I did an all-nighter before my dissertation + opening results

[@itsshayene]

I wanted to add that I feel like when you get to that point of panic and anxiety, where you feel like everything you’ve written is utter nonsense and the examiner won’t like it, it’s time to put everything away and go to sleep. It’s so easy to give into our inner critics but it’s very much a sign from our bodies that we need to slow down and trust ourselves. I’m glad you made this video!

[@katie_cant_compute]

Second this :,33 🫶

[@mf1203]

I’m busy with the last bit of my PhD, always scared to send a draft to my supervisors. And now again need to make changes again. And I agree with you to step back from the anxiety and get sleep, but my problem is that I get so stressed and anxious, that I can’t fall asleep! 😂 and then i’m extra useless the next day

[@faithlesshound5621]

This applies to writing reports for work too. If you have to submit them on paper, don't print out what you do in the early hours of the morning. Save it at night, then check in the morning to pick up the silly mistakes you couldn't see, then print or send. Ideally don't do hard brain work in the early hours at all: get a good night's sleep and wake up early if you have to do more work. Unfortunately I can pick up mistakes more easily on paper than on screen. The other thing to remember is that it just has to be good enough, not perfect. The law of diminishing returns applies when it comes to repeated tinkering. You may even end up making it worse.

[@FreshSalad645]

When I wrote my master's thesis (not in the UK), I had two deadlines. The first one was one week before submission so I could send it to proof readers. I also spent a few days proof reading some of my friends' theses. Then I could spend a couple days tuning mine before printing and binding it and officially sending it off !

[@xu33e]

honestly this is so true, i thought my undergraduate disseration was awful and i couldnt stand to read it, submitted it, got my grade and didn't read it again until i found the document 6 months later where i realised i was clearly an academic legend all along. time heals all

[@sundaygirl006]

When I was doing my dissertation I would get feedback from my tutor and I wouldn’t look at it for days because I was convinced it would be “you’re a fraud, your work is bad, don’t even bother just quit” until my sister would force me to read it and the comments would be “awfully good writing, keep up the good work” and I would burst into tears. I know exactly how you feel

[@lauraw.2723]

This was me on my thesis! Thank god for sisters, right?!

[@malu8710]

Me right now. Except I don’t know what I’m doing

[@Unknown0ne]

Dear Ruby, 6 Months ago I tried to take my own life and very nearly succeeded. When I became conscious in the hospital and during my 3 weeks in a psychiatric hospital, I realised the importance of making small, smart decisions every day and putting my mental health first. I cannot overstate your KZbin posts' importance in helping me with this process. I have, of course, used many other tools to reach this good state of mental health that I am in today but your posts HAVE been a part of that. Watching you in pain as you struggled with your own issues throughout this video I began to cry. I really want you to know how much you have helped me keep a calm, clear and simple approach to the challenges in my life. Thank you Ruby for being you

[@mayflyrose8195]

I'm so glad you're here and finding ways to be at peace. Keep sticking up for yourself ! 🦋

[@riyamishra280]

I am really glad that you are here with us today. Keep going. Sending you hugs

[@LukeShaffer-vj5cl]

Always remember that YOU MATTER, you are here for a reason.

[@lambsgreenpasture]

I don't think I breathed at all until the end, and then tears. Congratulations, Ruby.

[@ds_1211]

why so dramatic😭😭

[@michellejohnson7559]

As a uni lecturer who has gone through my own undergrad, Masters and PhD process I understand the anxiety, imposter syndrome and just general self-doubt that comes with higher academic study. You’ve given some great advice here. Congrats on your distinction and good luck with the PhD plans. 🎉 BUT please take your own advice here. It’s yet another levelling up game with the PhD and the epidemic of academic mental ill-health is very real. Look after your wellness throughout the process and it’ll be a far more positive experience to look back on after. I have no doubt you have what it takes to thrive as an academic but you deserve self-care through the process. This self-same advice goes to anyone reading this.

[@docamyleyerzapf4054]

Ditto this @michellejohnson7559! I too am a uni lecturer who made the same journey, sometimes it feels as if the process is designed to cause us to feel less than capable. But being accepted into your program is enough proof that you are capable, you wouldn't have a spot if people didn't believe in you. This is the opportunity for you to be welcomed into the world of academia, for your professors to help you practice the skills and thinking that make up academic life. Your success is their success. Find a strong mentor whose style is both challenging and supportive. You will soar!

