Praying for IRB Approval

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I haven't blogged in a while. I must be honest, I have been trying not to worry about this whole PhD process. I had a pretty big hurdle thrown in my path and it has made me pretty worried. So... I cannot collect data for my dissertation until the Institutional Review Board (IRB) approves my study. I originally thought I would have no problems, but to make sure, I met with someone from the IRB office. She told me that she did not think my study would make Exempt (this is a shorter process). So, I would have to go through a much longer process that would make it almost impossible to finish by my desired date. I originally was pretty down, but after talking to my cohort doc students, J, my mom, and my advisor, I decided to keep trying. I met with my advisor twice in 12 hours to make changes that will hopefully get it approved. I am praying hard and believing that it will get through soon so, I can keep moving. Please keep me in your prayers.

Another Hurdle Cleared!!!

(Photo from www.clipartguidecom)

Yea, Yea, Yea... I know. It's been a week since I wrote. I am trying to keep up with this, but when I get overwhelmed... You know. Anyways, I had my proposal meeting and it was accepted. YAAAYYYY. Their was tons of feedback in the meeting, but I felt supported and respected the entire time. It was nice. I must admit, however, that I was given so many ideas and the dialogue was so rich that my head felt like it was spinning when it was over. Regardless, I have finished another hurdle. These are the hurdles I have left. 1) IRB Approval, 2) Data Collection, 3) Data Analyses, 4) Write Draft 5) Rounds and round of Edits, 6) Submit to Committee, & 7) The DEFENSE! Okay my heart is beating rapidly now. I am on a tight deadline and I am praying and hoping that it all works out by my desired date which is late JULY. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers as well. There is no way I can do this without the help of God and the support of my friends and family.

Thanks!

PROPOSAL SUBMITTED!!!!!!!!!

I just wanted to let you know that I did submit my proposal. I am always amazed at how much work and how many hours it takes to actually reach these milestones. I am exhausted, but the sense of accomplishment feels so good. I also want to thank the people that have been so supportive during this process. This can be a lonely process because few people know exactly what this takes and those who do, have their own individual research agenda. However, I have been blessed to have people support me even when I am crabby, tense, and "biting off heads" as J so eloquently put it. Thanks mom for bringing me lunch twice, helping me get organized, and for all of your words of encouragement. Thanks Monet for caring about my proposal even when you have bigger things going in your life. J, Thanks for your love and support, reminding me to eat, making sure that my working conditions are comfortable, and all of the intangibles that you give me everyday. Thanks to all of the people who texted and called me to see how things were going and to offer words of support. I feel so blessed to have this support and know that I could not do it without you all.

Now, I hope I have time for more blogging and I can work on my other proposal. That one is just so much more fun.

Hurdle 1: April First

So... I met with my advisor yesterday and we talked about my dissertation. I am switching my topic to align more with my research interests. Although, some of the same pieces are still intact, there is still a lot that needs to be changed. So, I am working to crank out three chapters by April 1st. I would love to do this before then so I can actually enjoy some of my Spring Break. Send up your prayers. I believe it's possible.