Us and the Environment

I was not into academia 3 years ago. I love studying, research, and writing, but never consider it as a path I would go through for a lifetime or at least for another 4 years. 

The internet has become a pool of sources where my doubt about academia begin. It has been a popular discourse for years whether should people continue for master’s degree or pursue professional experience first after their undergraduate studies. With the majority expressing doubts towards those who pursue master’s degree first, I begin to question whether I should start my career in academia.  

A major shift in my life took place as soon as the pandemic approached.

I decided to leave my ideal of becoming a professional designer and took a complete turn by directly continuing to a master’s program. 

As I slowly began to enjoy my master’s journey, neared its end, the idealism struck back. As I witnessed everyone preparing for their next step, as a civil servant, professional, designer, and so on, I remained lost between academia or another unrealistic idealism to become a practitioner in my field. With such limited experience, and the fact that the degree I took was not aligned with my undergraduate study, the obstacle becomes greater, especially in my country. Career shift rarely becomes an option here. 

The confusion worsened as none of my surroundings seemed to have interest on academia.

Yakin kamu mau jadi dosen?

Some even used a degrading tone when discussing academic work; hence, the raising doubts.

Yakin banget nih mau jadi akademisi? Emang keren?

Funnily enough, months after graduation I joined as an employee in my campus.

Another academic environment.

I was introduced to people whose primary work involve either teaching or research. I began to see the challenges in such field of work, the joys, and all other hurdles throughout the way. Thereby I felt this is the safest place and maybe, the kind of work I aspire to have back in my childhood. 

I used to love writing, a lot.

As a kid, I remember how I immerse myself with Microsoft publisher, lay outing newspaper and writing movie reviews. I loved delivering my train of thoughts through words. I enjoyed writing diaries, storytelling, and presenting my work to others.

Luckily, if I were to become a researcher, my dream of having a job centered on writing could come true. The major change in my environment, begin to nurture my respect on academic, rather than doubts.

What is there to doubt on and so bad about academics? 

My belief grew stronger as I got to know many people who consistently pursue career in academic, and they are doing okay.

So I realized, back then, three years ago, I just did not see yet the bigger picture of the academic field, nor do I realised how our environment shapes us the way we see something.

Constant negative exposure on certain ideas will eventually shape your mindset in the same way. 

Ah. I was just glad to come to this environment.