[@jakecavendish3470]

It's definitley important to keep things in perspective. My friend was absolutely stressed about her master's thesis, passed it with the highest grade ever given and two weeks later died in a freak accident in a swimming pool without ever getting her results

[@u1maimah]

the only relatable comfy corner of the internet !

[@EruditeMeTonight]

That last minute, your silence, the murmuring, the camera to your family, the background score? I burst into tears. Thank you so much for your words and for sharing. You deserve nothing but success and happiness thank you thank you thank you

[@kevinsattarzade6534]

I doubted myself so much while writing my dissertation and put in endless hours of work. After I submitted it, my personal tutor emailed me a week later, urgently asking for a Zoom meeting. I was convinced I had done terribly-why else would she want to meet so soon? But when we got on the call, she told me it was such an amazing piece of work that even the second and third markers said it needs to be published. This experience taught me to always believe in myself. 💪

[@alysiasmith2447]

My husband is in his last year of neuroscience studies. He and I both love your channel and wanted to say congratulations! We are so happy for you!

[@jeremiahbok9028]

What a harrowing night, it was stressful just watching this. I'm so glad that, whatever the end result is, that miserable night is over with. Thank you for sharing this, this is very vulnerable. I truly hope you get a grade that reflects your dedication, but in the meantime, I also hope you're moving on and doing your best not to worry. The time to worry about your dissertation was when you were writing it. Now you're free, so please try to feel that freedom. I am so grateful for this reminder that we all doubt ourselves and how necessary it is to, as you say, trust ourselves. Sending all my fondness and respect.

[@writtenbypoets632]

As a person with chronic anxiety I felt so seen in these clips. The nervousness, the repetition of sentences and the need to perfect everything last minute. I am very grateful that you shared this with us. Thank you

[@tatyplummer]

Dear God! I cried so hard right now...in the end... with you! I am speechless! Not only because I felt like I was there with you, but also because this video spoke with my soul. I am pushing myself hard, praying, studying, and doing my best, but I can't shake this feeling that I am not enough... and you wrote those things in the end. Thank you so much! For being who you are, sharing your journey with us, and fighting for what you want with such a lovely heart. I wish I could give you a big hug. Congratulations, my dear!

[@happycommuter3523]

This brings back so memories of staying up all night to finish my undergraduate thesis 35 years ago. I was reviewing my data and realized I had done the calculations all wrong. I had to redo them, reprint the tables and charts on a computer with ancient plotting software, then rewrite my conclusions section. What a nightmare! But I handed it in on time and graduated with high honors. I remember the sound of early morning birdsong when I was in the computer lab and later walking across campus as the sun was rising. I was so tired, everything around me felt surreal.

[@astro_penguin_]

Omg, that tired dreamy early-morning feeling that comes after hours of stress and frazzle is really something else! Who needs drugs 😅

[@Werns_]

I cried so hard when you got your distinction. I've never felt so seen and validated. Thank you for sharing the trauma and stress we can put ourselves through during these times.

[@RubyGranger8]

Oh my gosh that’s beyond lovely… I don’t know what to say x

[@shellsandwood]

Congratulations Ruby!! I've loved being on this journey with you. Thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your wonderful way of seeing the world.

[@kritishdadu9828]

I have been with this channel when you started Exeter, I now am in the third-year of my law school and we've always got our FIRSTS together on our results! I and Ruby have legit grown together!

[@thenoobalmighty8790]

Apart from Ruby would never say legit im sure 😂

[@maikagiyama3057]

I'm usually a silent viewer, but I've been watching you since I started university (like 7-8 years ago, just changed my account over time) and I cried of emotion and happiness at your result. You have put so much work, love and enthusiasm in this assignment. Congratulations, you really deserve this. I also wanted to say that I relate to this video a lot, not only in academics (I was kinda like this in my GCSE and uni exams), but also in non-academic situations. Thank you for being honest, open and transparent. Most people here use your videos to motivate ourselves, and you're a role model for people older than you as well, so we appreciate that you decided to share with us this valuable lesson. Hope you enjoy this summer holidays. You already look much happier and relaxed than in the last vlog, and that makes all of us happy.

