A large part of my ‘surviving the crisis’ as a cognitive scientist and mother of two has involved engaging and continuously entertaining two little ones at home (a speedster 2-year-old who gets into everything and a prankster 4-year-old with a clever sense of humor). One way my husband and I have found to cope is to hold more frequent family movie nights.
Once or twice a week, we pop popcorn (stovetop is the best), grab blankets, and snuggle on the couch to enjoy a family-friendly movie. Since we thought it was a good idea to let the children decide on the movies (slaps forehead), we have probably watched the Disney classic movies (Aladdin, Lion King, Mulan, etc. – think 90s) what feels like a billion and one times already and counting!
Since updating my priors on what these films are about, given new evidence (for my Bayesians out there), I realized that many of the topics covered in movies are relevant for what we are facing in the world today.
For example, in one scene of the Lion King (1994), Simba and Nala reunite as adults and Nala tries to persuade Simba to return to Pride Rock to take his rightful place as King. Simba replies,
“You wouldn’t understand. You don’t know what I’ve been through!”
And here’s where things get relevant, Nala says,
“I would if you just tell me!”
A silver lining that has come out of dealing with the pandemic, along with social injustice, racial/gender discrimination, social media schisms between cognitive scientists, etc., is now more than ever, people are giving voice to what has happened and is happening to them and are looking for ways that we as cognitive researchers can help cope and foster change. They are choosing to answers Nala’s plea!
Here “Inside the Scientist’s Lab” we hoping to invoke change by providing a platform to draw attention to cognitive researchers’ experiences and concerns and create opportunities for people to offer advice for how to cope.
Thus, for our next “Inside the Scientist’s Lab” interview, we would like to introduce Jasmine Virhia (pictured below). Jasmine is a fourth-year PhD student at the University of London, Royal Holloway, studying the neuro underpinnings associated with verbal short-term memory. Jasmine discusses her experiences not only as an early cognitive researcher coping with the pandemic, but also as an ethnic minority in academia. Without further ado, we present the interview of Jasmine Virhia.
1. How has your work life changed as a result of the pandemic?
I was already working from home having moved back in with my parents last September so not much changed in my working environment. I was really getting into writing my thesis, but the pandemic made it very difficult to concentrate so I focussed on not letting myself feel guilty, but instead prioritising my own mental health and the needs of my family. A lot of my family responsibilities changed as I now help care for my grandparents, so work is fitting around family life and not the other way around.
2. Have you experienced any issues or hiccups with work/life balance during this time?
I wouldn’t call them hiccups as such. I had already been working on my work/life balance since moving home last year. When you’re living at university, the culture of overworking and long hours can become very toxic, and it became an environment in which I really didn’t thrive. I organise my time working by tasks rather than forcing myself to spend 8-12 hours sitting at my desk unproductive. If I can only complete small tasks one day, that’s okay, I’d spend the rest of the day on a bike ride or gardening with my grandfather (things I call life productivity). Other days, I’d work what is considered a full working day if I was particularly productive.
3. What, if any, are your concerns regarding the state of academia in the present and in the near future?
Academia has a huge representation issue, starting with older white men and needs to end with young black women. I feel like I’m at a crossroads in my career and that there’s a double-edged sword of being a young ethnic minority woman in academia. I either need to tread the path less taken and make it easier for those following me or pursue a different career.
4. Has this pandemic caused you to rethink your career path?
Definitely. I’ve taken stock of what I enjoy doing and what opportunities, given the impact of COVID may be available once I’ve submitted my thesis.
5. What’s been your biggest guilty pleasure during lockdown?
Schitt’s Creek, Kim’s Convenience, Love on the Spectrum, Indian Matchmaking, so many things!
6. Has anything beneficial come out of this pandemic for you? Either for your research or personal life, or both?
I would mainly say my personal life. I’ve seen my Mum return to working in public health (as a research nurse). Seeing her directly contribute to helping those suffering during this pandemic has made me immensely proud. I’ve also moved in with my grandparents during the pandemic. As is often the case in many cultures, elders play a huge part in family life. I was co-raised by them when I was a child, so after 8 years of being away from home, it’s been great to spend proper quality time with them and make sure that they’re staying safe and healthy.
7. With so many changes happening and will continue to happen in the years to come, how have you been able to cope?
Understanding that sometimes, you can try to plan for things as much as possible, and they still won’t turn out as expected is just a part of life, not only your career. I’m blessed with very understanding and supportive parents, as well as three very close friends. Having had them, and knowing that I will going forward, makes me a lot less anxious. Two years ago, I also opted to go through therapy for my anxiety and depression so I feel like I learnt a lot about myself and the mechanisms I need to implement when I’m struggling. Since moving home last September, I’ve been working on my physical health, and more recently, I’ve been limiting the amount of time I spend on social media or watching the news.
8. In regard to coping, what types of resources (e.g. writing workshops, statistical training, academic articles related to COVID-19) would you like to see more of?
As PhD students, we need to be made more aware of the opportunities available outside of academia. We have a wealth of transferrable skills, but it’s only until you take a step back or actively seek opportunities that you realise our expertise are not only valued within our specific field. The scale of our project management organisation, data collection, statistical and technical skills as well as our written and verbal communicative abilities can be applied to many research-related careers outside of academia. Still, it’s hard to know where to start looking.
I also want to see more minority specific workshops and discussions for BAME students and staff where we can be provided with evidence of institutions actioning things following the BLM movement. Our input is essential, and it’s also important to note that minorities should not be left with all the legwork.
9. What advice, if any, would you give to others in a similar job or personal situation as yourself?
Don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself about how you’re coping. If you have the privilege and feel comfortable to speak to family or friends, do it. In a work capacity, I’ve often found that you can’t wait for the opportunity to have frank conversations with your seniors. And academia needs a lot more women of colour discussing critical issues. You can’t always expect people to be aware of problems that don’t directly affect them, so let your voice be heard!
