What challenges did you face during your academic journey, particularly considering your decision to pursue it later in life?

I was unwavering in my decision to pursue my PhD, and I was determined to make this dream a reality, not only for myself but also to exemplify resilience to my children. However, transitioning from full-time motherhood to academia posed significant challenges. After years away from the academic world following my Master’s studies in Linguistics, adapting to being a full-time student again was daunting. Balancing classes, coursework, and exams required considerable adjustment. Despite these challenges, I knew I made the right decision. The most demanding hurdle materialised when I began my dissertation work. This coincided with my elder daughter’s pursuit of her IB diploma, and my younger daughter’s personalproject. Our household became a shared study space for all three of us.

What advice would you give to other women considering pursuing a PhD or academic career later in life?

My heartfelt advice is to passionately chase your dreams – it’s never too late! Embrace your aspirations wholeheartedly and believe in your ability to achieve them. It is a journey that requires resilience and determination, but it is also incredibly rewarding. As someone who has balanced the multiple roles of being a mother, wife, and caregiver, I can attest to the power of efficient time management. It is the key to juggling these responsibilities. The experiences and perspectives you bring are invaluable, and a PhD can be a powerful way to enrich your own life and also the lives of others through the contributions you make.

How do you think your perspective and approach to academia differ from those who pursued it earlier in life?

Our approaches to academia varied considerably. While some embarked on their PhD journey immediately after completing their master’s degree, retaining fresh knowledge, I had to catch up significantly as my existing knowledge had become outdated. What I once knew no longer applied, necessitating extensive pre- and post-reading efforts to bridge the gap. That said, life experiences played a significant role. While others embraced modern technology in lectures, taking notes on their computers, I adhered to a more conventional method, using pen and paper. My children assisted me by typing out notes and my dissertation on the computer. I find writing to be a more intuitive and cathartic process, allowing my thoughts to flow seamlessly from pen to paper.

Did you encounter any biases or stereotypes due to starting your academic career later in life, particularly as a woman?

I was among peers of different ages, including those in their 40s and professors from various universities. Some were my age, while others were younger graduates. Luckily, I felt supported and connected easily with many, like an older sibling. There were no prejudices or stereotypes. I remember my difficulty with my first PowerPoint presentation, which my children and friends helped me with.

What accomplishments are you most proud of in your academic career?

Honestly, my greatest source of pride lies in my role as a mother. I am extremely proud of my children. All other accomplishments come after this pivotal role. Both my children have successfully completed their Master’s degrees, with my eldest now considering a PhD. Both have chosen careers in education, with my eldest teaching at The University of Sydney and the younger working as a kindergarten teacher. Following the completion of my PhD, an opportunity arose to establish two schools in Bangkok alongside a friend, one of which is the Kids Kingdom International Kindergarten, and I was involved with another school in Chiang Mai that my family established.

In what ways do you think your academia can better support individuals who pursue their academic careers later in life?

Aligning your aspirations with your personal goals is crucial, especially when it comes to pursuing a PhD. It’s not just about earning the title of ‘doctor;’ it should be a journey that deeply supports and enhances your career. I’ve been teaching since I was 18 and throughout my journey, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of a career in academia and higher studies – it’s opened doors, deepened my understanding, and allowed me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of my students. Pursuing a PhD is about personal growth, passion and making a contribution.

DR. SUNILA SUPAVADEEPRASIT

Sunila Supavadeeprasit has resided on four continents, and worked at a Dutch Bank after her bachelor’s in Business Administration, specialising in Finance. Following the dissolution of her marriage, she refocused on her career and academia, earning a master’s degree in Industrial/Organisational Psychology, before she pursued a PhD in Australia. She now resides there in New South Wales, where she works as a Clinical Psychologist.

What inspired you to pursue a PhD and academic career later in life?

Initially, I followed my spontaneous desires without much direction. Feeling dissatisfied with my personal life, I made a conscious decision to pursue a professional career. Recognising my inclination for self- direction, I sought to establish a career path that allowed for autonomy. Pursuing a PhD aligned with this goal, particularly in an area that resonated with my personal interests.

What challenges did you face during your academic journey, particularly considering your decision to pursue it later in life?

