Yasmine Ezzeddine

The journey to my viva was anything but straightforward.

As a first-time mom to a six-month-old baby and a Lebanese woman deeply affected by the ongoing conflict in my homeland, the months leading up to my viva were marked by personal challenges and emotional disturbance. Yet, these experiences shaped my approach to preparation, teaching me lessons in resilience and focus that I hope will inspire future postgraduate researchers.

When I received confirmation of my viva date, I felt equal parts excitement and anxiety. My thesis, "Artificial Intelligence in Law Enforcement Surveillance: Citizen Perspectives, Resistance and Counterstrategies," represented years of intellectual investment. Now, I had the task of defending it before two examiners: Professor Ruža Karlović and Dr. Jing Wang.

Balancing viva preparation while caring for a young baby and navigating the emotional toll of Lebanon’s ongoing crisis meant I had to be strategic. Preparation wasn’t just about mastering the material; it was about managing my time, energy, and emotions.

Structured Preparation

Time was a precious commodity, so I broke the six weeks before my viva into manageable goals:

1. Revisiting my thesis: I annotated key sections, summarized arguments, and made a list of potential questions. Each chapter became a map with highlighted strengths and areas where I anticipated scrutiny.
2. Mock vivas: Practicing with my supervisors, colleagues and even my husband and baby, helped me refine my responses and build confidence in articulating my arguments. These sessions were invaluable for handling unexpected questions.
3. Condensing my narrative: I prepared a concise five-minute summary of my thesis, allowing me to present my work clearly and confidently from the start.

Parenting required me to be flexible. Late evenings, when my baby was asleep, became my golden hours for focused work. My husband’s support and understanding were invaluable.

Overcoming Anxiety

The dual pressure of academic expectations and personal struggles was overwhelming at times. To manage, I embraced small but impactful strategies:

• Mindfulness breaks: Even ten minutes of quiet reflection helped center me.
• Support network: Conversations with friends, mentors, and family reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this journey. And definitely Coffee!!
• Perspective: I reminded myself that the viva wasn’t about perfection but about engaging with experts on work that I have dedicated years to.

The Viva Experience

The day of the viva arrived sooner than expected. With a mix of nerves and excitement, I entered the virtual examination room. As my supervisor constantly said, the discussion really felt more like an intellectual exchange than an interrogation.

The examiners were thorough but fair. They pushed me on critical areas, such as the correlation between my findings and technology developers, future pathways for this research and so on. And their questions allowed me to demonstrate the depth and relevance of my research. I appreciated their genuine curiosity and constructive feedback.

By the end, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment—not just for passing but for navigating such a significant milestone during a complex time in my life. Only to realise that my baby who was waiting for me outside had stolen the show and my spotlight already!

Lessons Learned

Reflecting on my experience, here are my top takeaways for future viva candidates:

1. Know your thesis inside out: This is your work, and you are the expert. Confidence in your knowledge is key.
2. Anticipate questions: Think about why you made specific choices and how your work contributes to the field.
3. Practice, practice, practice: Mock Vivas help you refine your answers and adjust to the viva format.
4. Take care of yourself: Whether it’s mindfulness, exercise, or time with loved ones, prioritize activities that keep you grounded.
5. Embrace the process: The viva is an opportunity to share your research journey, not a test to fear.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a viva while managing a newborn and grappling with personal challenges was no small feat. But it taught me the value of resilience, adaptability, and the power of a supportive community.

To those embarking on this journey, know that you are not alone. Life may throw challenges your way, but trust in your preparation, lean on your support network, and remember: the viva is your moment to shine.

Good luck—you’ve got this!