[@andreav83]

It is remarkable that someone as young as you are can be so self-aware and insightful. I feel that it's rare these days, even for 40-year-olds like myself. On another note, always remember that you only ever need to do your best, Ruby, and yes - enjoy what you're doing. The rest will follow. Congratulations on the incredibly hard work you put into this academic year. You should be super proud!

[@katie_cant_compute]

This is so nice

[@mollymo6229]

Young and insightful ? We all are in a way nothing to do with age. And it’s not rare at all

[@andreav83]

@@mollymo6229 I understand what you're saying and, yes, you're right. I guess I was just comparing myself and my peers to how we were when we were around Ruby's age. Ruby just seems like she is miles ahead of where we were. It's not a slight on anyone, just a purely subjective observation 🙂

[@gloriamolina4299]

SO SO INCREDIBLY PROUD OF YOU RUBY!! I can't even describe how happy I am for you. Huge congratulations 🎉❤

[@EleLand-ln4xh]

My beautiful girl, remember that your value as a person, as a human being... is not in a grade, nor in academic achievements. Have compassion for yourself and be gentle with your mind and heart. A huge hug, remember that you are incredible❤❤❤

[@ianbrooke6342]

Congratulations! Despite all your self-doubts! Well done and well deserved. Now take all your self-advice and use it doing your DPhil, you can do it Ruby. Edit: I really enjoyed your on-screen question "Can you tell I'm nervous?", rofl, never in the history of the English language has anyone looked so nervous! Then the enormous relief! Brilliant.

[@edenscorner3]

that anxious spiral of checking and rechecking is honestly such a draining experience but I'm so relieved it worked out in the end, congrats on the distinction!

[@tomg271]

It definitely gets to the point with any type of assignment that it is worth just calling it a day for your own sanity otherwise you could forever be making tweaks that in the long run will never be perfect in everyone's eyes.

[@RubyGranger8]

You’re so right Tom!!

[@RenateGrobler-kg7kl]

I also recently realised that I don’t always trust my train of thought and then end up giving “bad” answers, only to realise that what I initially thought about was actually correct but I doubted my abilities. We need to have more faith in our own abilities. ❤️

[@duohensheng]

this is so powerful. I fully teared up at the end. it takes so much courage to be this vulnerable and this self-aware. congratulations Ruby, on the results but mostly on the person you are!!

[@min_sqt]

THIS! The joy of the maker is always visible in the finished product. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had to redo a painting due to a sour mood (aka just needing lunch lol). Well said and congrats on finishing up!

[@anerley123]

Wow - massive congratulations! So well deserved, so much heart and soul you put into your work. So happy for you!

[@mhairiallen2304]

Please look after yourself. You’re gonna make yourself very unwell from the stress and potentially mentally make yourself unwell as well. I really would never want that for you. Been there done that.

[@NaturalBeautyGlow]

Are you going for your phd? What are your plans moving forward? I can’t wait to hear an update video! Been watching for 5 years!!

[@lovesophiexox]

I really admire your vulnerability in sharing this. It’s so important to talk about. It can be so hard not to doubt yourself. Congrats on your mark, it’s so clear how hard you worked and how passionate you are about you work. Oxford would be very lucky to have you as a phd candidate

[@rozminhall]

Your channel is literally my comfort nook! So soothing! 🌱Thank you for the honesty in this video🙌🏼🫶🏼

[@miriamcasas35]

Congratulations for finishing the dissertation!

[@S.K-z8z]

Liebe Ruby, ich gehöre zu den stillen Zuschauern deines Kanals. Seit einem Jahr schaue ich mir mit großer Begeisterung deine Videos an. Diesmal habe ich bis zum Ende fast schon die Luft angehalten 😊 Ich gratuliere dir herzlich für deine Auszeichnung 🎉 Gut gemacht!

[@sanjanavijayan357]

Omgg, congratulations Ruby!! Everything you said about putting a lot of pressure on oneself when it comes to something we're passionate about or care a lot about has really resonated with me, thank you for being a constant motivation :) Once again, congratulations!!

