And with that, it's a wrap!
As of December 18, 2015, I completed my first semester as a Doctoral Student at the University of Michigan. This semester had a steep learning curve and I came to the realization that I was suffering from a slight case of 'the burnout.' My intention was not to enter a doctoral program after completing my Masters program. The opportunity presented itself and I graciously accepted the challenge. This was before I realized that it take me an additional month to complete my final internship. This left me with no real break in between. Couple this with moving into and furnishing a new place and Voila...BURNOUT!!
In light of my self-diagnosed disorder I procrastinated WAY too much during the semester. Waiting until the literal last minute before beginning an assignment that I knew about months in advance. Or studying a little too late in (and by a little I mean a lot too late). I was disappointed in myself a couple of times throughout the semester and knew that had I planned my time out better I would have an end result that I was proud of. Yet, I chose not to heed my own advice. Let's not go into how many times I should have heeded my own advice, that's a dissertation in its self.
With all of this being said I accomplished quite a bit:
As of December 18, 2015, I completed my first semester as a Doctoral Student at the University of Michigan. This semester had a steep learning curve and I came to the realization that I was suffering from a slight case of 'the burnout.' My intention was not to enter a doctoral program after completing my Masters program. The opportunity presented itself and I graciously accepted the challenge. This was before I realized that it take me an additional month to complete my final internship. This left me with no real break in between. Couple this with moving into and furnishing a new place and Voila...BURNOUT!!
In light of my self-diagnosed disorder I procrastinated WAY too much during the semester. Waiting until the literal last minute before beginning an assignment that I knew about months in advance. Or studying a little too late in (and by a little I mean a lot too late). I was disappointed in myself a couple of times throughout the semester and knew that had I planned my time out better I would have an end result that I was proud of. Yet, I chose not to heed my own advice. Let's not go into how many times I should have heeded my own advice, that's a dissertation in its self.
With all of this being said I accomplished quite a bit:
- I presented at NASSS (North American Society for the Sociology of Sport) in November. A presentation that ended with the most incredible of positive musings from fellow conference participants. My nerves didn't get the best of me (because Lord knows I was having a panic attack on the inside).
- I started looking for ways to become active on campus. Attending events and looking at organizations that I will allow me to grow not only as a scholar, but also as a Black woman.
- I ended my first semester with a 3.80! I was aiming for a 4.00 but the those little minus symbols behind your A's make a heck of a difference.
I am beyond proud of myself. I am a Black woman in a program dominated by men and that has NEVER had a Black woman graduate with a PhD. The journey I am currently embarking is an historic one. I have to constantly remind myself that I belong and that my voice should be heard. I am thankful for my experiences thus far and am excited to continue in 2016!
Comments
Post a Comment