in that little all-girls office were so genuine and supportive. We shared the highs and lows, the triumphs and the frustrations, and those connections made the whole PhD experience truly unforgettable.