I must admit, 2023 was not an easy year!
Many personal, life-changing events happened; my son got diagnosed with ADHD, we lost Rubble, our dear French bulldog, I started experiencing random anxiety attacks (who hasn’t?), my husband went through some of his own mental struggles, and some of our closest friends moved back home, leaving a huge gap in our lives. At the same time, I slowly realized that my current job did not fulfil my career ambitions anymore. I had to navigate through personal challenges, whilst performing on a full-time job during some of the most complex, high-risk, brain surgeries. To top it up, all of a sudden, I was 38 years old; sleep-deprived, experiencing odd biological changes- mood swings, exhaustion, memory lapses, brain-fog, low libido-, trying to figure out what was happening to my body.
It has been difficult to balance everything out; I really have to push myself hard in order to keep going with my studies. I thought about giving up, and dedicate all my free time to my kids, who are growing so fast, and still need me so much. “Mummy, why are you always working?”, they ask. The hardest times are school breaks and festive seasons; when everyone is out having fun, I am stuck at home, working on my assessments. It is also very challenging when Bia and Rafi are sick; I always wonder if I have missed any early symptoms, which, in turn, makes me feel as a failing mum.
New ideas and connecting the dots
Over the past few months, I have been having ideas for a new project, starting to connect the dots between my clinical expertise and what I have learned during my MSc. I am starting to believe that maybe I can pull this new idea off… but can I??! I am trying to make sense of it all, what direction to go next, what is right, what is wrong, not only for myself, but also for my family. Despite all doubts, my gut is telling me to stay positive, and to think about what I have achieved so far! As I look back in time, and think about the person I was, both personal and professionally, I realize I have a completely new perspective on health, disease, and wellbeing.
Upsides and Downsides of studying online
The main advantage of studying online and part-time is the study flexibility, which allows me to choose which modules to take according to my personal agenda and work commitments. Without having to relocate, I am still able to learn from one of the best universities worldwide; I am able to meet virtually with my peers and tutors, having access to all crucial tools in order to succeed. I do not feel left out; instead, this study model makes me feel valued because I have been given the chance of acquiring new skills, networking with experts, and discussing relevant subjects, despite my current location. In fact, I believe studying online can have huge advantages as it saves time, and it allows people to meet within seconds without geographic constrains. On the other hand, it does gets lonely sometimes; it saddens me that I do not get to walk through the beautiful university campus, nor hang out with my fellow students. At times, it all seems unreal, and I feel like there is no one to talk to.
Embracing strengths and striking a healthy balance
Nonetheless, when a new course starts, I feel alive, and eager to absorb each experience 100%!! I have gotten much better at managing and planning my time. My strategy is to set specific times for studying, but also for being with my family and friends. I try to keep myself balanced, plan assessments ahead of time, listen to my body, and notice how I feel. In times of high-energy and clarity, I try to be extra-productive. Other times, I force myself to relax, focus all my intentions on the ones around me, count my blessings and celebrate the opportunities I have been given. I remind myself it’s about the journey, not the destination.
My piece of advice? Whether you think you can succeed, or not, you are right!!!
Vania Pinto
“Hi – I am Vania from Portugal, and I have moved to London at the age of 23, where I (re)meet Rob, the love of my life- but that’s for another romantic blog! In 2016, we moved to Abu Dhabi, where we live with our 2 kids, Bia and Rafi, aged 5 and 8, respectively”.
Vania, currently pursuing a part-time online MSc in Stem Cells and Translational Neurology at the University of Edinburgh, has a rich background in neurophysiology. With a Neurophysiology BSc from Portugal and a second BSc in Clinical Physiology, she gained diverse experience at Barts and the London Trust NHS hospital. Joining Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2012, she specialized in pediatrics and intra-operative monitoring, and in 2016, she implemented a new IOM service at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Vania’s expertise extends to neuromodulation techniques, and she envisions these advancements playing a transformative role in treating neurological diseases.