From primary school to PhD

Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down, I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there. This is how I got my PhD.

If I were to sum this whole video up in a quote, it would have to be "Never give up! Never surrender!"
(By Grabthar's hammer, what a story Mark.)
But more seriously, this is one that I've been meaning to make for a long time. Not least because I needed to sit my viva to do so! But also this video captures the underlying philosophy behind much of what I do. I'm not the smartest person in the world, and I'm certainly not the most talented at science or maths. But while you can never always be the smartest person in a room, you can always make yourself the hardest working one. Perspiration beats inspiration, and my refusal to quit has got me to where I am now.

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Music by:

Editing done in Premiere.

Huge thanks to my supporters on Patreon: Dan Hanvey, David Efird, Michael Phillips, Neudys Almonte, Fraser Birks, Martin Hermes, Anh Duong Phan, Luca Schumann, Katy P, Rhys Rickard-Frost, Cameron Matchett, Lachlan Woods, Tim Boxall, Simon Vaes, Gabriele Mozzicato, Jawad Alalasi, Gaia Frazao Nery, Kodzo, Josh Ruby, Claire Anthony, Eve Dillon, Rowan Gow, Matthias Loos, James Bridges, James Craig, Angela, Sanaa Al Derei, Mark Anthony Magro, Liam, Theresa Wang, Kieran Kelly, Wendover Productions, Kendra Johnson, Caitlin Louise, and Real Engineering (nice hair Brian).

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I am Simon, a fourth year PhD candidate at the University of Exeter. I upload videos on bits of science which are relevant to what I do, and sometimes just because they're really cool.

Thanks to Vlogbrothers for their sponsorship of this video. Money from the Foundation to Decrease Worldsuck contributed to equipment used in this video.

[mssparkssie]

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!

[AndrewDotsonvideos]

Should be hearing back from graduate schools for physics any day now... Exciting time! Thanks for the video

[lifewithdylan]

I just realised how mad phds are. Mad respect!

[satyam]

Simon: "I passed!"
Me: **Chuckles**
Also me: **Teardrop rolls down my face**

Amazing, Simon!

[Schnorchmorch]

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.

[biswaprakashmishra]

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.

[EasternPrince_]

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.

[layoverbear]

I feel like a proud mum! Your hard work paid off, you deserve it. Can’t wait for what’s next :)

[fatemahasan]

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.

[shaggbaby]

This is my favorite video you've ever put out!

[shrekcharming]

Dr clark. Finally I've been watching since the oxvlogs 🎉

[RanjaniNarayananranjn]

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!

[TheAbleeblee]

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.

[aragornk]

We were promised your YouTube name would be Dr. Simon Clark

[ynnad]

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

[joshruby]

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)!

[Sourkid]

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

[Mousy]

the idea of "questions about your work, from a world leading expert" sounds terrifying but also like...kinda cool.

[cst]

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!

[deceasedkitten]

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