yvonne writes:

"I'm learning how not to take the easy way out and really think hard about what I'm doing. It's such a long long journey, I've barely started, and academic achivement comes in discrete units. Finishing 98 per cent of your thesis is no good, you can't almost publish an article, or be one vote short of obtaining tenure. Perseverance and stamina and being self-driven are important for success. And an integral part of stamina means taking good care of myself -- eat well, relax, sleep well, exercise -- I'm a grown-up now and on my own, and there's no need to rely on anyone else to make sure I'm fed on time and fed well and washed and healthy and drink enough water and put to bed on regular hours. I was miserable for the longest time and neglected to take care of myself and I'll never trash myself again. If you don't take good care of yourself you'll not be in a position to give love or anything else to others.

"Patience and creativity, the willingness to peservere in solitude for uncertain rewards well into the future. To be self-disciplined, good at time management, juggle several tasks and make the most out of autonomy, not easily intimidated by hurdles."