The Run-up to (and Immediately After) My Viva

After four and a half (thousand) years... I had my viva! How to prepare, and how to handle the event itself? You'll have to watch to see if I'm in any fit state to offer advice.
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Music is by the post-rockers Silent Island with their songs:
- Queen Hurricane
- The Journey Never Ends
- Dolphin Rush
From the album Fall of Oceans, which has been a sort of anthem to my PhD -- thanks again for letting me use this music here.
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Got a question for me?
www.lucykissick.co.uk/contact
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My name is Lucy Kissick, I'm a something something no spoilers from the University of Oxford, I'm a nuclear scientist, and it's the time of year where the swifts are back!!! Keep an eye out!!!

[@HollyJaneYT]

Lucy, is it weird that I'm so proud and feel like opening up a bottle of champagne on your behalf?!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I've been following your channel since I decided I wanted to do a PhD, and I'm just finished year one. You're such an inspiration. Congrats again!

[@Ric_93]

My viva is this Friday... and I had a full mental breakdown yesterday 😬 I'm glad I'm doing better today, but I do feel like I'm going to implode! I can't wait for it to be over

[@nachiketpradhan3237]

Congratulations Dr. Lucy. Your journey has inspired me and taught me how to handle PhD like a pro

[@dr_jacko]

I had my viva yesterday and passed with minor corrections. What you say at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="140">2:20</a> ish is what worried me most in the run-up. I am going away with my wife and children this weekend and all I could think about was how I would be sad and disappointed at the outcome. The "it's just a conversation" description is exactly how mine went. As you were, I am so relieved and happy that it's over.

[@blizzardgirl1365]

Congratulations Doctor!! I’ve been following this channel for a long time through my own PhD journey and it’s so nice to see you pass your viva!! I hope you were able to enjoy the celebrations!

[@Aoina376]

Why am I crying! Congratulations!

[@Abbyel]

Congratulations Dr. Lucy Kissick!! The emotions in this video - wow, thank you so much for sharing this with us and showing the reality of your lead up to and after the viva. Your work is incredible and you've got 26,000 people who agree and value your videos so much, so thank you 🎊

[@lecliche8849]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="242">4:02</a> is priceless, the expression on your face, a very private moment shared with the world! Congratulations. I hope you enjoyed it.

[@muistijaljet]

Congratulations Dr. Kissick and many good things on your future! It is so much different here in Finland, though. We 2/3 of corrections from examiners before the viva (which is 1/3 of the evaluation). The viva is more like "public show off to your family and friends of how much of a small tiny thing you know" because the thesis has already been approved by your supervisor and 2/3 of the examiners so the 1/3 is just for fancy academic show. I remember just realizing half way through my viva that I have talked so much with my opponent at this point, that I could basically answer "I don't know" for the rest of the viva and still get through it. It was such a pivotal moment that I just started to enjoy the rest of it and went for a ride.

[@IssaSabla]

Congrats Dr. Kissick, I have gone through similar case a year ago

[@camillamidtbenrkke7333]

Congratulations!! I'm so happy for you!

[@raneshadefonseka2252]

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing

[@shreya_pandey]

So happy!!! Congrats Lucy! :')

[@jessicanino934]

This was amazing. Congratulations.

[@problemsolved7327]

this was lovely to watch

[@meera8888]

Very nice to see this, congratulations Lucy!

[@Nucleotide5313]

Congrats Lucy!

[@ashutoshsrivastava8023]

Congratulations 🎉!

[@Gingerkilljoy123]

I am just starting my PhD now... Amazing to see what you have gone through, what you have learned and what you have achieved. Consider me inspired!

[@yinkaoladokun5431]

Congratulations!

[@firstnamesecondname5341]

Congratulations 🥳

[@stevecarter7612]

Lurker of your channel for ages! Well done!

[@pankajrai9732]

Congratulations Lucy!!

[@elhameftekhari7088]

Many congrats 👏🏻✨💫🎉🎊

[@rajivroy2352]

So proud of you 😃 congratulations ❤️

[@jeromeabesamis9746]

Congratulations! what an inspiring journey

[@kgatoselwe]

Congratulations Lucy! 🥳🥳❤

[@macarenamontes4641]

Congrats Dr. Lucy!!!! 🥳🥳🥳

[@paulooliveira-io3xc]

Congratulations! You are always inspiring me! Good job, Doctor!

[@ByrneBros]

Brilliant. Well done.

[@bettysanchez6465]

Congrats Dr. Lucy !! Thanks for sharing your experience !

[@agwonline]

Well done Lucy!

[@ronwilliams4184]

There must be thousands of us around the world who love you. Well done.

[@shameelajiffrey6219]

Congrats Dr. Lucy!!

[@sayantanibanerjee6095]

Congratulations!!!

