Thursday, August 11, 2011

Dr. Frank W. Hale, Jr.



I couldn't write about the PhD process without recognizing my mentor, Dr. Frank W. Hale, Jr. who passed away on July 27, 2011. He was a college president, a leader and pioneer for diversity in higher education, a civil rights activist, and so much more. I originally new Dr. Hale because he went to my church, Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He would always talk to me about education and encourage me. I remember when I realized that a building, the Hale Black Cultural Center, was named after him. I was trying to explain to one of my friends who also went to my church, "No. He's not just special to us, he's famous to the whole world." I am so grateful that I was able to spend so much time with him and I was finally able to grasp how great of a man he was.

I would meet with him several times during the school year and I loved it because we always ate at the best places. However, what sticks out to me is the conversations we would have. I had never had such intellectual discussions with anyone by the time I was in college. He would ask me about politics, issues in higher education, and anything else he could think of to challenge my mind. He was always gently nudging me towards greatness and he saw things in me that I didn't see in myself. I remember calling him the day before I defended my dissertation. I was nervous and wanted to talk to him about it. Instead Doc was asking me about what academic positions I was applying for. His subtle way of telling me, "You have this defense "in the bag." What are your next steps?" I am currently standing on the shoulders for Dr. Hale and I plan to work hard on my scholarship and service so that someone can stand on my shoulders. Lord, thank you for allowing me to spend so much time with your child. Now, please help me to be a blessing and an beacon of light to your love.

To read about lessons I learned from Dr. Hale, click here.

PhD! So What? Now What?



I have a PhD now, but what does that mean. How will I be different? How will my life be different? How will that change the way I serve? How will that change the way I teach? Was it worth it? And the answer is.... I DON'T KNOW, but I am very excited to find out. Watch the journey of me pursing my life as a woman with a PhD. At the very least, you should be entertained.

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Sunday, January 2, 2011

All that hard work, Paid off!!!

The Cake

During the Ceremony

Friends and Family

My Family

Me and my Husband, Josh

Graduation took place on December 12, 2010. I have been dreaming of this day for years and I cannot begin to explain all of the emotions I felt. The most memorable part of graduation were the different African American people who came up to me and told me how proud they were of me. To get so much love and support from people I had never met was overwhelming and humbling. I also was blessed to have my family and friends there. Writing my dissertation and meeting all of the requirements to get my PhD were some of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but it was all worth it.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. ~Aristotle.

Writing, Writing, and more Writing




I FINALLY finished my dissertation in December of 2010. Here are a few pictures of me during the writing process. Since we've started a new year, I wanted to make sure I started this yearly getting my blog caught up. One of the things I have appreciated about blogging is the chance to reflect on things that I have experienced. I stopped blogging while writing my dissertation and became "super-focused" on writing, analyzing, submitting, revising, and editing. There were a few weeks where I had less than 10 hours of sleep. It is amazing what our minds and bodies can do when we are put to the test. Now, I wouldn't recommend not sleeping on a regular basis. However, I would recommend that you push yourself a little further than you thought you could go. When I think back to the times I was writing my dissertation, I am amazed by the unrelenting determination I had. We all have it in us. How will you tap into yours?

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

MacSpeech Scribe - Is this the answer to my prayers?

My dissertation went on hold for a little bit during the wedding, but the transcription of my interviews has also slowed the process down substantially. I originally planned to transcribe myself. The first interview took three hours and it is still not done. Then I decided I would pat someone to transcribe, but that gets messy and I have been waiting to see what we can do. Finally, I purchased this software thinking it would do most of it and I would just have to go through and make corrections. WRONG!!!! This software actually has slowed me down and I finally boxed it up and sent it back today. So now I am....... Back to transcribing. I am just going to do it because I have already lost precious time. unless you want to do that for me, **wink**. On another note, I have a meeting with my advisor tomorrow. Please pray that I will walk out of the meeting with a better sense of what is going and what I need to be doing. Well, that is all for now. I must prepare for my meeting.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Running in Circles... For What?


