A distant dream

Not sure, when I decided to pursue my research studies. I think its sometime between mid Feb that I was going through various university websites, professor's profiles, and eligibility criteria to apply for the course. Meanwhile, I quit my work and relocated to home town in a hope that I would be pursuing my doctoral programme. With a random dotted knowledge of research studies, I contacted a professor of a university who disappointed me with a negative answer. 

I had no clue how am I going to take it forward. Every time when I decide something and boast about it, I end up not holding it. It will just pass through my life and will not stay with me. PhD is also one of that kind which  gave disappointments in the initial stage. 

I received a phone call from my friend, that a university has vacancy for PhD research scholars in Journalism and Mass Communication Department. The next minute I rang the head of the department to find out if I could be admitted. His answers again did not please me. I felt disappointed. I went through the university profile again to check if there are any known or related faces in faculty profile. And I found this faculty's profile to be somewhat matching with the religion. I immediately called him up. He was the one who gave hopes that I can and will do PhD and he will help me in admitting at the university. He directed me to a lady guide and made sure she accepts me. 

With no further delay, myself and my dad came to university to meet her. A senior research scholar of the guide welcomed and she gave all hopes to do PhD and I was almost selected for the programme. My dad said not to miss the chance. I discussed her about my topic, she nodded yes and we left then. I filled the application and sent it. In between, mam called asking to write a detail proposal on the topic and I did do. 

On July 9th, Myself, bro and dad drove towards university early morning to check hostel and meet ma'am again. It was purely God's grace that I immediately got admission in hostel also in spite of me not having an admission form or college Id. Paid my fees and left campus. A sigh of relief.

On July 15th I joined in the department under my guide. The other side, my friend who informed me about the university joined M.Phil under the same guide. And we sat next to each other.

On 10th October, I  was officially confirmed as a PhD candidate of the university with a formal entrance exam and an interview with a panel of five. The same friend brought juice to cheer me up for attending the interview.

With all the excitement, and witnessing the distant dream is just happening in front of my eyes, I'm thankful to the Lord Almighty for all his grace and wisdom that still keeps me happy.

Lord, the way you have blessed my life is more than I deserve. 

Will be holding a doctorate degree and my dream of signing in green ink will be accomplished hopefully soon. 

Gladious Ranjini

PhD Research Scholar

Periyar University

Under the Supervision of 

Dr.M.Anuradha

The faculty who helped me - Mr.Vimal

Head of the Department - Dr.M.Natarajan

The senior scholar who welcomed me - Ms.Shanthi

The friend is Akilah, who else it would be :)