You said "I passed" and now I'm crying because a man on the internet got a PhD. Damn you how invested you've got me in this. The biggest congratulations, Dr Clark!
I don't even know this guy. it's literally the first video of his I watched. And I cried when he said he passed. It's a feeling we all can relate too in some scale.
Noora Mättö honestly same and I was smiling so much cause it gave me so much hope. I am horrible at physics but it interests me and I’ve been reading this summer and I really want to go into it as a career. And Simon gave me hope.W.O.W
When you said, "I passed. I have a PhD", I literally started smiling, choked up and saying, "What!?" as one tear fell out my eye. Congratulations, Dr. Simon! So proud of you.
Honestly, you've saved my day. I'm struggling with uni a bit at the moment (mechanical engineering) and there are times of depression and low self esteem I'm trying to cope with. But you really motivate me to keep going and just try anyhow. Thank you.
I'm so glad your mental health has improved over the last few years. Juggling depression and academics is such a confusing thing and I'm so so happy that you were successful (and are courageous enough to share your story with us all)!
Congratulations Dr. Clark!!! This was a great video, I went from being top of the class at school (I even got top academic student in my year in year 13) to failing 3/4 papers in my first semester of uni. After many breakdowns and an application to drop out, I decided to change my degree, persevere, and after three years of struggles and absolute hell, I got a Bachelors degree! Now I'm halfway through my Masters and have been thoroughly put off doing a PhD, but I'm glad I stuck around for the extra few years because I have learned SO many new skills that have set me up for the working world.
Definitely, biology was always my favourite subject at school. I didn't even consider studying zoology until I took a random animal biology paper at the end of my first year of uni though, I didn't think it was an option! I couldn't be happier with where I have ended up, this year I've taken on a role as a lab demonstrator for undergraduate zoology classes so I get to share my passion with the younger students which is so rewarding. Are you studying?
That was a good 21 min investment :) your story is truly inspiring , thank you for sharing it with us . It deeply touched my insecurities of not being "smart enough" or not being" talented and gifted" and as you were telling your story I realized that mine could also become a reality and not just a dream Thank you, again.
Firstly, what a wonderful style of making videos! Going back and forth from your narrative and the VIVA Vlog! you're getting very creative with the videos :) secondly, and more importantly, thank you for taking us through such an incredible journey of your life. It might have been hard to be so honest about your life on a social platform with all the rebuttal that the internet has to offer these days. And yet, you as a youtuber stand out! you're genuine, funny and a friend we'd all like to have. Thank you particularly for this video. This brings a lot of hope and encouragement with it- the best you can give to people. Love you Dr Clark!
I don't comment a lot but as someone who have watched this lad since he was at Oxford, I now feel so emotionally invested to his work and and life. I'm not particularly emotional but I always root for him like he is an extension of myself or any person is is close to me. This is such a proud moment for you and your youtube community. Congratulations and good luck on the future!
First thing first, big thumbs up 👍 on your PhD Simon. I've been watching your vlogs since Ep.1 (when your beard was only a dream) and ever since then, I felt determined to succeed and prosper, even though I may meet roadblocks along the way. Now I'm in Yr12 (just finished my mocks, they felt good) and I'm still meeting roadblocks but after hearing your journey, I know that one day I'll succeed, in whatever career or life path I will pursue. Thank you for giving me hope
Awww this is so heartwarming! After following you for a couple of years, I feel like a proud parent now that you've become Dr Clark! Congrats, I look forward to seeing all that is yet to come.
I've been watching your videos for a couple of years now and honestly, this video made me incredibly happy for you. Plus it gave me a bit of hope in my own academic career :D
Hi Simon, congratulations on your PhD. Just wanted to drop by to say thanks for being so honest about your burnout and mental health issues at Oxford. It means a lot to me that you were so frank about what happened.
It's impressive to me how much more important determination is, rather than intelligence. I started to watch your channel because I've always thought that furthering my studies was what I wanted to do with my life, but I've started two careers and accomplished nothing other than barely passing my first year in physics. I've left it this year. I used to think that I was pretty good academically speaking, but now I've lost trail and I don't think that anymore - I lack a lot of perseverance. I am the ultimate procrastinator, haha. Anyways, great video. You make it really easy for your audience to engage with you and, in a way, share the joy of your accomplishments. Congratulations! I'll keep watching your videos in the future.
Simon, I'm honestly so so happy and proud of you. It's been so wonderful watching your journey all these years so far and I was tearing up in the clip saying you passed! I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours! xx
Congratulations Dr Clarke! It has been a pleasure to witness your progress in recent years. Like you, I had some trouble paying attention when work became difficult in secondary school, and like you I was the first of my family to attend University. Your videos (alongside Jamie's videos) persuaded me to apply to Oxford to study law. I'm now several months off sitting finals, and I owe you an enormous amount of gratitude for bestowing me with the confidence to apply in the first place.
