Rian N. Reed
Doctoral Candidate
Walden University
Shares Her Inspirations, Challenges, Support, and Advice
@missreed
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are a few motivating factors driving you to complete your Ph.D. program?
Rian N. Reed: At the center of my journey to complete my Ph.D. in Educational Technology and Design is my understanding that the more I learn, the more I am able to make an impact on my community's educational system. I understand that this impact will positively impact a child's life so they can thrive and continue to change the world for the better.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What were/are major challenges you have and how did you overcome them?
Rian N. Reed: Funding is defiantly a challenge for me! I completed one course and earned an A, however, I do not have funding to continue at the rate that I wanted. I am exploring other options at the moment. Any advice would be appreciated!
Dr. Mike Robinson: How supportive has your family been during the journey?
Rian N. Reed: My family is always available for encouragement. I became the first person in my family to obtain a Master's Degree in May 2017 and now I am working on my Doctorate. Everyone wants to see me succeed. I represent not only my family but the community that I come from. I have to be a model for those that will come after me to strive for greater despite the odds that may be against us.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Have or did you seek out professional support such as a coach or consultant?
Rian N. Reed: I am in the process of seeking out a coach/ mentor right now. I believe having a coach will provide me with the assistance that I need to navigate the process of obtaining my Ph.D. with less error.
Dr. Mike Robinson:What do you think the research aspect of your journey has in store for you as you begin the dissertation process?
Rian N. Reed: I already started my research process for my dissertation using google scholar tools. Here is a link to directions that will help you on your journey of collecting quality relevant resources. https://scholar.google.com/intl/en/scholar/help.html. I aspect that the process would challenge my thinking and strength my convictions that I obtained from hands-on experience as an educator.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What advice would you give those about to start their doctoral journey?
Rian N. Reed: Everyone's journey is different because we bring different strengths and weaknesses into the process. Yet, it is important to stay focused on your personal goals and to use others as a resource of support to challenge your thinking and affirm your work when it is difficult to maintain momentum. Additional, seek out opportunities to share your wisdom with others at Professional Conferences. I am speaking the Harvard Graduate School 16th Annual Alumni of Color Conference in March. I am looking forward to seeing how this opportunity will further my process of obtaining my Ph.D.
Rian N. Reed: At the center of my journey to complete my Ph.D. in Educational Technology and Design is my understanding that the more I learn, the more I am able to make an impact on my community's educational system. I understand that this impact will positively impact a child's life so they can thrive and continue to change the world for the better.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What were/are major challenges you have and how did you overcome them?
Rian N. Reed: Funding is defiantly a challenge for me! I completed one course and earned an A, however, I do not have funding to continue at the rate that I wanted. I am exploring other options at the moment. Any advice would be appreciated!
Dr. Mike Robinson: How supportive has your family been during the journey?
Rian N. Reed: My family is always available for encouragement. I became the first person in my family to obtain a Master's Degree in May 2017 and now I am working on my Doctorate. Everyone wants to see me succeed. I represent not only my family but the community that I come from. I have to be a model for those that will come after me to strive for greater despite the odds that may be against us.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Have or did you seek out professional support such as a coach or consultant?
Rian N. Reed: I am in the process of seeking out a coach/ mentor right now. I believe having a coach will provide me with the assistance that I need to navigate the process of obtaining my Ph.D. with less error.
Dr. Mike Robinson:What do you think the research aspect of your journey has in store for you as you begin the dissertation process?
Rian N. Reed: I already started my research process for my dissertation using google scholar tools. Here is a link to directions that will help you on your journey of collecting quality relevant resources. https://scholar.google.com/intl/en/scholar/help.html. I aspect that the process would challenge my thinking and strength my convictions that I obtained from hands-on experience as an educator.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What advice would you give those about to start their doctoral journey?
Rian N. Reed: Everyone's journey is different because we bring different strengths and weaknesses into the process. Yet, it is important to stay focused on your personal goals and to use others as a resource of support to challenge your thinking and affirm your work when it is difficult to maintain momentum. Additional, seek out opportunities to share your wisdom with others at Professional Conferences. I am speaking the Harvard Graduate School 16th Annual Alumni of Color Conference in March. I am looking forward to seeing how this opportunity will further my process of obtaining my Ph.D.