[@RubyGranger8]

I’m so pleased it did and was somewhat helpful - I was nervous to share this so that mean a lot x

[@Mondaytuesdaywed]

I started watching your videos and “Studying with you” for hours while I was in my first degree a few years ago. I searched long and hard to find you again! Just want to say, I appreciate you.

[@emilielinstewart]

I have been watching your videos for four years Ruby and I have to say that you never cease to amaze me with your perspectives and wisdom. So so happy for you that you got distinctions (I’m sure your work was brilliant). And a huge thank you for this video which is a healthy reminder to be kind to yourself and to recognize days where youre in a bad headspace. 💛

[@RubyGranger8]

Thank you so much for such kind words Emilie x

[@hanjissidegirl8672]

I dont think a video of yours has ever brought me to tears before, but this one did! This video serves as such a reminder to not second guess ourselves, and to trust our own instincts when we are in the right headspace. I cant even put into words how happy I am for you, and I cant think of a person who deserves such a good mark more than you! Through this academic year, your videos seriosuly helped me to push through GCSEs, and now that results are just over a month away, you have given me new confidence in all the work I put in to studying for them, and that results will be okay! Have a great summer, Ruby, and I hope the future treats you well! ❤❤

[@jamiedianne6778]

I was feeling your anxiety in the last moments of this video! 😅 I’m genuinely so proud of you and all you’ve accomplished. ❤

[@hanie2350]

Me too. I could taste the anxiety as well. I'm super happy all worked out for her. Congrats, Ruby!

[@studyvl0gs]

Today i'm starting my dissertation for the second time because i was in so much fear of failing it last semester that it couldn't even trust my self to start. i'm now sat in the library second guessing again if i'm capable enough to make it and this video came in the most accurate timing. Thank you, Ruby! I'm so glad six seven years ago i was able to find this channel

[@MLCraane]

Congratulations Ruby on graduating with a distinction!

[@sanjidakamal5068]

So proud of you, Ruby. You have always been an inspiration to me. I hope I can fulfil my dream of coming to England for studies and get to meet you at least once in my life. Loads of love to you, sister❤

[@-autumnfeelings]

I recently finished my training for my job and now I am fully gratuated. When I did my final written and oral exams I doubted myself so much and was so anxious only to end up with the result that I wanted. So I can second this. Trust yourself. You are doing amazing.

[@holly_nb_moonlight]

I have watched your videos for years but never commented. Tears of joy for you today... Congratulations! You are amazing!

[@malandune1430]

Oh sweetheart the way I cried at your nervousness😢 insanely proud of you and eternally grateful for the space you have created here! Wishing you all the best and most of all lots and lots of REST! ❤

[@Lavender_19lcr]

To lift up my spirits, I decided to watch one of your videos. I find great comfort in them. Your Oxford vlogs allow me to experience, in a way, my dream of attending Oxford university and your vlogs at home give me the same feeling as reading Anne of Green Gables. Your house is so lovely, so charming, so enchanting! I love it! I was a bit reluctant to click on this video, thinking I probably could use a lighter one... Now, I am so glad I watched it! Did I burst into tears at the end??? Yes, I did and it was very liberating. I´m in that transition phase after high school and before college. It has been very stressful and scary and uncertain. Today I saw my exam marks and I am feeling disappointed. There´s more I can do to try and get into my first option. Still, it´s pretty fresh and so I´m feeling a bit bummed. This helped me immensely!!! I needed to hear this and the fact that I heard it from you, who I admire so much, was very special to me. I´m sure putting out such a vulnerable video must have provoked some second thoughts... I´m very glad you did it anyway because there is no doubt it has and will inspire many people. Thank you so so so much, Ruby. You are a very special, radiant soul and I´m very grateful to and for you. Congratulations and best wishes

[@MarsMinorem]

trusting yourself is such an important part of academia, and life in general. there will always be times when we doubt what we are doing, and the only way forward is trusting your past self, that person who was in the right headspace when they made those decisions, that was prepared, and full of energy and excitement. it's normal to have doubts when the deadline is approaching, but it's how we react when those doubts surface that can make a difference. thank you, ruby, for showing us this part of your journey. i love how sincere and true you are. lots of love!

