The questions they asked me [at PubhD Coimbra] will make me reflect on my project
From the PhD in Discourses: Culture, History and Society, Beatriz Gonçalves brought to the June edition of PubhD Coimbra her research project: "Resistance through words - the poetics of M. NourbeSe Philip" The PhD student is part of the Center for Social Studies of the University of Coimbra.
Why did you decide to participate in PubhD Coimbra?
I was challenged by a friend who told me it was a good opportunity to share my work with people, not in my field. And that's super challenging because not being in my field, I have to rethink how I'm going to explain things, making everything more interesting. It becomes a challenge to think outside the box on how I will explain my research to people who don't understand what I'm talking about. And in a more informal context, which immediately requires a different attitude and [where] we are not with the formalities of congresses. I find it more difficult because we are not so used to it, at least I am not.
How was your experience in this edition of PubhD Coimbra?
It was positive, I was very stressed, but when I arrived and started talking, I felt myself calming down, and I became more confident. And I enjoyed it. And I liked the questions they asked me.
Would you advise other colleagues to participate?
Yes. I think it's important. It's a completely different environment. And as PhD students, we are used to talking and discussing our projects, and for that alone, it's a very worthwhile challenge. And the questions they asked me will make me think a little bit more about my project and what I will do from now on.