Jasper's Day - Persistance pays off
From physiotherapy to a PhD ceremony in Groningen: some days are all about progress. Not only for myself, but also for a doctoral candidate who managed to finish his thesis despite balancing work and fatherhood.
‘I get up at seven, have breakfast, make lunch for my son Kamiel and put on my sports clothes. My first appointment of the day is with the physiotherapist to continue working on my recovery from hip surgery. What is new this time is that I cycle there, another step towards returning to normal life. Yesterday, I even drove a short distance in my car for the first time since the operation.
De forward lunge is particularly challenging
At eight o'clock, I am on the exercise bike for the usual ten-minute warm-up. Then comes a selection of exercises, some familiar and a few new ones. The forward lunge is one of the new additions, and I find it particularly challenging, which probably means it deserves a place in the routine.
Through the traffic to Groningen
After forty-five minutes, I cycle home again, quickly shower and get ready for the rest of the day. It is a celebratory day, taking place in Groningen. Today is the PhD defence of Marick, one of the doctoral candidates from my time in Groningen.
The defence is scheduled for 12.45 hrs, which makes travelling by train a bit too risky. Fortunately, Xuefei also needs to be in Groningen over the next few days, so I can get a lift with her. Even that turns out to be slightly nerve-racking, as traffic is, of course, not flowing smoothly everywhere. In the end, I arrive at the Academy Building around half past twelve, quickly put on my gown and join the pre-defence meeting slightly later than planned.
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Start of Marick’s PhD defence. One of his paranymphs presents the dissertation. -
Traditional staircase photo of the newly awarded doctor, paranymphs, supervisors and examination committee.
Completing a PhD Between nappies and career
The defence goes very well. Marick presents and defends his work convincingly, and with great dedication. For Thomas, the co-supervisor, and me, this PhD feels like a gift. His contract ended three years ago, when the thesis was already close to completion. Since then, he has started a promising career and became a father. Those are exactly the kinds of milestones that often delay the final stages of a PhD. That makes his perseverance and determination to complete the thesis all the more commendable. It was therefore a pleasure to recognise that achievement during the laudatio.
A little more work at the Academy Building
After the defence, we have lunch with family, friends and colleagues at a Lebanese restaurant in the city centre. The food is excellent, there are speeches and gifts, and shortly after three o'clock we go our separate ways. There is also a reception planned for the evening.
I spend the afternoon attending two online meetings. Fortunately, the attendants at the Academy Building still know me well and find me a comfortable spot where I can work quietly. It is so peaceful, in fact, that I lose track of time and continue with phone calls and emails until half past six.
I grab a quick bite to eat in town and then head to the reception. It is being held in a café that I know well from years ago. For me, it is a pleasant reunion, almost nostalgic. Unfortunately, I cannot stay long, as I have to return to The Hague by train.
During the journey, I review some documents for tomorrow and chat with family. Shortly after midnight, I arrive home, just in time to see Kamiel heading off to bed. I unwind for a while on the sofa with a cup of tea before turning in myself.
My legs are aching; they are clearly no longer used to a day with so much standing, travelling and walking. I choose to see it as a long exercise session on the road to further recovery. And a very festive one at that.’