The obstacles I encountered primarily revolved around health issues and family matters, which were deeply interconnected and consequently quite formidable. During my PhD journey, I initially didn’t fully grasp the extent of their interrelation. Looking back, I now realise how stress from family concerns could significantly impact one’s health. My health began to deteriorate significantly midway through my studies, with no clear diagnosis in sight. Taking matters into my own hands, I conducted personal research and adjusted my diet, managing to maintain a certain level of health while keeping up with my academic commitments. Amidst this, my father suffered a brain injury, and fortunately, I was present at the time to organise his medical care and subsequent surgery. This necessitated a temporary pause in my studies as I remained to care for him during his recovery, especially after he required further surgery.

Thankfully, he eventually recovered fully, without any cognitive impairments. Pursuing my PhD at a later stage in life meant that my parents, being older, required additional care and attention as well.

How did your life experiences prior to pursuing your PhD contribute to your academic work?

In my professional field, I’ve realised that early childhood experiences heavily shape one’s life. While I had a good upbringing, I acknowledge imperfections in every family. Effective coping and access to support and resources significantly impact our outlook on life. Due to limited professional help and social support, I sought answers through spiritual practices like meditation, which I’ve continued. This journey helped me discern between spirituality and religion, influencing my academic pursuits. Understanding consciousness became crucial in my field, and my spiritual insights enhanced my comprehension of psychological principles. This inspired me to continually pursue self-education and professional development to deepen my understanding of humanity.

How did you balance family, work, and academic responsibilities during your studies?

It’s worth noting that during my PhD journey, I was already single, and didn’t have children. Furthermore, I was studying abroad, not in Thailand. While I didn’t face the same pressures as women with families, I did experience significant pressure from my own family. To maintain equilibrium, I made it a point to visit them regularly, at least twice a year. Financially, although I was given support, I was teaching extensively at the university, to make up for my living expenses. I will forever be grateful to my parents for their unconditional support in many aspects during my studies.

What advice would you give other women considering pursuing a PhD and an academic career later in life.

It’s clear that individuals pursuing a PhD come from diverse life backgrounds, so I’d rather share the insights gained from my own journey, which could provide valuable guidance to others on this path. In my view, the decision to do a PhD largely depends on one’s passion for the subject matter and their ability to persevere. It’s essentially a trial of endurance. If someone is deeply passionate about their field or motivated by the career they envision, they are more likely to pursue it later in life. Another critical factor is your PhD supervisor – it’s essential that they have firsthand knowledge of the project’s subject matter, and a genuine interest in the candidate’s success. Additionally, if the project stems from the candidate’s own ideas, it fosters a sense of ownership and autonomy throughout the process.

Our life experiences shape our perspectives and approaches to aspects of life, including academia, and I chose to focus on personal growth and learning rather than striving to outperform my peers academically. Refraining from comparing yourself to others allows you to rely on your own abilities to tackle your academic pursuits

Did you encounter any biases or stereotypes due to starting your academic career later in life, particularly as a woman?

I didn’t face any biases or stereotypes as such, mainly because my chosen field of study was women-centric. Even if I had chosen a different field, however, I believe my life experiences would have prepared me to address challenges effectively.

What accomplishments are you most proud of in your academic career?

I take immense pride in completing my PhD despite encountering numerous obstacles along the way. My father’s brain injury and my own health challenges presented significant hurdles that I had to navigate independently. Eventually, I identified the root cause of my health issues and sought appropriate treatment. Through these experiences, I learned to rely on my own capabilities, which greatly bolstered my confidence. In essence, my PhD journey enabled me to streamline my thought processes, leading to the resolution of numerous personal and professional challenges. Today, I have a profession that I can leverage throughout my lifetime.

In what ways do you think academia can better support individuals who pursue their academic careers later in life?

I believe the answer to this question largely depends on individual personality. For those who are independent by nature, academia may align well with their preferences. Additionally, academia can accommodate individuals seeking a different lifestyle. Academics have the freedom to work on their own terms, such as choosing their teaching schedule and designing course content according to their preferences. They also have the autonomy to pursue research and publish papers based on their interests.

Moreover, academia fosters personal growth and development. Pursuing a PhD later in life allows individuals to enrich their research perspectives with their life experiences. Finding fulfilment in a field of passion can significantly contribute to emotional, psychological, and mental wellbeing.