Why I got my PhD

As early as the eighth grade I knew that I wanted to get a higher degree. There was no question, really, just something instilled in me. Having two parents with graduate degrees was likely a huge reason.

Also, growing up in an area that didn’t seem, culturally, to value and advance higher learning, also motivated me to do something more than what I imagined many of my peers would not do – continue in school past K-12.

Getting my bachelor’s degree in 1995 almost put an end to my academic career. I was burned out and job prospects were slim. After 20-some-odd resumes sent out, and rejections or non-responses for each, I was demoralized. After meeting with the then dean of the journalism school at Nevada, who not so politely discouraged me from applying to the graduate journalism program, I placed some amount of blame on my alma mater.

That changed four years later, when I began my masters program.

I ended up getting my masters in 2001, which motivated me to continue two years later into my doctorate. Both are in the education field, but both degrees continued to be inspired by my journalism degree. I ended up in graduate school because of a job opportunity. I had dabbled in education after my bachelors – substitute teaching, being a teacher’s aide – and enjoyed working with the students.

By the time I graduated with my masters, however, I was working at the University. Circumstance led to me getting an assistantship, upon the recommendation of my advisor, doing journalism-based work. I ended up being the public relations arm of a fundraising team for the College of Education. I had a blast, learned a lot and it felt natural. I was hired full time in 2001 working then for another college.

That position led to 10 years of living and breathing administration, leadership and public relations. It wasn’t all pretty but it was a journey worth sharing.

To be continued.