Simon I remember the first time I can across you was for studying advice during my junior cert in Ireland. You’re done your PhD now and I’m sitting my leaving cert this year, strange how time flies as it only feels like yesterday when I stumbled across your channel. Onwards and upwards from here pal👌
First of all... Congratulations Dr Clark! Even though I have expected and watched your videos every week for the past years, I have never written a comment to any of them. However, this time is worth it. I'm a second year PhD student in environmental chemistry, here in Spain and France, and I wanted to express my biggest gratitude for these vlogs. They really did (do, and will) make a difference in this whole PhD-experience. Perseverence is a valuable skill, and you are a good example to follow. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your experience. I wish you the best of lucks in your after-thesis life! Congratulations!
Okay, to be honest, I shed a tear while you said “I passed“ and I am so proud of you. You keep motivating me in my studies and I love your videos. Thank you for everything you are doing.
I only discovered your channel a few months ago but honestly I'm so obsessed. Your dedication to education and determination with it no matter what inspires me so much. Currently in my last year of A-levels, seeing you doing incredible things and achieving your dreams inspires me so much. I'm having to retake all my As maths modules despite working very hard last year so I'm feeling terrified for how they will go this year but hearing how you have succeeded despite your struggles is just amazing ahhh. Anyway thank you, keep inspiring us all and doing awesome things and following your passions! Back to the maths practise for me 🙈
I really enjoyed how you described the viva , very terrifying but enjoyable at the same time ! how you talked about your second chance in Exeter , that was my favorite part !
I’ve watched this video during the early parts of my PhD, around 2018. And recently I’ve been thorough the same situation as I was finishing and having the oral defense (how we call it here in the Philippines) of my thesis. This video is inspiring and I hope those who are starting their PhD’s will also come across this video and make it see this an inspiration through that nerve wrecking process to have their PhD. Thanks for this inspiring documentation of your journey
Simon, I'm SO happy for you. Congratulations. This was such a heartwarming and brilliantly filmed(and edited) video. Watching your videos has opened my mind to studying as further as getting a phD. And thank you for motivating us always!
Simon you wonderful, wonderful man! Honestly it made me teary. This video perfectly conveyed the terror, struggle, and eventually relief you feel with a PhD. I have had so many friends go through this that I do (in some sense) understand what is needed to go through this. I can only commend and congratulate you for doing so well. And I definitely echo the perseverance theme to this. I was also the first in my family to go to uni. And it's not because I'm smart, it's because I refused to take no for an answer. Keep striving and I look forward to many many more of your amazing videos, Dr Clark!
Your academic life is very similar to mine! I'm only in year 8 but I want to study physics in the University of Sydney when I'm older. Both my parents hadn't been to uni and my math grades are above average, but not super good. You are such an inspiration to me and many others with similar dreams and I hope you know that, Dr Clark!
3:25 I feel like this is more important than being gifted or naturally skilled at something. I got good grades too, but it was because i was motivated to do well and I wasn't afraid to ask for help, not because I was some school prodigy.
This reminded me of my own PhD defense--standing in front of the professors while trying not to pass out and the eternal wait for the verdict while trying not to panic. It was of little and great comfort knowing that no one fails their defense… Congrats on joining the PhD(ABD) club.
Congratulations Dr. Clark. I'm at a point in my PhD where I'm feeling very overwhelmed and completely exhausted. You have given me so much motivation to keep going. I hope you will still make some vlogs to motivate your viewers who are still studying. Will look out for your research when they are published! Good luck on the next chapter of your life journey
Simon congrats on your PhD, while I haven't been as diligent as others in watching the vlog, I would still try and check back in as much as possible. Every step of the way I watched however was incredible and watching you overcome your struggles along this PhD journey was incredible. I must say this is the best video in your collection in my opinion because of the inspiring narrative and the ups and downs of your adventure and experiences. This story comes almost as a punch in the face with the raw emotional content contained in the 21 minutes. It is really worth the watch especially for the many of us who struggle with academics. Once again I loved the video and keep up the damn good job with these videos. I look forward to your content in the future. Cheers, Dr. Clark.
Wow... Im so proud feel like I had a hand in this for some reason. You absolutely killed it! So happy to have been here from the beginning. Thank you Dr. Clark.
Congratulations Dr. Clark :) I sat in on a viva (it was open to students) for a chemistry doctoral student at my university so I know exactly what you went through and I applaud your determination for preparing for this day in and day out for your PhD.
It's been long since you passed your PhD viva, but when you talked about the decision part, I could connect. This video touched me. Have fun with learning! Good luck!
I'm seriously so happy, im currently a first year physics student, I aspire to get a PhD, thankyou so much DR.Clark for giving me so much hope, best of luck
I'm an undergrad in my last semester at uni. I started today really anxious and feeling helpless thinking I won't be graduating this sem with all the work I need to balance with my thesis and my part-time job for my family. This video was in my recommendations for some reason. I'm really glad I clicked. Thank you for the great encouragement to put in the work and stay determined no matter what. I really needed that today. Glad to click subscribe.
