Put it on paper

The Behavioural Economics Society (and) Technology (BEST) Centre Conference at the Queensland University of Technology Business School has a special place in my heart. In 2020, about 2 weeks before the world shutdown, I presented my first academic paper here. That was the first time someone referred to my research as my “work”. I felt like I had arrived.

For the last two years, I have presented at the conference virtually (thanks, Covid). Today, I had the chance to return in person. The last time I was here, I was a 2nd-year doctoral student lost in the literature wilderness. I had written the 1st chapter of 3 different dissertations. None of them felt right. I wondered if I’d ever finish my PhD, let alone find my place in academics.

Standing at the podium today, I felt the circle complete itself. I still wander, but I am not lost.