[@nissemabdeljelil]

Congratulations ! This is so touching ❤❤❤ ! Wish you the best !

[@bobojaimal]

Congratulations Dr. Kissick! :)

[@Kureshiman]

I am so happy for you, Dr. Lucy! It's been such an adventure walking with you through this phase of your life. So, proud of you!!

[@melly1989]

congrats Lucy🥰

[@ippeikawano8032]

Congratulations Dr. Kissick!

[@ginniam]

Congratulations!!!! I recently found your channel and it has been really helpful and inspiring! Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@Mostly.Harmless.86]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! YOU DID IT. And thank you so much for the inspiration. Please keep posting

[@haaothithu8788]

Congratulations Dr. Lucy Kissick! Love your amazing journey!

[@cilvajoseph7970]

Congrats Dr. Lucy

[@johnnysmith6876]

Congratulations, thanks!

[@sergechapman8893]

Congratulations Dr Kissick!

[@elizabethjoy934]

Congratulations Dr Lucy..Thanks for all the content you shared

[@hannahaddad5772]

Congratulation Lucy, for wonderful efforts and you finally did it. I am inspired a lot from your journey

[@caroletatu]

Iupiii! Congratulations Dr Lucy! Best wishes!

[@chinosts]

What an awesome video! I really felt like I was there with you and feeling all the weight and importance of the day.. Thank you for going to the effort of documenting this.

[@brii3399]

Congratulations ! I've been following your channel when I started my uni studies again. It's awesome to see you achieve this.

[@Monitol]

Congratulations Doctor Lucy!!!

[@isabelwatts5962]

CONGRATULATIONS LUCY!!! Thank you for sharing everything with us that you have. You are amazing and we are so incredibly overjoyed for you and your successes! Lovely video.

[@krisanthonysilveira8244]

Super Proud of Dr Lucy thanks for being an inspiration!!

[@LexAcademic]

Well done, Lucy!

[@nedas8838]

Congratulations Dr Lucy! You are such an inspiration! And yes... I cried!

[@ivnaseabra9059]

I am soooo proud of you!! You deserve everything you get!! Enjoy your moment, DOCTOR!

[@Kveldrunari]

Congratulations Dr. Kissick!!!!!!!!!

[@cortadito_]

Congratulations!!! You should be so proud of this amazing accomplishment. I've been rooting for you for a long time! So happy for you!!!! You deserve it!

[@allenthehusband]

Huzzah, congrats Dr Kissick!

[@amirtemer721]

Sincere and inspirational. Congratulations, PhD. Lucy :)

[@mbasughunukpi7061]

Congratulations Girl!!! Thank you for being vulnerable and taking us on this journey. Dr Kissick !!!!!!

[@farhantanvir8838]

Congratulations! I just saw your channel today and watched all videos you made from your first year of PhD. I am a PhD student myself. I can relate to a lot of stuffs you said. The mistakes, the failures, the rejections, imposter syndrome, being stressed out and tensed, being overwhelmed, losing focus, being burnt out- I can relate to each and every one of these. I will definitely keep all your suggestions and advices in mind. It feels great that you have finally made it. Congratulations again on your amazing journey and outstanding achievement, Dr. Lucy!

[@anjalyb6935]

Congratulations Dr. Lucy

[@kunalyadav8062]

Congratulation Dr. Lucy

[@Hannah-ox1fi]

Congratulation Lucy!! Thank you for taking the time to make this channel and help us all get through our PhDs together

[@erkanyashar5135]

Congratulations Dr. Lucy.

[@travisstone3089]

Congratulations Dr! It's been so great to watch you go through this journey while you've helped those of us a few years behind you!

[@mayankchhaperwal4108]

Congratulations! I am following you for a long time and I am so happy for you!! Excited for my own viva now although I just started PhD.

[@nathanbossoh]

An amazing journey to have gone on. Congrats Dr Lucy, so great to see this after years of watching you grow. I hope my viva will be a success when I get to it next year!

[@MarkPerew]

Congratulations, DOCTOR Kissick. Thank you for sharing all of the ups and downs of your journey.

[@ayasarsour2860]

Congrats Dr.lucy

[@carlosbornes]

Well done Lucy or I should say Dr. Lucy. Was really fun following your experience all the way from the first video and in one year is my time to present my thesis

[@massabranca]

Gee, it made me cry so unexpectedly! It's such an emotional process. Thanks so much for sharing, for your honesty, focus and generous insights. And: CONGRATULATIONS!!

[@jemimahoahimire8982]

Congratulations Dr Lucy Kissick! Thanks for all your advice! They really came in handy in my masters!

[@juanluislechugacrespo7969]

Congratulations Dr. Kissick! I've follow this channel since the first videos (while I was doing my PhD) and sharing this part of your story, as a viewer, has inspired and motivated me during most part of my PhD. I'm really happy you get over with it, and I wish you all the best in the days to come! Thank you for keeping us posted!