Only found your vlogs today!! I’m about 3 months away from submitting my thesis in astrophysics, great to see a RUclipsr documenting the UK PhD system!! Now I’m away to watch more videos...
I just started Uni and you really inspire me. I'm not in the nature sciences, but watching you succeed and giving advice really keeps my hopes up. Thank you, so much for everything, Dr.Clark. Greetings from Germany!
Congratulations ‘Dr Clark’!!! So incredible to see what you have achieved and so inspiring to me as a (hopefully) future PhD student to see how dedicated you have been and your videos never fail to motivate me to work harder, so thank you 😊
Jeez! Watching this made me so happy but also shot my anxiety through the roof. My school requires an undergraduate thesis and then an oral defense of the thesis. I suspect this is similar to the VIVA in that professors read your thesis and then go into a room with them for 2 horus to talk about it and answer questions.
After watching the video I finally have a clear understanding of what I would have to go through to earn a PhD I’m only a teenager now but I aspire to get a PhD in physics I cannot express how thankful I am to you for changing my perception about the path that I want to take You have certainly made the path a lot more brighter for me to travel Thank you.
idk if ur gonna read this but i just wanna genuinely thank you for this video. you have no idea how down i am rn and for some reason this genuinely motivated me to try better. thank you for sharing how imperfect college can be and how it can get better eventually. kudos to your channel and im definitely subscribing. all the love from the philippines! ❤️
7:34 wow I can relate. In the US I'm in community college right now preparing to go to university and I've already been in college for three years with another two to go just for my bachelors. Then its ~only~ another 6 years or so for a Ph.D. That's over ten years for one ultimate degree just to get a job in research and I'm already unbelievably burnt out. My gpa is directly related to my mental health status, and that speaks volumes. But I love that you said you weren't really that bright and struggled. I feel the same way, and I think the only reason I'm still going is because I'm too stubborn to give up.
I'm 4 days away from going to Italy to a intense program which probably will open doors to an eventual Ph D... I'm freak out, but I'm going to work as hard as I can... Simon, thanks for all the inspiration. This is my last year as an undergraduate in physics and all this time I've been watching your vlogs and you helped me a lot. I cried when you said it finally ended. Thanks for this wonderful experience, for your story and all the inspiration to never give up. Congratulations Dr. Clack!
I’m a PhD Candidate in California (so I’m currently dissertating). I had my proposal defense in October (similar to the dissertation defense except we defend our plans and answer methodological questions). I relate to this video SO hard. I’m still traumatized by my experience. The exam wasn’t nearly as bad as I felt the prep work ended up being.
I'm nearing the end of my undergrad. I'm having the most difficult time financially right now, but I also have the stress of grad school applications. This video is giving me strength to keep moving forward. Thank you for this!
Dear Dr Clark, Congrats! You are brilliant. Thank you so much for helping me and inspiring my career. I intend to apply for a master this year. You, and your videos make me believe that I can do it. Second chance exists for sure and we have to embrace the opportunity. I found your channel by chance while I was looking for knowing better how to be a researcher. I found here a variety of interesting content, so I decided to subscribe it. Even though my studying area is not science, I reckon humanities and science are connected some how. Good luck and I can´t wait to watch your next videos. Sending good vibes from Brazil.
All respect goes to you, Dr. Clark. I’m a final year student doing degree in physics. There were days when anxiety causes me a lots of problems. Sometimes i do cry while studying because i am that person who is too afraid of failure and i also lost my appetite due to that.. And there were also times when I reached out for my supervisor advice during my lowest point of my life. I kinda relates your struggles to mine. Watching your video makes me inspired, and thank you for that. I’ll sure try harder and do my best in everything i can. Thanks a lot for sharing Dr Clark. You are an amazing person !
I started my PhD in October. My 6 Month review is due soon and I still have no idea what I'm doing. I don't even have a research question yet! The stress caused by uncertainty itself is the hardest thing for me
I was in exactly the same position! I didn't have a thesis structure until about two years in, and the uncertainty was killing me. Don't worry - keep reading, keep thinking about the big picture, keep talking to your supervisor, and it will all work out in the end :)
Congratulations Dr. Clark! Thank you so much for letting us share this moment with you. You really are an inspiration for many of us wanting to dedicate our lives to science. A left handshake and a toast in your name! :)
It's been a huge pleasure following your journey. Whenever I feel demotivated or lazy in school watching your videos has always inspired me to work harder. I look forward to seeing where you go next.
You know it only just occurred to me after all these years that Exvlog stood for Exeter vlog. Genuinely thought it meant like ex- oxford student vlog lolll
Big congratulations on this! I'm currently applying to study for hydrology PhD positions in the states, and I think this vlog has given me an appreciation of how difficult it can really be, but also that it can be done. I'm in a position where it almost feels that other people have more confidence that I can do it than I do. I hope I'm able to prove them right. In any case, I wish you all the best with your continued adventures.
Well done, your life is a true story of triumph over adversity and not giving up. I punched the air when you said you passed and I am very pleased for you. Best of luck with the next phase of you life!