[@samster4955]

Congratulations, Ruby! this American girl is so proud of you!!! don't forget to take some time to breathe and reflect it helped me a lot when I finished university.

[@JulsDarkAngel]

Congrats, Ruby! It’s been 8 years since I finished my University life. And now I’m working and teaching in the same Uni.But I love watching your videos. They bring to me so much memories ❤

[@laurafabianmarrero]

That is amazing congratz

[@thenoobalmighty8790]

MEMORIES

[@maluboerwinkel]

Oh Ruby, as a teacher (and former student) it is so wonderful how you are able to open up about your struggles with self-doubt and pressure. The last part made me tear-up. I’ve watched your content for a while now and can only say how proud I am of what you have accomplished!

[@CharlotteFurnessWriter]

Oh Ruby those nerves as you opened your results had me in tears. I'm so happy for you! Congratulations! I wish you a lovely, relaxing, happy summer xx

[@YillingLaozu]

I cried at the end, I'm so so immensely proud of you, Ruby! I've just finished my 3rd semester (out of 8) of my bachelor's in biology, and having watched your journey since I was 13 is what's been motivating me to keep going even when I feel like I'm too stupid or my place isn't in academia. I have a literature review to do for my project in one of the labs I'm volunteering in (fingers crossed that I'll get a scholarship!) and even though most of the initial part of the research is done, the possibility of disappointing my supervisor has been paralysing me, even though I know that I'm more than capable of doing a good job. Thank you so much for this video, for being honest and for being an inspiration.

[@heraddledbrain]

I'm crying for you, Ruby!! So happy you got the mark you wanted! You work hard for it.

[@jesekreanne]

I really appreciate you pointing out that looking productive does not always indicate actually being productive. 🙌🙌

[@volpina003]

Amazing Ruby, the hard work paid off. Well done to you, thank you for bringing us on your Oxford journey.

[@Watthexe0815]

You don't know me, I've just found your videos last weekend. But let me tell you how very proud I am of you. All this pressuring yourself and second guessing, that could have been me. You've done a great, great job. Love from Germany

[@bookcraftmusic30]

I am currently in the summer between my GCSEs and A-Levels, finding myself stressing over what I put on the exams one minute and the next my A-Level options to the point that im no longer enjoying my summer. Thanks for this video. It finally helped me release a bit of that stress, which I built up. I was physically freed from the GCSEs on 19th June, and yet it's only now (almost a month later) that I find myself being able to start freeing myself from the mental load. Thank you, Ruby, and congratulations!! You deserve this!

[@kaim9279]

I’m in this exact same situation 😭 I hope you can find some peace before and during A-Levels :)

[@Hannah-kg]

Ruby I really want to thank you. Im freaking out at the moment as im in my L6 summer and ive got so much to do and absolutely no motivation. I have a massive to do list and yet its been two weeks and ive only done one piece of work. Im so grateful to have seen how everything worked out in your journey and that you found your way to oxford. I have no idea what im doing or where ill end up, but I just wanted to say how much you inspire me. Im so scared to go to uni, that everyone else will be smarter than me, that i dont know what im doing. And maybe i have no idea, but im starting to be okay with that. You deserve so much and i hope you know how much we appreciate the time you put into these videos for us. Thank you Ruby

[@godsbuckets]

Congrats, Ruby! Me and my 8 y/o daughter have enjoyed following you on your journey at Oxford. What an achievement!

[@teainortakoy]

Awe and Ruby is such a wonderful, kind and hard working young person for your daughter to look up to.

[@teainortakoy]

Congratulations Ruby - I can't think of a more hard working, kind, caring and wonderful person that deserves it more. Wishing you every ounce of success, joy and happiness! ♥

[@Sixty_Five_Pronghorn]

This is why I always put my work away after 9 PM no matter what. I spent so much time and energy freaking out about things I didn't need to freak out about when I stayed up late working on assignments that were already finished. When I focused more on taking care of my mental, physical, and spiritual health before anything else, everything in my life improved, including my grades and my work ethic. But, I totally understand the anxiety. I'm currently thinking about a 20 point media reflection I wrote for my sociology class last week, specifically a single line out of the entire essay where I tried to write a joke but it didn't land (I was writing about how colleges spent their money, and included "lazy rivers" in a sentence about colleges spending on things that they think they need lmao).