Yesterday I woke up with a to do list in my head and went barreling full speed to clean our house, wash clothes, cook, make a dessert, shampoo our carpet, complete things for work, and work on my dissertation. Then all of a sudden, I noticed my mood take a plunge drive and I began to feel this strange sense of dread. Luckily, I can talk to J about these kinds of things and he is usually my voice of reason. He helped me to think about the unnecessary timelines and deadlines I place on myself that force me to feel out of control. The driving force is my dissertation. I want to get it done, the sooner the better. He reminded that additional time on my dissertation, or anything for that matter, is more valuable than working to the point of exhaustion and dread. Today is a new day and I am working on slowing down and enjoying the process, so that I can truly enjoy the finished project. I’ll keep you posted on how that goes…

Thursday, September 16, 2010

My 26th Birthday


I had a great day on September 13th when I celebrated my 26th birthday. I received messages and cards from my closest family and friends, I went to House of Japan with my husband (ha, I love saying that word), and then we relaxed and watched football. It was exactly what I needed after such an eventful last few weeks. There was one part that was bitter sweet....

I have always given myself these random goals and I have always had a goal to have a PhD while I am 25. Me turning 26 reminded me that I had not reached that goal. However, the more and more I think about the more I realize that the age is not what is important. Sure, I could have graduated with my PhD before 26, but at what price. I have developed some amazing friendships, done some pretty cool things, and married the man of my dreams. All of that could have been put on hold had I been so focused on the age I receive my PhD. So, I am promising myself that I will continue to work on my dissertation. However, I am not giving anyone else an estimated deadline. I will have my PhD when... I FINISH and you better believe. I will finish. Ok enough of that rant. Happy Birthday to me!

WEDDING BREAK





It's been over a month since I last posted. Instead of my usual dissertation and writing, I was preparing for one of the biggest days of my life... My Wedding. We got married on South Beach in Florida and it was absolutely perfect. The word that keeps coming to mind is "magical." We were so blessed to get a chance to commit ourselves before God, our family, and our friends in such a beautiful setting. I can honestly admit that I did not think about my dissertation one time. So now I guess I will be blogging as a wife in pursuit of my PhD. Right now I am feeling so blessed to have such a wonderful husband. Stay tuned...

Thursday, August 12, 2010

15 Interviews

(Photo from http://greatestresellrights.com)

As of today I have 15 interviews. My goal is 20, but I was told that as long as I get to fifteen I am good. So... I'm GOOD. Just in time to get back to work. I'm gonna keep doing them though because I enjoy my topic and the conversation... Must Be Nice. Now time to start transcribing....

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Collecting Data & Already Getting Buried.

(Photo from http://www.ldpride.net)

I got IRB approval a week ago and my data collection started almost immediately. Since then I have already completed ten interviews. Some dissertation studies use only five to eight interviews. My goal is 15 to 20 so, I am on my way there. The only thing is... They need to be transcribed. Well, well, well. Who knew it could be sooooo tedious. Yes, I've transcribed interviews before. When you're on a research team, however, or in a class, you only have to transcribe about three to five. Not to mention, these interviews are a lot longer than those thirty minute interviews I did in my qualitative methodology courses. I need a plan and Quick! I have a busy weekend, but I think I am going to plan to do at least one a day. This should get them all done before school starts and I am back to work. The Pressure is ON! If you have any ideas on how to transcribe faster... I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear it. Now, off to do some more transcribing.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

FINALLY!!! I have APPROVAL!!!!

(Photo from: http://www.age-dtoperfection.com)

I got up this morning and decided to check my email and I finally had the email that lets me move forward to completing my dissertation. I have finally received IRB approval!!! I am excited, but I also must admit that adding this to my plate along with the wedding planning is a little scary. Oh well, now let's see how far I can get by the wedding.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Surprise: I heard from IRB

(Photo from http://degreedirectory.org)

I was checking my email yesterday when I realized that I had received a email from the IRB stating that modifications were needed. This is good, right? I think so, but we will see. My thought is that once they verify that the modifications are made (which I think can be done in a few hours, ha), they can give me approval. I can say that the timing couldn't have been more perfect. I made all of the revisions and submitted it to my advisor. Luckily, he will be in today and I can get the signed documents from him. Now, some would think that this is not a big deal, but my advisor's schedule is so busy that I consider it a blessing for me to need him on the actual day that he will be in his office. I am getting ready now to track him down and get my signature, wish me luck and keep sending up the prayers. It is helping!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