I was at cambride, not the same uni but same country, where i met a PhD student in fluids aswell. And he said in England he will get a PhD in maths, but about the rest of the world fluids is considered as physics. Idk if thats an answer
Congratulations Dr. Clark. I've watched your journey from the start of your PhD til now and you've become an inspiration to us and others like you. Continue being awesome.
Dear Simon, thanks for that video. Today I had an exam in statistical physics and it had not been good. Due to these events i often ask myself: "Am I good enough?" or "Am I too dump for it?". And you showed me with this video, that no matter how many downs you take, if you are determined enough and not so hard with yourself, you will succeed. Furthermore it showed me once more what I love to do. So just thanks and greetings from Germany!
Congrats on your PhD. Now all you need to do is start making videos with "hot takes" on topics that have nothing to do with maths or physics and people will take you seriously because you're a PhD.
Congratulations Dr Simon Clark. I have enjoyed following your vlogs for the last 2,3 years .Informative ,funny and uplifting.They make me feel positive about the upcoming generation,especially in such depressing and anxious time. I am a retired medical GP and found your channel via Brady Haran's Nottingham university science channels, Sally le Page who recommended you. I have much entertained and learned some thing along the way. Thank you and keep on flogging.Emile.
Congratulations Simon, I just wanted to thank you for the vlogs you made and all the videos you put out as they were one of my biggest motivations to continue on studying and perusing an academic career, so thank you... hope you'll publish more of the quality content you provide.
Congrats on your PhD! Here at high school in Canada, you can choose to do more or less maths in the last two years. Of course, if you do less, you then have restricted choices at Uni. I thought I wasn't good at math and so I decided to study humanities. Now I'm 22 and realized exactly what you said: It's not about being good, it's about putting in the hard work. I am now attending high school for adults and if everything goes as planned, I'll be starting software engineering in September. All the best!
+Xander Gouws considering this one was a primark white t shirt written on with sharpie, I'd need to get some properly printed! If people genuinely want one
Thank you for your inspirational vids! Becoming discouraged and giving up has been the bane of my academic career. Everybody struggles at some point while at uni, but I always felt like I was the only one, and the weight of that isolation was crushing. It was only after I took time off that I was able to really get on track.
You said "I passed" and now I'm crying because a man on the internet got a PhD. Damn you how invested you've got me in this. The biggest congratulations, Dr Clark!
Tohtori Clark!
I don't even know this guy. it's literally the first video of his I watched. And I cried when he said he passed. It's a feeling we all can relate too in some scale.
Noora Mättö honestly same and I was smiling so much cause it gave me so much hope. I am horrible at physics but it interests me and I’ve been reading this summer and I really want to go into it as a career. And Simon gave me hope.W.O.W
Should be hearing back from graduate schools for physics any day now... Exciting time! Thanks for the video
Cool dp though 😉
I fail in physics rip
Did you get in?
I just realised how mad phds are. Mad respect!
Student Vlogs - Dylan
I love your channel! 😁
Student Vlogs Ayee dylan
Mad !
Simon: "I passed!"
Me: **Chuckles**
Also me: **Teardrop rolls down my face**
Amazing, Simon!
when Simon came out from viva and said; "I passed, I have a Ph.D.". His smile was priceless and I smiled with him too.
When you said, "I passed. I have a PhD", I literally started smiling, choked up and saying, "What!?" as one tear fell out my eye.
Congratulations, Dr. Simon! So proud of you.
Honestly, you've saved my day. I'm struggling with uni a bit at the moment (mechanical engineering) and there are times of depression and low self esteem I'm trying to cope with. But you really motivate me to keep going and just try anyhow. Thank you.
I related to this so much I had to read your name twice to make sure I didn't type this in the past.
Hope you're doing well now!
I feel like a proud mum! Your hard work paid off, you deserve it. Can’t wait for what’s next :)
I did it mum!
hit me harder daddy
Your sun was inspiring to follow for the past many years. Thank you, Dr. Clark.
DOING A LEVELS AT 23 YEAR OLD FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK M8T
gabrielle.s has
I'm so glad your mental health has improved over the last few years. Juggling depression and academics is such a confusing thing and I'm so so happy that you were successful (and are courageous enough to share your story with us all)!
Congratulations Dr. Clark!!! This was a great video, I went from being top of the class at school (I even got top academic student in my year in year 13) to failing 3/4 papers in my first semester of uni. After many breakdowns and an application to drop out, I decided to change my degree, persevere, and after three years of struggles and absolute hell, I got a Bachelors degree! Now I'm halfway through my Masters and have been thoroughly put off doing a PhD, but I'm glad I stuck around for the extra few years because I have learned SO many new skills that have set me up for the working world.
This is such a wonderful story - thank you for commenting, and congratulations on pushing through!
That's awesome! What is your degree in?
Thank you! It's in Zoology, which is a HUGE change from the Dentistry degree I initially went to university to do.
