PERSPECTIVE: My journey through Graduate School!

Hey everyone, what’s up? 

More than a degree: My journey through Graduate School!

Perspective

How’s your life going? I hope you’re doing well and still finding meaning in everything you do. In this article, I’d like to share a part of my journey, something very close to my heart: my experience as a master’s student. Some people might say, “Being a student is easier than working,” but I beg to differ. My time pursuing a master’s degree was not just about getting a certificate, it was a mental, emotional, and spiritual process that shaped me into who I am today. If you’ve ever been in grad school or are planning to pursue it, maybe this will give you something to reflect on too.

To be honest, I didn’t always dream of pursuing a master’s degree. It wasn’t something I planned from the beginning. But somewhere along the way, I realized that knowledge, especially when it’s rooted in purpose, is power. When I finally made the decision to apply for graduate school, I knew I wasn’t just signing up for more books or research, I was committing myself to a deeper journey of understanding, discipline, and sacrifice. It wasn’t always glamorous. There were days when I felt drained, insecure, and even lost. But I kept going because the reason behind it was bigger than my comfort zone.

My research focused on "Women Entrepreneurship and Ecological Communication in the Lisu Ethnic Community, Chiang Rai Province". It wasn’t just an academic topic, it was a living, breathing story that connected me to the real lives of women who work every day not just to survive, but to create something meaningful for themselves and their communities. Spending time with the Lisu women changed my perspective forever. I didn’t just learn about communication or environmental practices, I learned about resilience, identity, tradition, and womanhood. These women became my teachers, and my thesis became a way to amplify their voices.

Of course, doing a master’s degree wasn’t without its pressures. Balancing fieldwork, writing, classes, and life wasn’t easy. There were times when I doubted my ability to finish, when I was mentally exhausted and emotionally stretched. But somehow, I found strength in the quiet moments, in the support of my professors, the late-night study sessions, the tears, and even in solitude. Every page I wrote carried weight. Every deadline taught me about commitment. And every challenge reminded me that I was growing, even if I couldn’t see it yet. Graduate school taught me that knowledge without purpose is noise, but knowledge with purpose is power.

I carry this experience with pride, not because of a master’s title, but because I lived through it fully. It has helped me grow not only as a student or researcher but as a woman, a future leader, and a human being. If you’re thinking of going down this path, do it not just for the degree, but for the growth it demands of you. Be ready to feel uncomfortable, to be humbled, to be challenged, and to be transformed. At the end of the day, it’s not just about academic achievement. It’s about who you become through the process. So, here’s my perspective.

Warm regards :b