In this very special guest episode, Dr Kristine Nicki Annunziata, a nurse with a PhD in addiction studies, graces the podcast with her extraordinary tale, one that marries the rigorous demands of academic research with the unpredictable whirlwind of motherhood. Nicki, a mother to three, including twins, peels back the curtain on her life's compelling narrative, from combating health setbacks and evictions to the triumph of a successful PhD defence.

We capture Nicki's candid reflections on the complex interplay between prioritising a family and a PhD, a dance often shadowed by societal pressures and internal guilt. The support from her stay-at-home husband, and her unwaveringly supportive supervisors, shines as a beacon of hope, illustrating the immense power of a strong support system. Nicki's journey is not a solitary one, and her story emanates a comforting solidarity for all who struggle to balance personal aspirations with the obligations of family life.

As we wrap up, Nicki eloquently reinforces the importance of self-care and the courage to seek help when the tides rise against us. Her experiences serve as poignant lessons that every hurdle can lay the foundation for empowerment and growth. You'll be left inspired by the resilience of this remarkable mother, who turned her dreams into reality while nurturing her family and finding strength in her own vulnerability.

Join us for a heartfelt celebration of Nicki's academic and personal victories, a story that will resonate with anyone steering through the stormy seas of Scholarly Mama life's commitments.

Follow Dr Nicki on LinkedIn or on X (formerly Twitter).

Related Blog Post: COMING SOON!

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