I get that^^ I take it you like biology, since you went for a medical course and then another part of biology?
Definitely, biology was always my favourite subject at school. I didn't even consider studying zoology until I took a random animal biology paper at the end of my first year of uni though, I didn't think it was an option! I couldn't be happier with where I have ended up, this year I've taken on a role as a lab demonstrator for undergraduate zoology classes so I get to share my passion with the younger students which is so rewarding. Are you studying?
That was a good 21 min investment :) your story is truly inspiring , thank you for sharing it with us . It deeply touched my insecurities of not being "smart enough" or not being" talented and gifted" and as you were telling your story I realized that mine could also become a reality and not just a dream
Thank you, again.
Firstly, what a wonderful style of making videos! Going back and forth from your narrative and the VIVA Vlog! you're getting very creative with the videos :)
secondly, and more importantly, thank you for taking us through such an incredible journey of your life. It might have been hard to be so honest about your life on a social platform with all the rebuttal that the internet has to offer these days. And yet, you as a youtuber stand out! you're genuine, funny and a friend we'd all like to have. Thank you particularly for this video. This brings a lot of hope and encouragement with it- the best you can give to people.
Love you Dr Clark!
This is my favorite video you've ever put out!
I don't comment a lot but as someone who have watched this lad since he was at Oxford, I now feel so emotionally invested to his work and and life. I'm not particularly emotional but I always root for him like he is an extension of myself or any person is is close to me. This is such a proud moment for you and your youtube community. Congratulations and good luck on the future!
We were promised your RUclips name would be Dr. Simon Clark
+Aragorn Keuken after graduation 😉
Simon Clark Make your name "Dr Simon Clark (Subject to Corrections)"
Simon Clark
Wait arent you already graduated
It still is..
@@SimonClark it’s been 3 years
the idea of "questions about your work, from a world leading expert" sounds terrifying but also like...kinda cool.
Dr clark. Finally I've been watching since the oxvlogs 🎉
First thing first, big thumbs up 👍 on your PhD Simon.
I've been watching your vlogs since Ep.1 (when your beard was only a dream) and ever since then, I felt determined to succeed and prosper, even though I may meet roadblocks along the way.
Now I'm in Yr12 (just finished my mocks, they felt good) and I'm still meeting roadblocks but after hearing your journey, I know that one day I'll succeed, in whatever career or life path I will pursue.
Thank you for giving me hope
Awww this is so heartwarming!
After following you for a couple of years, I feel like a proud parent now that you've become Dr Clark!
Congrats, I look forward to seeing all that is yet to come.
Well done Dr. Clark!!! :)
You'll be in the same position before long - keep fighting the good fight!
I've been watching your videos for a couple of years now and honestly, this video made me incredibly happy for you. Plus it gave me a bit of hope in my own academic career :D
Not even ironically, at 6:00 when he was excited about the fluids on rotating planets, I was super intrigued as well. That sounds so cool
Hi Simon, congratulations on your PhD. Just wanted to drop by to say thanks for being so honest about your burnout and mental health issues at Oxford. It means a lot to me that you were so frank about what happened.
I literally started crying when you said "I passed, I have a PhD".
It's impressive to me how much more important determination is, rather than intelligence. I started to watch your channel because I've always thought that furthering my studies was what I wanted to do with my life, but I've started two careers and accomplished nothing other than barely passing my first year in physics. I've left it this year.
I used to think that I was pretty good academically speaking, but now I've lost trail and I don't think that anymore - I lack a lot of perseverance. I am the ultimate procrastinator, haha.
Anyways, great video. You make it really easy for your audience to engage with you and, in a way, share the joy of your accomplishments. Congratulations! I'll keep watching your videos in the future.
"Despite of my intellectual shortcommings" Says dr. Clark who just got a PhD in Physics 🤔🤔🤔
I legit almost cried when you said "I passed". Thank you so much for the motivation and inspiration Dr. Clark
Simon, I'm honestly so so happy and proud of you. It's been so wonderful watching your journey all these years so far and I was tearing up in the clip saying you passed! I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours! xx
Congratulations Dr Clarke! It has been a pleasure to witness your progress in recent years. Like you, I had some trouble paying attention when work became difficult in secondary school, and like you I was the first of my family to attend University. Your videos (alongside Jamie's videos) persuaded me to apply to Oxford to study law. I'm now several months off sitting finals, and I owe you an enormous amount of gratitude for bestowing me with the confidence to apply in the first place.
That's fantastic! I'm glad I was able to motivate you even in part!
Oh man. I am in the exact same position. Could you elaborate on the process of you getting accepted?
Simon I remember the first time I can across you was for studying advice during my junior cert in Ireland. You’re done your PhD now and I’m sitting my leaving cert this year, strange how time flies as it only feels like yesterday when I stumbled across your channel. Onwards and upwards from here pal👌
First of all... Congratulations Dr Clark!
Even though I have expected and watched your videos every week for the past years, I have never written a comment to any of them. However, this time is worth it.
