Recently, I have been asked by every job interviewer why I took a doctorate degree and what I have gained from it. Thus, I searched the internet to see what other people think. I found two phrases that fully reflect my thought:  ‘self-esteem’ and ‘intellectual stimulation’.
 
I always ask myself what kind of foot print I would treasure the most when I look back on my life after 5 years, 20 years or 40 years from now. A doctorate degree is certainly a significant and highly meaningful highlight in my life. On the other hand, I am the kind of person who likes to explore the world. Geographically, I have been to many places, such as Tibet, the Silk Road and Nepal. The doctorate course has given me a good chance to explore the intellectual world. It has provided me with a systematic way to climb up the research ladder, strengthen my critical and analytical power, and broaden my horizon.
 
Many people would agree that it is a nightmare to take up a doctorate course on a part-time basis while working on a full time and highly demanding job. Such a nightmare has lasted for many years for me. However, once the course was completed, I experienced a joy like someone who had conquered the Himalayas. Years of hard work, money and tons of coffee which have been invested in this huge project are well worthwhile.