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A factual account of my quest to gain a PhD from the perspective of a non-academic at the University of Portsmouth, UK in a Science faculty that did not have a dedicated complementary medicines department.
This book tells of the challenges of research, of complex relationship issues and the highs and lows of academia. It is a compassionate, honest and emotional journey that resulted in the worlds first PhD in reflexology and pain management. PLEASE NOTE: No longer shipped to Australia/NZ due to prohibitive postage costs. |
REVIEWS
When I had first heard Carol published her book, Tenacious Student I was very curious, but didn't have the time to read it until now.
It was not the book I had expected to read. Instead it was a full on, biographical journey that chronicalled Carol's life in what seemed like an impossible task that manifested into her dream of receiving her PhD. I experienced her emotion and drive viscerally and anticipated each step along her journey with great anticipation as you would from any great book. Her writting is real, raw and it beautifully captures Carol's essence. You will know her and love her after reading Tenacious Student.
As reflexology professionals we should be grateful to Carol for paving the way to a higher level of education and professionalism. (In her case, bushwacking as we call it here in the States). Highly recommend.
Geraldine Villeneuve, BS, LMP, ABCR, Structural Reflexologist®. Author of Put Your Best Feet Forward
After becoming a Reflexologist eight years ago, I've had a thirst for learning as much as I could about this amazing and very important complementary therapy. I began purchasing and reading several books to further my knowledge.
A few years ago I came across a fellow Reflexologist on a Facebook Reflexology group and began to follow with interest. I was intrigued to learn that she was the first person in the world to receive a PhD in Reflexology and Pain Management.
I once heard that we all have a book within us, it's just a matter of sitting down and writing it. Carol Samuel finally did just that and I'm so glad she did.
Her book; The Tenacious Student Non-academic to PhD was very riveting. It takes the reader through all the trials and tribulations that Carol faced in her academic life as well as some that she faced in her personal life during her pursuit of higher education and obtaining her PhD.
Although faced with many obstacles as a non academic, several set backs and challenging life events, being told what she was wanting to accomplish was impossible, Carol rose above it all with determination, will power and tenacity to push through.
In her book she walks the reader through the steps that she was required to take, the research, the challenges, the process of being selected to a PhD program. She also allows herself to become vulnerable and personal in sharing about a natural disaster, a personal health situation, as well as other personal situations and the toll it had on her personally. I could feel the emotions, the ups and downs as well as the frustrations that Carol must have endured. It is raw and it is honest.
The past couple of years have been particularly difficult for many of us and some may even question whether things will ever get better. Read this book! It will inspire you to keep going, to aim high in your own personal growth. It will show you that with guts, determination and tenacity you too can accomplish what others may deem impossible.
I pre-ordered The Tenacious Student Non-academic to PhD before it was available and patiently waited for its arrival. Several months after receiving and reading it, I'm still in awe.
If you haven't yet ordered this book, don't hesitate, it may awaken something within you that you've always yearned to do.
Thank you Dr. Carol Samuel for sharing your journey with us. You really were the Tenacious Student!
Bev Green Johnson, Canada
The Tenacious Student is a fascinating read about succeeding in academia and Carol guides you through the many difficulties that she went through to gain her PhD. She describes some of the processes required to gain a doctorate degree and specifically talks about interesting questions and dilemmas that she faced regarding reflexology and pain management.
Carol is very honest in the book about the ‘cost’ that this success had on her health and close relationships - and she certainly had more thrown at her than most of us will face in a lifetime.
Thank you Carol for your tenacity and for the knowledge you bring to our profession. A great read. Sally Earlam
Just finished reading your book today. What an amazing woman you are, determined, sensitive, strong and amazing. Your book will inspire many who doubt their ability to shine. I wish I had read it all those years ago when I too doubted myself. I really enjoyed it thank you xx Concessa Boshein
Carol, I am blown away by your book. I love the raw honesty with which you write. I was so engrossed in it that I almost missed my train stop! Ruth Collins
This book is both a memoir and a guide for PhD students. It is a record of a journey to academic achievement like no other. Many are called to the coalface of research but many more fall by the wayside, overwhelmed by the constant challenges and seemingly insurmountable obstacles life throws in the path. This remarkable woman kept on coming back to her goals, despite a cancer diagnosis, and traumatic physical and psychological injuries from the boxing day Tsunami. She is the living embodiment of 'Rise up'. I highly recommend this book for anyone who aspires to reach their goals. Judith Whatley
My copy of The Tenacious Student arrived today and I just can't put it down. My expectations were high but it is so much more than I was expecting. Congratulations Carol and thank you. Alex Clark
I knew this was going to be a fabulous book and I’m so happy to receive my signed copy thank you for sharing your remarkable journey, it’s inspirational xx Sally Kay
Just finished your book, Carol. Oh my word. I had saved this for after some exams. It was worth the wait. This was an ‘easy’ read in some respects - i could hear your voice, your turn of phrase and feel your emotional rollercoaster. And in other ways - it was ‘hard’ - but that comes from ‘watching’ - albeit on catch up - your path to a PhD. It is well known that undertaking a PhD is not for the feint-hearted even with degrees and masters under their belt. This is a no holes barred account. Eight years. I still can’t get my head round some of it. Loved it. Izabel Carter
I love that the etymology of the word "sin" in the Christian Testament refers to an archery term that means "to miss the mark...so as to not share in the prize". In-deed, it would have been a "sin" if Carol Samuel didn't hit her target of achieving a PhD in Reflexology & Pain Management. But she did, and there's so much perseverance and gumption in her book that there's plenty to rub off on readers as we take her journey with her from uncanny start to courageous finish.
