Beyond the Books: A Journey from Solitude to Harvard’s Podium
A decade had flown by when I found myself standing on a podium, accepting a doctorate from Harvard. It was a surreal moment, one that seemed like a distant dream when I reflected on my academic journey, which also included graduate degrees from Oxford and MIT.
The irony of it all?
I never really cared for studying during my early years. School was just a place to pass time because it’s what my parents wanted. My true passions? Basketball and video games. I’d skip school just to indulge in them, much to my parents’ dismay.
The Beginning: A C- Student at a Technical College
Both of my parents were the first in their families to earn college degrees, carving out paths through sheer determination. My mother juggled part-time jobs with her studies to support not just herself but her siblings too.
My father, though financially supported by my grandpa, ambitiously tackled two degrees simultaneously. They were products of hard work, landing spots in one of the country’s top universities, where they eventually met.
Their aspirations for me were simple: just attend college, any college. When I ended up in a technical college outside of Bangkok, not quite the caliber they had hoped for, I sensed their disappointment.
But something unexpected happened in that technical college — I fell in love with architecture. It was the major I chose simply because I liked to draw and it was easier to get into an architectural program because it didn’t require exam results in chemistry and biology which I was bad at. For a C- student (my GPAs were abysmal throughout my K-12 education) it was a natural choice. Little did I know that I would find a new me.
For the first time, studying didn’t feel like a chore. I was no longer distracted by subjects that held no interest for me or uninspiring teachers. My focus shifted entirely to design, and I thrived.
Perhaps the lack of competition played a part; my peers were content with just getting by, much like I was in high school. But with design, I could spend endless hours reading and learning, turning the library into my second home.
Life in a Library
Over those six years, I devoured every book on architecture I could find, fueled by the idea of mastering my craft, much like Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000-hour rule suggested.
While my classmates were out playing soccer or partying, I was buried in books. My college, despite its modest setting, was one of the first in Thailand to have internet access.
It was slow, but it was my gateway to the world beyond. I immersed myself in research, dreaming of making my mark on the world of architecture. Yet, the thought of attending a university outside Thailand seemed far-fetched. My English was practically non-existent; I could read well enough, but speaking was another story, as I had no one to practice with.
Despite these obstacles, my dedication paid off. By the time I graduated, I was top of my class, a feat that led directly to a teaching position at a university. It was a testament to what I could achieve when truly inspired.
My journey from a reluctant kid to a passionate student was not just about academic success — if I could call being a top of my class at a technical colleg that — it was a lesson in perseverance, self-discovery, and the transformative power of finding one’s true calling.
Teaching at a University
My teaching stint was an eye-opener, revealing the profound impact of sharing knowledge and inspiring others. It was during this time I realized the true value of my years spent in solitude, buried in books.
Even though I myself just graduated from college, I was assigned to teach many introductory courses in design, history, and construction techniques — none of which I knew well and had the experience. So, I went back to the library again, and this time a bigger one at a larger university where I was in teaching.
My passion for architecture and design, coupled with my newfound love for teaching, pushed me to dream bigger. While I was spending 5–6 hours a day in the library reading along side my students, I began to do research on my graduate studies and grants that I could apply for.
I knew that my parents wouldn’t be able to afford if I were to ask them to send me to graduate schools outside of Thailand. Our economy was still recovering from the financial crisis of the late 1990s and the exchange rate back then made it impossible to take loans with the hope to returning them to the lenders.
The world outside Thailand beckoned, however, and I decided it was time to venture beyond, armed with an insatiable curiosity and a wealth of self-taught knowledge. So, I began to study even harder. This time, I had to get my English up to speed. I dreamed big. During my time at the technical college, I learned about this institution called MIT — and that it’s the best in architecture. If I were to go there with scholarships, I had to be among the best in the world. I knew I was far from being the best in Thailand, but there’s nothing for me to lose.
Fulfilling the Dream: MIT
Applying to universities abroad was a leap of faith. My English, improved through years of reading, was still a barrier. Conversations were a struggle, but written words were my allies.
The application essays were my platform to showcase not just my academic achievements but the journey behind them. I poured my heart into those applications, narrating my story from a technical college in Thailand to aspiring architect and educator. I sought helps from anyone I could asked for help, including my mother’s English teacher and friends. I remember the title of my essay — it was “I Love Beginning” — a testament to how much I loved to learn new things and wasn’t afraid of a steep slope of learning difficulty if the thing I was about to learn was interesting enough for me.
First, I got the Fulbright grants. It was the most competitive grant to get because there’s no strings attached. Grantees didn’t have to pay back after they have graduated. I wasn’t quite sure why they selected me — perhaps because I was a university lecturer doing good things for the society — but I happily accepted the trust they had in me. Then, arriving was the acceptance letters from MIT.
MIT offered a rigorous technical foundation, Oxford imbued me with a sense of history and depth, and Harvard allowed me to explore the intersections of design, innovation, and education. These experiences were far removed from the quiet confines of my college library in Thailand, yet they were built on the same foundation of relentless pursuit and love for learning.
Throughout my academic career abroad, I encountered mentors and peers who broadened my horizons and challenged my perspectives. I was no longer the odd one out; instead, I found myself in a community of like-minded individuals, all striving for excellence in their fields.
This shift from isolation to engagement was transformative, enabling me to contribute my unique insights and experiences.
Harvard
I didn’t plan to make this a long post, but a personal reflection. So, let’s just say things were easier after MIT. I could perhaps write another post just about my time at MIT itself, which was the most troubling two years of my academic life. Although I was a changed student, I found myself struggling from the first day. But eventually, after two hard years, I got through with a master’s degree in architectural studies. After that, I went to Oxford and then Harvard.
Graduating with a doctorate from Harvard was a milestone, but it was the journey that truly shaped me. From a student who cared little for academics to an educator and scholar, my path has been anything but conventional. It taught me the value of persistence, the importance of following one’s passions, and the endless possibilities that education can unlock.
As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded of the role that luck played, but also of the hard work, determination, and moments of inspiration that propelled me forward.
My parents’ example of perseverance, the lessons learned in solitude, and the opportunities seized along the way were all integral to my story. Standing on the podium at Harvard, I realized that my journey was not just about personal achievement but about paving the way for others to dream and achieve, just as I had.
