Its all started with Kutti. This morning, I was chatting with her for a while. In the middle of the conversation, she reminded me of my Ph.D. And doing a Ph.D is a pending item in my "to do" list.
And I never thought choosing the field of study would be this difficult or confusing. I mean, to me. I have my reasons.
The choice is between International Politics and Literature. In life, you can't afford to make a wrong choice even by chance. It may be close to your heart. But it may fail you in other areas. Choosing a Ph.D is a life turning point, I believe. And both have pros and cons which will have strong influence in my future. I didn't have much problem when I took my UG. I wanted to do Law but my dad told me to go for Literature.Also some of my teachers. They knew my interest in English. So I did. Then there had been a smooth transition to next levels. And now hiccups.. I have been contemplating on this for some time. Actually for a long time.
Strangely, last night I mailed my friend in India to give me an advice, I am sure, he is going to go for Literature. This morning I checked with Kutti and she is all for literature. She is expecting me to be writer. Of course, yes, I will be.Chris is also for Literature. I think, both Kutti and Chirs are concerned about two things;1) literature is the known area unlike the other, and 2) career development and job security in future. Francis is for linguistics.
And later this afternoon, strangely again, I mailed some of my debaters. The first person to reply was AQ. The person behind the idea of this International Politics is him. Followed by Mitch, Tochi and Pan..all for International Politics. Meanwhile, Mo dropped into my office, he is also for the same. He once said that I have an iconic image and I should try Politics. Doesn't it sound good?
Ph.D in literature is not essential in order to be a writer. Same goes with Politics. Wait, will I become one? Don't know. I wanted once. I expressed my interest in politics to my dad few times. He just smiled with a head nod. He was the one who put the seed in my mind. He was a king maker. Surrounded by politics; in some way or other.
I was wondering many times when I was so much pulled into debates. I knew and I realised that I was moving away from my mainstream; literature to world affairs. Everything around me was politics or world affairs. Except for a good amount of reading. Mind you, reading is never enough to do a Ph.D in literature!
My future with Ph.D in literature is somewhat predictable. Lecturer, Professor, and perhaps retire as a VC? Cool. But the other one is totally unpredictable and could be challenging. Of course, challenges makes the life more interesting.
There is a problem in choosing when you like them equally. Its like loving two of your siblings, two of your children, or even two of your friends. (I didn't say girl friends or otherwise;)) But if you are person of favoritism, sorry..this is not for you..
The brighter side is the possibility of going for both...but one after another. And which one first? Perhaps something close to the heart?
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