Abstract
Starting and completing a doctoral journey requires preparation, dedication, and support from those around you. While an increasing number of people choose to start doctoral research and there are many studies about doctoral students' experiences, the information available is fragmented into different phases and elements (e.g., supervisory relationship, motivation for starting doctoral research); it is difficult to hear about students' journey from a holistic approach. This chapter shares my experiences before, during, and after my doctoral journey which spans more than ten years. What I shared in this chapter is very personal, but I believe that this personal story can provide an insight about the dreams, motivation, personal/family/work issues, happiness, and fluctuation of various feelings that can be part of the doctoral journey. Keywords diary – doctoral journey – moving to a new country Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)