[@TheDentistryDiary]

The ending made me cry tears of joy but also relief of relating to every thing you said ✌🏼💯💜

[@sarahhobbs7600]

Congratulations - so delighted for you. You actually made me cry, I really felt for you. You'd worked so hard and were so dedicated. You are an inspiration to us older students! x

[@ana33happy]

Ohh Ruby congratulations!!! I'm soo happy for you. 💕✨ I cried when you opened the results and I cried even more at the end 😭I'm very stressed because the coming year is my last year of middle school, and next summer I'll be taking an exam that will determine my entry into high school and, essentially, my future. You have no idea how much those words at the end helped me!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! xxx

[@IsabellaPabst]

I actually cried when you got your distinction! I’m so happy for you and you deserve all the success you work so hard for. (Side note: I ALWAYS knew you would get it… I never doubted you. I know this doesn’t exclude the fact that we sometimes sabotage ourselves and I understand how you felt, I’ve been there… but that’s just how I -and maybe most people - see you, like… if there’s one person who could get it, it’s you!) congratulations! I hope you read this and that this helps you be more confident in yourself. ❤ I admire you so much!

[@eveklinger4134]

Thank you for sharing this, for being vulnerable. Your words really made me cry. ❤️

[@mandymullett1615]

Wow, congratulations, so so proud of you. Inspirational young lady xx

[@ismusso]

The end of this video made me cry. I’m so grateful to be able to watch your videos because they just motivate me to study in the best and healthiest way possible. Truly thank you❤️

[@Rea-dv6rm]

Ohh this made me so emotional! First off, it’s actually so refreshing to hear you talk about how self-aware you are of the unnecessary panic and anxiety that your body took ahold of, bc for me anxiety is such a fascinating phenomenon in terms of how our bodies go into complete survival mode until the thing making us anxious is gone, or in this case pulling an all nighter when you logically know it’s probably not a good idea and yet our body takes full control as opposed to our mind. And yet it’s so important that even if we come to regret these things, we constantly learn to remind ourselves that we can’t continue to punish our bodies for making these mistakes. I love how you said trust is so key, bc that’s really how I’m able to overcome some of my worst anxiety triggers. And also the part about having a good headspace when you work, I find that rest is really the only thing that brings me back to a place of content. Thank you for these reminders and your honesty on your journey. I know you’ve spoken about struggling to not let academia define you in the past and learning to deal with that and I feel that really resonates now, especially in a time in which we may feel like things haven taken a turn for the worst and we become filled with regret for our actions. But it’s also immensely human to be anxious and in a state of survival, and it can become incredibly demoralizing but also is so important to consider for our own health. I can’t thank you enough for this honest portrayal Ruby. You opening your result at the end legitimately made me tear up!! I could so relate to your anxiety in that moment and the immediate relief you felt afterwards. Your videos have been a huge inspiration for me to continue my higher education, and while you must hear that a lot from people, I hope that doesn’t cause any pressure for you to perform a certain way on social media, but rather continue to document your authentic self in ways you feel comfortable sharing. I can’t imagine how overwhelming this whole journey must’ve felt, but I know you deserve a nice, patient, fulfilling break as you’ve earned it! And the same goes for anyone reading this too, no matter where you are in your life and what you’re doing at this moment, please remember you are enough as you are. Oh and another great reminder: Rest is productive! So take advantage of it, and your body will thank you ❤

[@amyremington381]

Crying as I type. Thank you for sharing this. You are a precious soul, and I so relate to every single minute of this. Thank you for your words at the end. They pierced my heart. I so needed this right now. Congratulations, and bless you for your kind heart!!! ❤

[@zohalarbabzada9654]

Omg this is classic I must say. I recently put myself in this kind of headspace after some big med school exams and ended up doing really well, so I was quite shocked at why I stressed myself out so much when in reality my performance was way better than what my headspace was telling me. Congrats on the distinction! Hard work and well deserved :)

[@klglencross]

My 2 year old was watching this with me and clapped for you at the end! 👏🏻

[@emilycameron3512]

What an achievement! I’m usually a silent viewer, but I have been around for 7-8 years, and when I was in high school you were honestly the reason why I started to enjoy learning. I am now a chemistry PhD student, and I still find myself making my way back to your channel, and it reminds me what I loved about academia in the first place. Thank you for sharing your journey, and congratulations on such a momentous achievement and on remaining so open and honest as always. Thank you Ruby!

