S4 E3 - Bagging a PhD Degree in Chemical Engineering after 5 years featuring Dr. Pearl Abue, University of Austin, Texas

The Non-Immigrant Student

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HELLLLOOOO GOOD PEOPLE! Yes, yes, I have missed you too.
How have you been? I hope you have been keeping well. If I tell you all that has happened to me within the past three months since you last heard from me here, you would not believe! So many changes! I didn't know Season 4 of my life in the US would hit this hard! I'm now in a state of perpetual embrace brothers & sisters; God told no lies when he said to get ready! For context, see Season 4's Trailer.
In this episode, I'm back with another guest, a return guest, my friend, your friend - Dr. Pearl Achuoboro Abue! Fun-fact, she was our very first guest on this podcast and in our very first episode together (Season 1, Episode 6), she shared how she almost dropped out of the Chemical Engineering PhD program in 2021 but now stands ready to don the title of "Doctor" in 2024.
Her academic path, shaped profoundly by her father's encouragement and eventual loss, provides a poignant counterpoint to Pearl's story. She opens up about the rollercoaster ride of switching academic tracks, the impact of her father’s passing in December 2021, and the emotional toll it took. Pearl and I discuss the intersections of grief and motivation, touching on the emotional trials that come with losing a loved one while striving to meet academic milestones. She shares her experiences with finding a therapist who helped manage her grief and academic stress, and we both reflect on the importance of mental health and support systems. Newcomers will get to know Pearl through our shared history, and everyone will be reminded of the incredible power of perseverance and the unwavering support of loved ones.
We end this heartfelt episode with a discussion about healing and growth through therapy, prayer, and find out what's next for Dr. Abue. What does it take to bounce back from the brink of academic despair to the cusp of graduation? Well, find out in this latest episode, and watch this video to recap our best moments from that weekend. (Fun-fact: I was the resident photographer/videographer at all the events!)
As always, we hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording!
Ph.Done ✌🏾✌🏾; mic drop...
Lots of love & BBQ steaks from Austin TX,
Tolu & Dr. P
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Kapitler

1. Graduation Celebration and Friendship Journey (00:00:00)

2. Academic Challenges and Personal Loss (00:11:42)

3. Navigating Grief and Gratitude (00:16:50)

4. Research on Air Quality and Perfumes (00:23:32)

5. Advisor Support and Mental Health (00:32:26)

6. Mental Health and Healing Journey (00:40:49)

7. Healing Power of Prayer (00:52:15)

8. PhD Journey and Life Reflections (00:58:13)

9. Life Transitions and New Beginnings (01:07:02)