Vice-chancellor Prof Laban P. Ayiro addressing Ph.D Clinical Psychology students.
“Have work-life balance so you don’t burn out.”
This was just one of the many profound pieces of advice given to PhD Clinical Psychology students when the Vice-chancellor, Prof Laban Ayiro addressed them on 24th February 2023.
The Vice-chancellor was accompanied by the Acting DVC Academic, Research and Student Affairs, Prof. Samuel Muriithi, PhD Clinical Psychology Coordinator Prof. Alice Munene, Dean School of Applied Human Sciences Dr. Kennedy Ongaro, Faculty in the School of Applied Human Sciences, and Director of DLPDI Prof. Abraham Waithima.
In his address, the Vice-chancellor expressed how he yearned to see Daystar University produce a human resource force in Clinical psychology for the Nation of Kenya.
The VC called on the students to be steadfast regardless of the academic pressure.
“If you so badly want the PhD, it will be just a matter of time before you get it,” he said, adding that stringent measures imposed on the research process were intended to make them better.
"We are determined that you come out with a doctoral degree worthy of this University, and in record time,” said Prof Ayiro.
Prof. Ayiro further underscored the importance of maintaining good relations between the student and the supervisor because they work hand in hand.
“A good relationship between a supervisor and a student is essential for successful graduate study,” he said, adding that the relationship should be very personal.
Lastly, the Vice-chancellor left his audience with some thought-provoking rhetorical questions:
- Do you really have the touch?
- Do you have the ability to hit the right key on the piano with enough force
- Do you really have the feel?
- Do you have the inside intuition of how events are going to unfold?
As he concluded his address, the VC advised the students to get their first draft out even if one thought it was woeful. "Let us clean it up. Your ego is not at stake.”
On his part, Prof. Waithima urged the Graduate students to learn to take constructive criticism from their supervisors and mentors, because that would pave the way for them to flourish academically. He also emphasized on the need to have an equilibrium between family and school life.
“What happens if you complete your PhD, and lose your family?" he asked the students, who seemed to ponder . He cautioned that a PhD would not be worthwhile if a student lost his/her family trying to chase a piece of paper.
He was also careful to remind the students to put God first in their plans, explaining that if God is involved, they would see the fruit of their labour.
The students listened attentively as they took in every piece of advice, that would ease the pressure on their journey to securing a PhD.
They also asked questions and made requests, to which the Vice-chancellor, supervisors and academic mentors present responded.
