I'm just starting a PhD too! In a somewhat related field, too, . I'll be studying second language acquisition, and I plan to focus on language assessment. I share your excitement. I wouldn't say I feel nervous, though... the negative feeling I have would be insecurity, I guess. Insecurity even though I'm really happy with how my applications turned out and the program I ended up choosing. I've started meeting more people in the program, and seeing how smart everyone is and the cool work they're doing feeds the excitement and the insecurity, haha. But I've had this problem for the past year or so where I compare myself (not yet started a PhD) to friends/colleagues in their 2nd+ year in a program. Even though I tell myself that's just silly to do, it's hard to shake. From what I've read, though, academic insecurity may never go away: (the article focuses more on women, but men are susceptible as well)
This is another one of those things that, if kept in check and in moderation, can benefit you. It can motivate and push you through final exams or whatever hurdle you're up against. Edit: I'm not at all trying to justify the additional pressure on women, because I do believe it to be real and unfair. I'm having a tough time with it right now, truthfully. My inadequacies feel like a pack of wolves gaining on me fast. I've been reviewing textbooks to prepare for my imminent bitch slap from calculus in just a few days.From what I've read, though, academic insecurity may never go away: (the article focuses more on women, but men are susceptible as well)