So, it turns out the interview went every bit as well as I’d hoped. In November, I celebrated being offered a place on the programme. In December, I panicked about the same, and here in the dregs of January, I nervously but excitedly anticipate my induction next week.

The first few weeks looked reassuringly packed with intro sessions such as where to get started, academic writing, and planning skills development. Last week, I spent a day working from the campus, just to start soaking up the feel of being there regularly. And, if I’m honest, trying to grapple with feeling completely out of place and figuring out how exactly how to answer any questions about what I’m doing here. I figure that if I can wash out some early imposter vibes now, then come next month, I won’t feel so, well, obviously ‘new’.

Eight years is a long time. I’m already awash with thoughts on the subject that I suspect should be coming rather later on, being built on stronger foundations that I have now. I need to understand what the flow is, what ‘part time’ actually means, what good looks like in the coming months, and find a way to roll with it.

My inclination sometimes is to hide from what needs doing until it’s urgent, and then rush to get it done. I know that won’t work here, and I’m here for it. New season, and all that!