[@katelyng266]

This video was so healing. I know the feeling of spiraling and the fear of what if I don’t get into post graduate courses. You are someone who has motivated me to stay consistent. Thank you for showing us this side as well.

[@katie_cant_compute]

“Quite a sad case study”😭 For real though this video was so comforting, essays stress me out to death too. I never feel like I’ve done a good job, and usually end up despising the act of working on it, which is sad. Big congratulations on getting yourself through it!

[@ranthropologist]

Congrats, Ruby! You're going to do so well at your PhD! And you're absolutely right about needing to enjoy the work. I loved my final projects for the undergrad I just finished, and they absolutely reflected that. They all got 100%, and the final paper for my capstone even got the comment that "it doesn't get more anthropological than this!" which made me feel like I'm so ready for grad school. We do this because we love it, even when it's hard!

[@Meyhlinn]

Hello Ruby, First thing I wanted to say is, last year when I found out you were accepted into a master's degree I was proud, and also I was happy because I was going to do my master's at the same time as you. It's only with these last videos that I understood that your master's degree only lasts one year, while mine lasts 2 years in France. I am very impressed by what you were able to accomplish, even though you say you don't always have good work practices. What matters is that you succeeded and I am proud of you! The second thing I wanted to say is thank you. Thank you for accompanying me on a daily basis, thank you for romanticizing my life a little, and thank you for giving me courage to accomplish what I may believe to be insurmountable. I have to write a dissertation for this last year of my master's degree and I will think of you!

[@samschiang]

i’ve been following your channel for over half a decade now and honestly this video could not have come at a better time. i will be sitting for the state bar to become licensed as an attorney in only two weeks, and i was really questioning my abilities, feeling similarly exhausted and confused. thank you for this 💚

[@user-qv2mh2ef4v]

Ruby, I will never forget the milestones in my own career - qualifying exams, dissertation defense, job offer, book contract, tenure and promotion. Every one of these played out in just this way. It’s nearly impossible not to stress or second guess one’s work. I’m so proud of you and happy that you can continue on your academic journey. Congratulations!

[@Meg_intheclouds]

I think me a year ago needed this video and if I could show it to her I would, you’re videos have always brought so much comfort for me and when I was younger I also was exactly like Hermione granger because I didn’t know how else to be and modelling myself off of characters was the only way I knew. Now I’ve finished one year at university and realised that I was holding myself to the standards when this entire time I had undiagnosed ADHD. Always had high anxiety over performance, but it really is not worth the cost of mental health. School and studying should be about learning and enjoying that which j always have, I just lost that love but I’m finally starting to get it back. And this video made me reflect on all this and It’s also been so cool to see you grow over the years. It makes me happy that at the age of 10 8 years ago, I chose the right person to be my role model 🥰

[@serenabrent8832]

Congratulations Ruby. You've worked so hard, and you deserve your distinction. Now chill, and have a fantastic summer. 🎓 🍾🙂

[@bonitacristina13]

Indeed hard work really pays off. 🌟🙏🏻 Thanks Ruby for helping us how to study in a smart way 💜

[@Nate1975]

Thank you for sharing this very real spiralling process of anxiety and dangers of working on something in that state. A bit no no. Authentic video. Well-done❤ love your vlogs because there’s always the end result, the fruit of your labour right there. Amazing. Congratulations. 🎉🎉🎉🎉 I can’t wait to watch your PhD vlogs 😊

[@dianelipson5420]

You put so much time and effort in this. Your mind needed to be sure and that’s okay. And now you know it doesn’t help, and you have a rational argument to shut your brain up with for next time. We all knew you had this all along. We’ve been watching you for some time. Your setbacks hurt, even though we knew you’d get there in the end. You have a remarkable mind. It is so much fun watching to see where it will take you. And I think you help a lot of people when you talk about the stress and disappointments. Because it’s not failure that stops one. It’s letting failure defeat you instead of teaching you that is the trap to beware. You are so brave and determined, we never doubted for a moment that you would soar.