I'm a second year PhD student in environmental chemistry, here in Spain and France, and I wanted to express my biggest gratitude for these vlogs. They really did (do, and will) make a difference in this whole PhD-experience.
Perseverence is a valuable skill, and you are a good example to follow. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your experience.
I wish you the best of lucks in your after-thesis life! Congratulations!
I'm late but I want to get my PhD in biomedical engineering and you've inspired me. Thank you and congratulations.
Okay, to be honest, I shed a tear while you said “I passed“ and I am so proud of you. You keep motivating me in my studies and I love your videos. Thank you for everything you are doing.
I only discovered your channel a few months ago but honestly I'm so obsessed. Your dedication to education and determination with it no matter what inspires me so much. Currently in my last year of A-levels, seeing you doing incredible things and achieving your dreams inspires me so much. I'm having to retake all my As maths modules despite working very hard last year so I'm feeling terrified for how they will go this year but hearing how you have succeeded despite your struggles is just amazing ahhh. Anyway thank you, keep inspiring us all and doing awesome things and following your passions! Back to the maths practise for me 🙈
Longest yeah boi ever
I've peaked mother Simon liked my comment
Mother, Simon
You know what it goes both ways
Mother of messy eyebrows
I’m so proud of you, I’ve seen you through this entire journey, and knew you’d do it, well done and congratulations. Godspeed Simon!
I really enjoyed how you described the viva , very terrifying but enjoyable at the same time !
how you talked about your second chance in Exeter , that was my favorite part !
The fact that no one attended uni in your family and you being the first one to do so makes me so happy ;))))))))))))))))))))
Wow those 20 minutes flew by. Brilliant Simon! Congratulations!
I’ve watched this video during the early parts of my PhD, around 2018. And recently I’ve been thorough the same situation as I was finishing and having the oral defense (how we call it here in the Philippines) of my thesis. This video is inspiring and I hope those who are starting their PhD’s will also come across this video and make it see this an inspiration through that nerve wrecking process to have their PhD.
Thanks for this inspiring documentation of your journey
Simon, I'm SO happy for you. Congratulations. This was such a heartwarming and brilliantly filmed(and edited) video. Watching your videos has opened my mind to studying as further as getting a phD. And thank you for motivating us always!
Simon you wonderful, wonderful man!
Honestly it made me teary.
This video perfectly conveyed the terror, struggle, and eventually relief you feel with a PhD. I have had so many friends go through this that I do (in some sense) understand what is needed to go through this. I can only commend and congratulate you for doing so well.
And I definitely echo the perseverance theme to this. I was also the first in my family to go to uni. And it's not because I'm smart, it's because I refused to take no for an answer.
Keep striving and I look forward to many many more of your amazing videos, Dr Clark!
Congratulations Dr. Clark!
Your academic life is very similar to mine! I'm only in year 8 but I want to study physics in the University of Sydney when I'm older. Both my parents hadn't been to uni and my math grades are above average, but not super good. You are such an inspiration to me and many others with similar dreams and I hope you know that, Dr Clark!
3:25 I feel like this is more important than being gifted or naturally skilled at something. I got good grades too, but it was because i was motivated to do well and I wasn't afraid to ask for help, not because I was some school prodigy.
This reminded me of my own PhD defense--standing in front of the professors while trying not to pass out and the eternal wait for the verdict while trying not to panic. It was of little and great comfort knowing that no one fails their defense…
Congrats on joining the PhD(ABD) club.
Congratulations Dr. Clark. I'm at a point in my PhD where I'm feeling very overwhelmed and completely exhausted. You have given me so much motivation to keep going. I hope you will still make some vlogs to motivate your viewers who are still studying. Will look out for your research when they are published! Good luck on the next chapter of your life journey
Keep going! It is worth it in the end, I promise. Make sure you take care of yourself, and keep fighting :)
Simon congrats on your PhD, while I haven't been as diligent as others in watching the vlog, I would still try and check back in as much as possible. Every step of the way I watched however was incredible and watching you overcome your struggles along this PhD journey was incredible. I must say this is the best video in your collection in my opinion because of the inspiring narrative and the ups and downs of your adventure and experiences. This story comes almost as a punch in the face with the raw emotional content contained in the 21 minutes. It is really worth the watch especially for the many of us who struggle with academics. Once again I loved the video and keep up the damn good job with these videos. I look forward to your content in the future. Cheers, Dr. Clark.
Just discovered your channel via this video, and I have really enjoyed it! So happy about your PHD, congrats on the work man😊 greetings from Spain!!
Wow... Im so proud feel like I had a hand in this for some reason. You absolutely killed it! So happy to have been here from the beginning. Thank you Dr. Clark.
Congratulations Dr. Clark :)
I sat in on a viva (it was open to students) for a chemistry doctoral student at my university so I know exactly what you went through and I applaud your determination for preparing for this day in and day out for your PhD.
It's been long since you passed your PhD viva, but when you talked about the decision part, I could connect. This video touched me. Have fun with learning! Good luck!