[@h.rainakkhanreal3090]

Congratulations Dr. Lucy. Your journey is very inspiring. Hopefully I will pursue my PhD one day!

[@thinkerscientist132]

Congratulations Dr. Kissick! Brilliant work! Your channel has been an inspiration for me, both as a scientist and now as a fresh KZbinr. Your videos are wonderfully made, and you were one of the people who gave me the idea to start my own channel a few months ago! All the best with your work and life post-PhD! :)

[@jetc4589]

Congratulations Dr. kissick!!!!! Wow the documentation of your experience was amazing! Thank you for sharing this! I am super excited for what is to come for you. It definitely gave me the motivation that I need during final week as a undergrad. I have one more year and then I will be applying to PhD programs. Watching your videos has inspired and motivated me even further!!!

[@custardfactory6668]

Congratulations!!!!!

[@IranianSupernova]

Hey!!!! Congrats Doctor!

[@dineshmalasiya6387]

Congratulations Dr.

[@derranstokes8760]

Congratulations Doctor Lucy Kissick. Have thoroughly enjoyed watching your journey unfold in such an open and honest manner - the highs and the lows. Thank you for sharing the journey with us.

[@patrickholtz]

Congrats, you are a inspiration to any one persuing a academic career!

[@franklinmartinezm]

I cried watching the end of this video. I've followed you since year 1 of your PhD and you're fantastic and I'm so so so so happy for you. I hope all is going good!

[@yuxichen8661]

Well done and congrats! Lucy!! I am waiting for my Viva, it has been 5 months since I submitted it...super nervous because it will show up anytime. Your video made me even more nevous...but I am soooo happy for you! Good job Doctor!

[@Julianina100]

Congrats, Dr. Lucy! I've been following you for about two years (now entering my 4th years of the PhD). THank you for all your tips and thoughts and inspiration. So tough to see you worrying like this and then so great to see you happy, cheerful and relieved. All the best!

[@speceff]

Congratulations! I'm happy for you! And pretty shoes by the way ;)

[@Theotherbek]

Well done, Doctor!! I'm going to save this video and watch it again when I am about to defend mine. I don't know how long i have left on my PhD, but I have enjoyed at least partially being on this journey with you!

[@Rasulujjaaman]

Well done Dr Lucy. Congratulations. I am in my first year of my PhD and just found out your channel. Looking forward to watching all of your videos one by one very soon. Great job...

[@Laurelise]

Congratulations 🥳. I started following your channel for advice on study tips (only for my masters), but you have been an inspiration and I definitely want to pursue my doctorate degree once I finish my masters!

[@mohammedstudy2886]

Congratulations Doctor. Well done. I had mine online as well mid Feb and I survived. Wish you the best

[@curiousera2470]

Huge congratulations Doctor

[@SaiLOG]

thank you for sharing your experience, Lucy. I just found your channel and have seen around six of your videos in one go. I am really happy for you on your successful defense. It's amazing how much impact our stories have on others. I am a speech pathologist and pursuing a Ph.D. in speech & hearing sciences. Currently, in my 3rd year, I have also started a channel to share my experiences and insight with the world. To be honest, I got the motivation to do this by witnessing some amazing KZbinrs/bloggers like you. I wish you all the best in your future ventures.

[@laszlotompa7893]

I am going to have my viva tomorrow. This very video is about the only thing that can soothe my mind now. Thank you, dr. Kissick! I wish you all the splendid success your talent promises!

[@DrJayLLB]

how did it go?

[@laszlotompa7893]

@@DrJayLLB It went splendidly, thank you! I passed with results I dared not hoping for, and now my first book on the subject is about to be published =) to whoever is reading this, preparing for his/her own: it is not as cutthroat or bitter in hindsight as it seems just before the viva, and - under the best of circumstances - it truly is the enlightening professional discussion that it is ought to be. Stay strong & hopeful!

[@DrJayLLB]

@@laszlotompa7893, that's amazing; well done you. well, earnt, I'm sure. I don't have a PhD yet, I start it in September. my username is just pre-emptive lol

[@wenboguo2238]

Mine is tomorrow. I feel I’m so under prepared, and I already spotted more than a dozen rudimentary mistakes… I’m more than happy to do corrections but I hope I can pass it!!

[@tuber1000]

Many congratulations. I am not doing any Phd but may be one day I might. I liked your videos because it fascinates me watching people excelling in education and along the way they educate others on how to achieve success. Well done and thanks

[@richardgale4827]

Finally got caught up. So nervous for you (even though it says 'Dr' right there before your name!) Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing your journey, Dr Kissick.

[@davidbroadbent3986]

Congratulations wonderful achievement

[@UnPureMaddness]

Congratulations Doctor!!!!