If you are reading this blog post, then you have successfully entered 2015. Congratulations! Depending on how 2014 was for you, this transition may come as a welcomed rite of passage into newness. Maybe 2014 was really difficult for you, and you now possess hope that better things are ahead now that this new chapter is about to be written. The new year invites us to reflect on what has been and what is while examining what we want the future to be. Continue reading
I returned last week from presenting at a regional academic conference for counselor educators. It was my first time attending this type of conference, and I came back feeling energized and connected! Energized by the workshops designed to enhance my experience and productivity as a doctoral student and connected as I networked with other doctoral students and professors. I realized about halfway through the conference that this topic would be a fitting next blog post.
The academic conference is an absolute must for every doctoral student, especially if you are planning to work in academia. It is critical that you attend these conferences on a regular basis, and I will get to why I believe that very soon. Continue reading
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” – William Arthur Ward
During one of my classes this past week, my professor assigned us to construct a teaching philosophy. As I reflect on how I might construct my own philosophy of teaching, I thought it may be helpful to blog about what I have learned about teaching so far to get my creative juices flowing. Continue reading
As I reflect on my first year of completed Ph.D. studies, I am aware of several goals that I accomplished. For example, my first peer-reviewed article was accepted for publication! Additionally, I began work as a research assistant on a project examining the impact of a supervisory model on counseling students’ self-efficacy. This is really good news, and I am pleased with these accomplishments. However, I am also aware of goals that did not happen. For instance, two presentations I submitted to my national conference were rejected. Another peer-reviewed paper was turned down. This happens to everyone, and you can read my last post about strategies on how to deal with academic rejection. Continue reading
Just last week I received a decisive email about my presentation proposal that read like this (my comments in italics):
“The proposal review process has been completed and all decisions have been made (in other words, this decision is final – don’t bother begging!). As is always the case, there were more quality proposals than Conference Session slots available (you didn’t have enough space to contain my work), as only 23% of submitted proposals were accepted (great, I’m in the majority). While the merits of your proposal are certainly recognized (my work wasn’t awful), it was not selected. I know this is a disappointment (acknowledging the obvious softens the blow) but we encourage you to maintain your involvement and consider submitting for 2016 (there is always next year).” Continue reading
Thanks to those of you (n=12) who voted that I continue this journey. Here goes my second post.
For this one, I thought I would pass along my most important lesson learned from year 1 of my PhD studies. My title refers to this as my “secret”, but in truth, this practical tip is quite common in the academic community and is almost sacred to those who practice it. Continue reading
Certain feelings exist when reading that favorite book, whether it be a novel, historical fiction, or for me…even an academic article. Feelings of anticipation & excitement (and maybe a little anxiety) are especially experienced when turning the page of a new chapter in that favorite book. New chapter questions include the following: Continue reading
Reflections of a PhD 