I used to attend a university for a diploma in computer engineering. After a few semesters, I decided to stop studying there. I needed to withdraw. However, what they call "student peers"—I am not sure what the term is in English—were being reductionist and maximalist regarding the official documents, stating that I had already agreed to and chosen the university and the study program in the online application form. This is not fair. I believe it is important to treat each person as an individual, as a whole person, rather than merely considering what I have done to prevent me from leaving. I wasn't there to fulfill their collectivist culture, believing I should prioritize the university's name and dignity at the cost of my own. At the moment, I want to take a break from writing this, as my mind is troubled by thoughts of my past, including the emotional abuse I experienced from the university staff. Unfair, right? #AcademicTrauma #StudentRights #CollectivistHarm #YouAreNotALabel #DropoutStories #HigherEdReform #EmotionalAbuse #university #education #diploma #dark #abuse
#AcademicTrauma
When I was a PhD student, phdcomics.com was the mechanism of coping and a way to commiserate with all PhD students in the world.
On behalf of the generation shaped by it: where, I ask, is the PI version of it? How am I supposed to work through the #AcademicTrauma without a comic series to guide me?!
https://phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=124
In a lot of ways, I'm glad to be out of #academia - or at least not beholden to it for a job. I'll get to publish my work, how I want, which is exciting.
Context:
I just got out of a touchbase with my boss in a non-profit and I always feel like my list of accomplishments is never enough --- but she is always thrilled with all the things I do.
It's nice to work hard, do lots of things, and be thanked for them.