This book is written in such a natural, conversational manner that I felt as though I was on a treasure hunt with her.
Even if someone has no plans of doing reflexology research, or research in any Complementary modality (though you may be inspired to after reading this book!!), this book was a fascinating foray into Carol's experience of academic research. I never thought I'd couple together "fascinating" and "academic research", but this page-turner inspires in surprising ways!
Linda Frank, Tacoma, Washington
I think this is a fantastic book! I am in awe of Carol Samuel's tenacity, dedication, passion and sheer grit to ensure that reflexology is evidenced and its benefits revealed through solid research. Her personal journey is written with honesty, transparency and vulnerability. A truly inspiring read. Thank you, Carol, for sharing your amazing journey with us.
Rhoda B - Scotland
Although I have not finished yet, I am totally engrossed. It is inspiring to read of Carol’s efforts and perseverance despite the challenges she faced, having left school at 15 and then met more than her fair share of life’s challenges head-on. At 68, this book is helping to drive me on to achieve more in my second working life. I left teaching in my 50’s and became a reflexologist. Science was never my forte, but caring, helping and listening have always been part of my approach to life, so I too took the plunge. Questioning my abilities to rise to the challenge of learning something new in later life, I recognise Carol’s need to question her ability to cope with such immense, new and momentous requirements of academic, physical and emotional growth. A and P was challenging for me, but nothing compared to Carol’s studies and steep learning curve to achieve her PhD. In my own small way, I am hoping to be totally inspired by this book and move ever onward in my understanding and application of reflexology in my practice. It is so important that reflexology moves on from anecdotal musings and has clinical evidence to support its efficacy. Along with people like Sally Kay, Tony Porter, Lorraine Senior and Lyn Booth, Carol has moved mountains. Thank you, Carol.
Sarah F.
It was not the book I had expected to read. Instead it was a full on, biographical journey that chronicalled Carol's life in what seemed like an impossible task that manifested into her dream of receiving her PhD. I experienced her emotion and drive viscerally and anticipated each step along her journey with great anticipation as you would from any great book. Her writting is real, raw and it beautifully captures Carol's essence. You will know her and love her after reading Tenacious Student.
As reflexology professionals we should be grateful to Carol for paving the way to a higher level of education and professionalism. (In her case, bushwacking as we call it here in the States). Highly recommend.
Geraldine Villeneuve, BS, LMP, ABCR, Structural Reflexologist®. Author of Put Your Best Feet Forward
After becoming a Reflexologist eight years ago, I've had a thirst for learning as much as I could about this amazing and very important complementary therapy. I began purchasing and reading several books to further my knowledge.
A few years ago I came across a fellow Reflexologist on a Facebook Reflexology group and began to follow with interest. I was intrigued to learn that she was the first person in the world to receive a PhD in Reflexology and Pain Management.
I once heard that we all have a book within us, it's just a matter of sitting down and writing it. Carol Samuel finally did just that and I'm so glad she did.
Her book; The Tenacious Student Non-academic to PhD was very riveting. It takes the reader through all the trials and tribulations that Carol faced in her academic life as well as some that she faced in her personal life during her pursuit of higher education and obtaining her PhD.
Although faced with many obstacles as a non academic, several set backs and challenging life events, being told what she was wanting to accomplish was impossible, Carol rose above it all with determination, will power and tenacity to push through.
In her book she walks the reader through the steps that she was required to take, the research, the challenges, the process of being selected to a PhD program. She also allows herself to become vulnerable and personal in sharing about a natural disaster, a personal health situation, as well as other personal situations and the toll it had on her personally. I could feel the emotions, the ups and downs as well as the frustrations that Carol must have endured. It is raw and it is honest.
The past couple of years have been particularly difficult for many of us and some may even question whether things will ever get better. Read this book! It will inspire you to keep going, to aim high in your own personal growth. It will show you that with guts, determination and tenacity you too can accomplish what others may deem impossible.