[@deanpfeiffer3488]

I’m a 4th year medical student in America awaiting the results from an exam that will basically determine how residency applications go for me (Step 2 for anyone that’s familiar). I’ve had a rough two weeks convincing myself that I totally bombed it because I’ve been focused on the handful of questions I know I got wrong. This was like a breath of fresh air to me. Thank you so much for your honesty on your journey! It’s very healing ❤

[@Jenny-mo8bu]

I got tears in my eyes at the end of this video, I was SO happy and excited for you! It doesn't surprise me in the least that you got a distinction, but I understand the inclination that many of us have to doubt ourselves. Well done, Ruby!! So well done.

[@christophershank8393]

Seven years ago, I was one month away from my master's degree being done. I'd applied for graduation, ordered my robes, everything. I submitted a draft of a script I had written and it got critiqued to the point where I gave up, told off my professors, and dropped out. It took until the pandemic for me to realize how silly it was of me to fight when no fight was there. I say that to say this... you're strong, you're intelligent, and you have a wonderful perspective on the world that will take you far. That's for Ruby and for everyone reading this, too. You made it through the hard stuff.

[@sashabear6408]

Such a beautiful a powerful video! Dear Ruby, thank you for sharing this!

[@mackmackymack]

I’m so glad that I had to print and bind my masters (as well as bounce my compositions to CD) and submit it in person. The ritual was such a key moment. My course mates were there too and we all went off to the pub afterwards to celebrate.

[@CharlotteElizabeth92]

A fantastic result and very meaningful video. And now... relax! I'm a TA in an SEN school and I think I speak for everyone in eductation this year, including students, when I say that we need this break. You have earned it and should feel so proud.

[@jamesonjabiru]

Im 52. Ive been doing that all my life. I absolutely kmow awhat youre going through. You made this old man teary. Bless.

[@JustMe-rn5xm]

Thank you so much for sharing this, I sometimes almost feel embarrassed about how worked up I get when a deadline is approaching, and it is kinda comforting to know that even someone like you gets like this sometimes…. I‘m so impressed by how far you‘ve come and you can be really really proud of yourself☺️

[@rebeccahoffman2430]

You want it to be perfect ❤️ That's what we all tend to do. Your passionate!

[@vanessaprestoncreative]

Congratulations on your result, Ruby!! I felt for you, as I was also like this from about ages 10 to 30. I'm 49 now and I've finally been able to overcome a lot of that perfectionism thanks to chronic illness, though I still see it evident in my writing, art, socialsituazzzz .... ok, I'm still a perfectionist! A grade 5 teacher told my mum that an assignment I completely redid (by hand, in a project book, handwritten and illustrated) probably earned me an extra half a mark, if anything (19.5 out of 20 instead of 19). You'd think I'd have learned from that experience, but no. You're more self-aware now than I was at 30, so hopefully you will be able to learn from this experience. Sending you lots of compassion. xoxo

[@astara3770]

No one deserves this more than Ruby ❤ she's worked so hard to get to this point at Oxford Well done!!

[@dr.sarametz2516]

Congratulations!! What an amazing accomplishment 🎉❤

[@bituingmarikit]

I just watched this video and I’m literally crying as I can totally relate to this 🥹 I’m currently writing my PhD thesis and this is exactly what I need to realise at this very moment ❤ Thank you, Ruby - you have no idea how much good you put out in the world and help people through your content 💕

[@ruthfuller2105]

I'm so happy for you Ruby. You've worked so hard and its paid off. I felt your anxiety changing, proof reading over and over again. I've been there and done the same. Sometimes we have to just trust ourselves, and know we've done the best we can and that's all we can ask of our selves. Well done.

[@RubyGranger8]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@carollbdv]

Ruby, thank you so much for sharing your insecurities and advice! I cried at the end of the video because this was precisely what I needed to watch. I lack a lot of thrust in myself, and sometimes all I need is someone to believe in me, just as you've shown. Thank you so much!

[@ClaudioStudyCorner]

Hey Ruby! I just wanted to say you’re an amazing youtuber who has inspired me to find joy and happiness in academia and school from a young age ❤ (I’ve been watching you since I was 12 and now I’m going into my second year of high school!)