The Monumental Task and Rewarding Experience of a Life-Long Dream
Dr. Ericka W. Ways @WMMSAVID
@WMMSAVID
Attaining The Dream
Attaining your doctorate is a monumental task and rewarding experience. When the title of "Doctor" is confirmed, you become part of an exclusive club. However, attaining this membership takes sacrifice and fortitude and everyone's experience on their doctoral journey will vary.
My Life Long Dream
Having the title doctor in front of my name had been a life long dream. I am a fourth-generation college-educated and was blessed to be from a legacy of teachers. So seeking the highest level in education was part of my DNA. After teaching middle school for almost ten years, I decided it was time to start the doctoral process. I gained admission into Hampton University's Ph.D. in Education Management program. It was a combination of online courses and brick and mortar classes. I was comfortable with my cohort members and my online instructors were professional and supportive. I would wake up at 5:30 in the morning to complete homework assignments before heading to work. I kept the same schedule for two years while I completed all my coursework. Once I passed my comprehensive exam and oral defense, that's when the challenges began.
I always had the discipline to complete assignments, but when it came to creating and defending the absolute essence of my work while still trying to function as a normal human being, it was a test of fortitude. Although I had been told this process would not be easy, no one prepared me for the outside factors that could affect or have a negative impact on my progress. As I gained ample amounts of knowledge, I also gained an ample amount of weight. I initially had a great social support network, but eventually, my relationship with some of with my loved ones and friends were strained. I was focused on my studies and my social circle shrank because I had become a recluse. I even had to deal with co-workers who intentionally created unhealthy environments for me because of their own insecurities of working with a soon-to-be "doctor". Nevertheless, the obstacles on this journey thickened my resolve, prepared me for my final defense and now my title is "Doctor."
Attaining your doctorate is a monumental task and rewarding experience. When the title of "Doctor" is confirmed, you become part of an exclusive club. However, attaining this membership takes sacrifice and fortitude and everyone's experience on their doctoral journey will vary.
My Life Long Dream
Having the title doctor in front of my name had been a life long dream. I am a fourth-generation college-educated and was blessed to be from a legacy of teachers. So seeking the highest level in education was part of my DNA. After teaching middle school for almost ten years, I decided it was time to start the doctoral process. I gained admission into Hampton University's Ph.D. in Education Management program. It was a combination of online courses and brick and mortar classes. I was comfortable with my cohort members and my online instructors were professional and supportive. I would wake up at 5:30 in the morning to complete homework assignments before heading to work. I kept the same schedule for two years while I completed all my coursework. Once I passed my comprehensive exam and oral defense, that's when the challenges began.
I always had the discipline to complete assignments, but when it came to creating and defending the absolute essence of my work while still trying to function as a normal human being, it was a test of fortitude. Although I had been told this process would not be easy, no one prepared me for the outside factors that could affect or have a negative impact on my progress. As I gained ample amounts of knowledge, I also gained an ample amount of weight. I initially had a great social support network, but eventually, my relationship with some of with my loved ones and friends were strained. I was focused on my studies and my social circle shrank because I had become a recluse. I even had to deal with co-workers who intentionally created unhealthy environments for me because of their own insecurities of working with a soon-to-be "doctor". Nevertheless, the obstacles on this journey thickened my resolve, prepared me for my final defense and now my title is "Doctor."