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First Semester Complete

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:

  1. 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).  
  2. 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.  
  3. 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! 
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