Major life transitions can trigger a strong sense of identity loss.

The brain often responds to uncertainty with fear-based thinking as a protective mechanism.

Financial and logistical stress can intensify emotional vulnerability during major transitions.

What feels like an ending is often experienced internally as the collapse of a familiar version of self.

Months ago, even the thought of this would make me emotional. Now, I think I’ve found ways to cope with it, and I want to share that.

I am about to graduate from my doctorate program, and even thinking about it makes me feel sad. Because this journey changed my entire life.

I came to Austin in August 2020, risking everything, starting my life from scratch with two children, moving from Astana. I left a well-paying job and chose to apply for a Ph.D. program.

Just for clarification, committing to a Ph.D. is not only about classes or research. It’s your entire life. Your lifestyle changes. Your habits change. You cut expenses for four to five years. You accept being financially limited—willingly.

I’m not saying it’s bad. But with two children, it’s challenging, especially if you're used to a comfortable life.

When we first arrived, I didn’t adjust right away. I bought a car, put premium gas in it like I used to, ate out with my kids, and bought things I didn’t need, until I realized the money was disappearing.

I felt stressed out, and I became wildly angry because the money was so limited; I didn’t know how to manage it or even how to cut back on basic things. But at the same time, there was something familiar in it. Coming from the former Soviet Union, I had already experienced periods of scarcity, so I knew how to switch into survival mode.

It’s........

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