Rachel Sing-Ee Tan

Sometimes, when I have the writer’s block or I need a different writing environment, I try to work in a ‘non-office’ spot. This strategy of changing my work environment ensures that my productivity is on-going. The University’s various libraries and Dunedin’s wide range of cafés are wonderful to work which is good news for me! In the University, the libraries are great for me because I can use the computers, without having to carry my laptop. My favourite library is the Law Library because of its great view from the 8th floor. The Central Library is also a perfect spot for writing because it is spacious with different types of seating and tables. I particularly like both libraries as they have drinking water and microwaves available to heat up my lunch. When I want a coffee, the Staff Club is my preferred choice. It caters for postgraduates and staff, and is strategically located in the centre of the campus. Its cosy interior provides a warm place to work on a chilly

A writing retreat is an organised excursion for writing. The idea is to be away from your usual writing environment with the goal to write a section of your thesis or journal article. After writing, you could enjoy some activities as a treat for accomplishing the goal of the day. Some lucky friends have experienced a facilitated writing retreat organised either by their institutions, faculties or supervisors.  I have yet to come across such an opportunity and my strict budget could not accommodate the expenses to be away for a few days. However, a $15 coupon offered by the Wobbly Goat Cafe gave me an idea for a "Write and Bike Retreat". Because the coupon included a food voucher and bike hire for two people, I proposed a plan to my friends. First, we would write, followed by cycling and lunch as our treat, and end with a discussion about our studies. With a plan in hand, Tracy, Naoko and I went for a single day writing retreat on a fine Tuesday.  Locate

Early this year, my colleague, Tracy Rogers, initiated a writing group in our department, Higher Education Development Centre (HEDC). The group is attended by most of the HEDC postgraduate students. I am delighted to be part of this group. We initially tried fortnightly and monthly meetups, before we came to the agreement that weekly meetups each Monday morning works best. Essentially, we believed that a Monday morning writing session could be a positive motivator for the rest of our week. The overall benefit that I get from the group is developing the mental stamina for writing. The group gives numerous benefits that turn into energy which carries me through my research. In this post, I would like to highlight three vital advantages of a writing group: collegiality, developing focus and enhancing a habit to write that helps me to endure my PhD journey. 1) Collegiality for motivation The writing group delivers a sense of collegiality because we share our research achievement

The Graduation Day at the University of Otago is an eventful day filled with three main events; a brunch, a procession and a ceremony. Although it was not my graduation yet, I was pleased to attend the August Graduation Day with my friends. For me, it was not only to congratulate our friend’s success but it was a sociable and inspirational gathering. We were there to congratulate Alfie, or to be precise Dr Althea Blakey, on her graduation. For some of us, PhD candidates, it was an inspiration to see our fellow ‘comrade’ who had made it to the finishing line. Alfie is certainly a positive role model. She managed to complete her thesis while juggling between work and family. Alfie, and many other PhD graduands proved that perseveration would bring us light at the end of our PhD tunnel. The graduation’s brunch session allowed us to mix and mingle. Held at the Central Library, guests were invited to attend the meaningful day and congratulate the success of graduands. The s