Before, During, After
Before, you could be nervous. During, you’re engaged. After, you’re relieved.
Before, you can practise. During, you’re doing it. After, you’ve achieved.
Before, you’re the candidate. During, you’re the expert. After, you’re Dr Somebody, PhD.
At different times you can think and feel and do and be different things.
At all times around the viva, at the end of your PhD journey, you’re where you’re supposed to be.