I’m about to take my PhD interview now but why am I crying over this video? Congrats Dr Clark!!
I'm seriously so happy, im currently a first year physics student, I aspire to get a PhD, thankyou so much DR.Clark for giving me so much hope, best of luck
I'm an undergrad in my last semester at uni. I started today really anxious and feeling helpless thinking I won't be graduating this sem with all the work I need to balance with my thesis and my part-time job for my family. This video was in my recommendations for some reason. I'm really glad I clicked.
Thank you for the great encouragement to put in the work and stay determined no matter what. I really needed that today. Glad to click subscribe.
Only found your vlogs today!! I’m about 3 months away from submitting my thesis in astrophysics, great to see a RUclipsr documenting the UK PhD system!!
Now I’m away to watch more videos...
I just started Uni and you really inspire me. I'm not in the nature sciences, but watching you succeed and giving advice really keeps my hopes up. Thank you, so much for everything, Dr.Clark. Greetings from Germany!
Congratulations ‘Dr Clark’!!! So incredible to see what you have achieved and so inspiring to me as a (hopefully) future PhD student to see how dedicated you have been and your videos never fail to motivate me to work harder, so thank you 😊
Jeez! Watching this made me so happy but also shot my anxiety through the roof. My school requires an undergraduate thesis and then an oral defense of the thesis. I suspect this is similar to the VIVA in that professors read your thesis and then go into a room with them for 2 horus to talk about it and answer questions.
Hey Simon. I just wanted to let you know that your vlog has been really inspirational and encouraging to me. Congrats on your PhD!
After watching the video I finally have a clear understanding of what I would have to go through to earn a PhD
I’m only a teenager now but I aspire to get a PhD in physics
I cannot express how thankful I am to you for changing my perception about the path that I want to take
You have certainly made the path a lot more brighter for me to travel
Thank you.
idk if ur gonna read this but i just wanna genuinely thank you for this video. you have no idea how down i am rn and for some reason this genuinely motivated me to try better. thank you for sharing how imperfect college can be and how it can get better eventually. kudos to your channel and im definitely subscribing. all the love from the philippines! ❤️
7:34 wow I can relate. In the US I'm in community college right now preparing to go to university and I've already been in college for three years with another two to go just for my bachelors. Then its ~only~ another 6 years or so for a Ph.D. That's over ten years for one ultimate degree just to get a job in research and I'm already unbelievably burnt out. My gpa is directly related to my mental health status, and that speaks volumes. But I love that you said you weren't really that bright and struggled. I feel the same way, and I think the only reason I'm still going is because I'm too stubborn to give up.
They should've just given you a PhD for "PhDone". Congrats Simon!
I'm 4 days away from going to Italy to a intense program which probably will open doors to an eventual Ph D... I'm freak out, but I'm going to work as hard as I can... Simon, thanks for all the inspiration. This is my last year as an undergraduate in physics and all this time I've been watching your vlogs and you helped me a lot. I cried when you said it finally ended. Thanks for this wonderful experience, for your story and all the inspiration to never give up. Congratulations Dr. Clack!
Best of luck!
I’m a PhD Candidate in California (so I’m currently dissertating). I had my proposal defense in October (similar to the dissertation defense except we defend our plans and answer methodological questions). I relate to this video SO hard. I’m still traumatized by my experience. The exam wasn’t nearly as bad as I felt the prep work ended up being.
I'm nearing the end of my undergrad. I'm having the most difficult time financially right now, but I also have the stress of grad school applications. This video is giving me strength to keep moving forward. Thank you for this!
Dear Dr Clark,
Congrats! You are brilliant. Thank you so much for helping me and inspiring my career. I intend to apply for a master this year. You, and your videos make me believe that I can do it. Second chance exists for sure and we have to embrace the opportunity. I found your channel by chance while I was looking for knowing better how to be a researcher. I found here a variety of interesting content, so I decided to subscribe it. Even though my studying area is not science, I reckon humanities and science are connected some how. Good luck and I can´t wait to watch your next videos. Sending good vibes from Brazil.
All respect goes to you, Dr. Clark. I’m a final year student doing degree in physics. There were days when anxiety causes me a lots of problems. Sometimes i do cry while studying because i am that person who is too afraid of failure and i also lost my appetite due to that.. And there were also times when I reached out for my supervisor advice during my lowest point of my life. I kinda relates your struggles to mine. Watching your video makes me inspired, and thank you for that. I’ll sure try harder and do my best in everything i can. Thanks a lot for sharing Dr Clark. You are an amazing person !
Thank you for this, Simon. This is so motivating... thank you...
I started my PhD in October. My 6 Month review is due soon and I still have no idea what I'm doing. I don't even have a research question yet! The stress caused by uncertainty itself is the hardest thing for me
I was in exactly the same position! I didn't have a thesis structure until about two years in, and the uncertainty was killing me. Don't worry - keep reading, keep thinking about the big picture, keep talking to your supervisor, and it will all work out in the end :)
Simon Clark Thanks for replying & congratulations on your defence! I've followed a lot of your advice already. Good luck on the job hunting!
