PhD Journal Of A Ghanaian Woman in Stem

Two nights ago, my mind was a mess. “You’ve been preparing for this for weeks” I told myself. “So why do you feel like you’ve retained nothing?” Today, the day after, here’s the update: I passed with a unanimous “Yes” from my committee! God is good. It still feels surreal.

Now that I think back on the preparation phase, the hardest part wasn’t the material itself. It was the sheer volume. I wasn’t just being tested on what I knew, but on how well I could weave years of research into clear, thoughtful arguments. I was often told that no one expects me to know everything. They just want to see me think. After my presentation, every second dragged. Had I said enough? Then I hear the words. “You’ve passed your candidacy exams!” No fireworks, no dramatic music. Just quiet, overwhelming relief.

For anyone interested, here’s what got me through:

• You’re not supposed to know everything. I am talking about a candidacy exam, but this applies to everything.
• Your committee wants you to succeed. They’re not trying to trick you. They’re making sure you’re ready for the next step.
• Talk it out to anyone (or anything). Explain your research to a friend or your plant. Saying it aloud makes it stick.

I had imagined this day for weeks. Now, it is here. And all I can think is: “You’ve been faithful Lord. Through the ages past. That is why Your name, is forever more.”