An Early Run




Nothing makes me feel more productive than a run first thing in the morning. Unfortunately, this is what I look like when it is over. LOL. Here is to a productive day.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

The Dissertation Cloud is ALWAYS Lurking


This week J and I were in a wedding for a couple that we are both very close too. We spent the weekend participating and helping out with the various wedding festivities and I must say that the wedding was beautiful. Someone even referred to it as magical. For the most part, I was able to stay present and focused while not worrying about my dissertation. However, when I woke up today I was immediately aware of the dissertation cloud that is always lurking. The dissertation cloud is reminding me that there is ALWAYS something to do and encouraging me to get started. Well, here I go...

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Winding Myself Back Up

(Photo from http://media.mmm-online.com)

Staying motivated and positive while during this dissertation can be so hard. We saw this picture while watching television and J made a comment about how that was me. He is right. I am constantly winding myself up when it comes to this dissertation. No matter what happens, I know I will wind myself up and keep pushing through. So, that is a good thing...

So Many Obstacles

(Photo from http://blog.metrobrokers.com)

The biggest thing about this dissertation process is keeping my mind and spirit engaged during all of the ups and downs. So... The last thing I shared with you all is that I had to re-do my IRB application and submit to my advisor. Since then I have had so many things happen. I met with my advisor so we decided to make some huge changes. I stayed up all night and made the changes and met my advisor the next morning to get his signature. We call the dean to get her signature and.... She is out for a week. So, finally after she got in town, found it, and signed it... It is now submitted and once again I am just waiting... Now a few of my colleagues have reminded me that I still have somethings I could be working on. So, that's the plan. I'll keep you posted. I have heard that this review process can take from 4 to 6 weeks. I am praying for a much shorter turn around time. Please, send your prayers and thoughts too.

Monday, June 14, 2010

I Give Up... Control.

http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com

When it comes to planning, I can sometimes be rigid and controlling. I realize that these characteristics aren't the best, but they have been pretty useful in helping me to maintain my schedule and productivity. Yea, Yea, Yea... I know that anything in excess can be a bad thing which is why I realize that I must give up control. Now some of my friends have reminded that I have never really been in control anyways. I always agree, but I have never really allowed myself to believe that. This dissertation process is such a personal and private experience, but there is a limit to how much control I have. So, Today I have decided to give up control... I'll let you know how it goes.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Back to the Drawing Board


Bad News: My IRB proposal did not qualify for the exempt process.
Good News: It was supposed to be a two-week turn around, but it ended up being a two day turn around.

Now... I am applying for an expedited review. I have worked on updating and changing the proposal for six hours straight and it is finally ready to submit. I must admit, I am pretty proud of myself for just "cranking it out," because I originally wanted to just lay down and deal with it later. I plan to submit through the expedited process and hope and pray that it does not take very long. I was told four weeks and if that is the case, my timeline will shift dramatically. As many of you have already, keep me in your prayers and thoughts. Lets pray for a week turn around time!!!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Three Days until School is Out!!!


School will be out in three days and I am so excited. This will be the first time since I graduated from college that I did not work in the summer. Even better is... I still get paid. I will busy with dissertation and wedding planning. I am looking forward to spending time on those things and having more control of my schedule. I also just remembered that my brother's apartment complex has a nice pool so, I think I will be doing some dissertation work, poolside. Can you tell I am super excited?

Feeling Pretty Anxious

(Photo from http://kristinebruneau.com)
I have a lot going on and feel very blessed with where I am. However, I must admit that I am feeling pretty stressed or anxious. I have a lot I need to get done for the end of the school year at work, I need to work on wedding planning, on top of this dissertation that won't go away. I would be lying if I said I never get anxious when I think about it. I need to just relax, make a plan, and work the plan. I am determined to do this and do this well. What do you do when feeling anxious? What helps you? I know... I know... I'm a counselor. I know a lot about anxiety, but I am willing to learn more strategies.