Dr Clark, this is your best work so far
Is that Viva La Vida?
I see what Simon did there...
Congratulations Dr. Clark! Thank you so much for letting us share this moment with you. You really are an inspiration for many of us wanting to dedicate our lives to science.
A left handshake and a toast in your name! :)
Congrats Dr. Simon, I think you should repeat the 1 mile drinking beer as a doctor
It's been a huge pleasure following your journey. Whenever I feel demotivated or lazy in school watching your videos has always inspired me to work harder. I look forward to seeing where you go next.
You know it only just occurred to me after all these years that Exvlog stood for Exeter vlog. Genuinely thought it meant like ex- oxford student vlog lolll
THANK YOU!
Your point on "determination" is extremely valuable.
Thank you. 😊
4:29 hahahahaha Zaphod Beeblebrox. Did they pick up on that?
Well they didn't look at me as if I had two heads so...
Big congratulations on this! I'm currently applying to study for hydrology PhD positions in the states, and I think this vlog has given me an appreciation of how difficult it can really be, but also that it can be done. I'm in a position where it almost feels that other people have more confidence that I can do it than I do. I hope I'm able to prove them right. In any case, I wish you all the best with your continued adventures.
Massive congratulations, Dr. Clark*!
*subject to corrections =D
Well done, your life is a true story of triumph over adversity and not giving up. I punched the air when you said you passed and I am very pleased for you. Best of luck with the next phase of you life!
fucking well done Simon! I'm so proud of you!!
Congratulations, albeit two years hence, on passing your viva, Dr Clark!
0:11 wait wait wait...PhD in mathematics?! o.O
axko007 wasnt It physics?
hugo garcia well, maybe a mix. Theygo hand in hand
I'm pretty sure he tweeted about this - apparently atmospheric physics is part of the Maths department at exeter, so technically, his PhD is in Maths.
Yes as I remember it , it was environmental science :)
I was at cambride, not the same uni but same country, where i met a PhD student in fluids aswell. And he said in England he will get a PhD in maths, but about the rest of the world fluids is considered as physics. Idk if thats an answer
Congratulations Dr. Clark.
I've watched your journey from the start of your PhD til now and you've become an inspiration to us and others like you.
Continue being awesome.
Is that tshirt going to be available as merch? (Also, it's a great tshirt)
I am so proud of you!! It has been an honour watching you work your little arse off!
Having watched all your PhD vlogs, when you laughed at 14:13 ( PV Inversion code ), AHAHHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA
Dear Simon, thanks for that video. Today I had an exam in statistical physics and it had not been good. Due to these events i often ask myself: "Am I good enough?" or "Am I too dump for it?". And you showed me with this video, that no matter how many downs you take, if you are determined enough and not so hard with yourself, you will succeed. Furthermore it showed me once more what I love to do. So just thanks and greetings from Germany!
Congrats on your PhD. Now all you need to do is start making videos with "hot takes" on topics that have nothing to do with maths or physics and people will take you seriously because you're a PhD.
Dr. Clark,
I have been detaching myself from my school work lately. This video has sparked determination and inspiration in me!
Thank You :’)
Pretty nice shirt you're sporting there :P
Congratulations Dr Simon Clark. I have enjoyed following your vlogs for the last 2,3 years .Informative ,funny and uplifting.They make me feel positive about the upcoming generation,especially in such depressing and anxious time. I am a retired medical GP and found your channel via Brady Haran's Nottingham university science channels, Sally le Page who recommended you. I have much entertained and learned some thing along the way. Thank you and keep on flogging.Emile.
' Ihave been much entertained'
My man
Congratulations Simon, I just wanted to thank you for the vlogs you made and all the videos you put out as they were one of my biggest motivations to continue on studying and perusing an academic career, so thank you... hope you'll publish more of the quality content you provide.
and i thought solving A Level integrals with ease was cool :/, congratsss tho!!!
Congrats on your PhD! Here at high school in Canada, you can choose to do more or less maths in the last two years. Of course, if you do less, you then have restricted choices at Uni. I thought I wasn't good at math and so I decided to study humanities. Now I'm 22 and realized exactly what you said: It's not about being good, it's about putting in the hard work. I am now attending high school for adults and if everything goes as planned, I'll be starting software engineering in September. All the best!
How can I buy a "to do calculate" shirt?
+Xander Gouws considering this one was a primark white t shirt written on with sharpie, I'd need to get some properly printed! If people genuinely want one
CALLED IT.
Simon Clark was just about to ask the same thing, I would totally buy one!
Yes!
I need it for my Maths friend :) Edit: I'm a humanities student, but still a fan of maths and would wear as well :)
Thank you for your inspirational vids! Becoming discouraged and giving up has been the bane of my academic career. Everybody struggles at some point while at uni, but I always felt like I was the only one, and the weight of that isolation was crushing. It was only after I took time off that I was able to really get on track.