I pre-ordered The Tenacious Student Non-academic to PhD before it was available and patiently waited for its arrival. Several months after receiving and reading it, I'm still in awe.
If you haven't yet ordered this book, don't hesitate, it may awaken something within you that you've always yearned to do.
Thank you Dr. Carol Samuel for sharing your journey with us. You really were the Tenacious Student!
Bev Green Johnson, Canada
The Tenacious Student is a fascinating read about succeeding in academia and Carol guides you through the many difficulties that she went through to gain her PhD. She describes some of the processes required to gain a doctorate degree and specifically talks about interesting questions and dilemmas that she faced regarding reflexology and pain management.
Carol is very honest in the book about the ‘cost’ that this success had on her health and close relationships - and she certainly had more thrown at her than most of us will face in a lifetime.
Thank you Carol for your tenacity and for the knowledge you bring to our profession. A great read. Sally Earlam
Just finished reading your book today. What an amazing woman you are, determined, sensitive, strong and amazing. Your book will inspire many who doubt their ability to shine. I wish I had read it all those years ago when I too doubted myself. I really enjoyed it thank you xx Concessa Boshein
Carol, I am blown away by your book. I love the raw honesty with which you write. I was so engrossed in it that I almost missed my train stop! Ruth Collins
This book is both a memoir and a guide for PhD students. It is a record of a journey to academic achievement like no other. Many are called to the coalface of research but many more fall by the wayside, overwhelmed by the constant challenges and seemingly insurmountable obstacles life throws in the path. This remarkable woman kept on coming back to her goals, despite a cancer diagnosis, and traumatic physical and psychological injuries from the boxing day Tsunami. She is the living embodiment of 'Rise up'. I highly recommend this book for anyone who aspires to reach their goals. Judith Whatley
My copy of The Tenacious Student arrived today and I just can't put it down. My expectations were high but it is so much more than I was expecting. Congratulations Carol and thank you. Alex Clark
I knew this was going to be a fabulous book and I’m so happy to receive my signed copy thank you for sharing your remarkable journey, it’s inspirational xx Sally Kay
Just finished your book, Carol. Oh my word. I had saved this for after some exams. It was worth the wait. This was an ‘easy’ read in some respects - i could hear your voice, your turn of phrase and feel your emotional rollercoaster. And in other ways - it was ‘hard’ - but that comes from ‘watching’ - albeit on catch up - your path to a PhD. It is well known that undertaking a PhD is not for the feint-hearted even with degrees and masters under their belt. This is a no holes barred account. Eight years. I still can’t get my head round some of it. Loved it. Izabel Carter
I love that the etymology of the word "sin" in the Christian Testament refers to an archery term that means "to miss the mark...so as to not share in the prize". In-deed, it would have been a "sin" if Carol Samuel didn't hit her target of achieving a PhD in Reflexology & Pain Management. But she did, and there's so much perseverance and gumption in her book that there's plenty to rub off on readers as we take her journey with her from uncanny start to courageous finish.
This book is written in such a natural, conversational manner that I felt as though I was on a treasure hunt with her.
Even if someone has no plans of doing reflexology research, or research in any Complementary modality (though you may be inspired to after reading this book!!), this book was a fascinating foray into Carol's experience of academic research. I never thought I'd couple together "fascinating" and "academic research", but this page-turner inspires in surprising ways!
Linda Frank, Tacoma, Washington
I think this is a fantastic book! I am in awe of Carol Samuel's tenacity, dedication, passion and sheer grit to ensure that reflexology is evidenced and its benefits revealed through solid research. Her personal journey is written with honesty, transparency and vulnerability. A truly inspiring read. Thank you, Carol, for sharing your amazing journey with us.
Rhoda B - Scotland
Although I have not finished yet, I am totally engrossed. It is inspiring to read of Carol’s efforts and perseverance despite the challenges she faced, having left school at 15 and then met more than her fair share of life’s challenges head-on. At 68, this book is helping to drive me on to achieve more in my second working life. I left teaching in my 50’s and became a reflexologist. Science was never my forte, but caring, helping and listening have always been part of my approach to life, so I too took the plunge. Questioning my abilities to rise to the challenge of learning something new in later life, I recognise Carol’s need to question her ability to cope with such immense, new and momentous requirements of academic, physical and emotional growth. A and P was challenging for me, but nothing compared to Carol’s studies and steep learning curve to achieve her PhD. In my own small way, I am hoping to be totally inspired by this book and move ever onward in my understanding and application of reflexology in my practice. It is so important that reflexology moves on from anecdotal musings and has clinical evidence to support its efficacy. Along with people like Sally Kay, Tony Porter, Lorraine Senior and Lyn Booth, Carol has moved mountains. Thank you, Carol.
Sarah F.
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