Hooray, Hooray! It finally happened- I walked, or shall I say, sashayed across the big stage at graduation this past Friday, July 26th! I am elated, joyful, floating...and relieved:). I also have many endeavors/plans that I will share as well. Back to graduation- Although, I technically graduated many moons ago with my PhD in International Psychology, the commencement ceremony day arrived, for which I was happy to see. Of course, I was fabulous and will share some photos.
It warmed my heart to see some of my family attend and celebrate this momentous occasion, and those who could not physically attend certainly showed their love. I double dipped into the joy bucket on Friday because graduation day was also our 5 year wedding anniversary, so it was a double celebration!! I told my hubby that I want to two gifts:), no skimping. At graduation, I could hear my hubby exclaim "That's my wife" twice to which I responded by blowing a kiss (the crowd said "aww", and my Dad, brother, aunt, and cousin cheered for sure. I even got to see some of my students graduate, which is always a treat for me.
This month, and year really, have been...in a word, eventful. As soon as I can let you know of some upcoming exciting ventures, you know I will do so. Here are some clues- advancement and traveling. I may have the PhD, but the journey, or road, continues! So grateful for the blessings and love from everyone, and plan to use this degree for not only personal advancement, but also the advancement of others.
XOXOXO
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
So this is my second night in a row at Starbucks while I wait to pick up my husband from work. Last night, the gentleman offered me a free drink not too long before announcing they would be closing in 10 minutes. Maybe I was there long and maybe this was a polite way of kicking me out LOL. AT least it was classy, right?
Well, the last time we "spoke", I discussed some recent travels (& possible upcoming travels), adventures like trapeze-flying and others (see prior posts), accomplishments, and trials on this Road 2 PhD. They're all part of the journey. Yes, the PhD has been earned (YAY), but the road continues as I stated. Although I actually graduated with the PhD many moons ago, the commencement ceremony is July 26 (same day as our anniversary-double joy) and I will finally get to wear that cute, funny-looking doctor hat :). The hubby and I are talking about celebrating at the one and only... Disney World! Of course, that is something we'd do, isn't it??
My dissertation has been published, I am working on an article to publish (proud of my thus-far-two paragraphs LOL), I am still working in my field as a professor (& seeking additional positions in higher leadership), and I make sure to I get my "self-care, which is super important when working full-time, completing a PhD, involvement in another program, managing many potential issues (I resolve them before they become full blown issues) and taking care of everything and everyone.
Regarding career-as I said, I am already at the top in my role at the Senior level, so for me to move up, I will need to move out of this particular role and into another capacity. Of course, I plan to continue teaching (at the Graduate level), however, my eye is set on Chair/Director positions as my step. It seems the most logical next step in my career path, right?! Certainly, I will keep striving for leadership roles even beyond that. I'm thinking President of an institution one day. Doesn't that sound fabulous?! I was offered to adjunct another course again next term on Emotional Intelligence and Leadership, which will be an additional course to my already 5 course load at work. I'm always up for a challenge though and embrace these opportunities.
Outside of this- I am working on other endeavors, such as a boutique, starting a consulting firm (to use all of these degrees I have), building professional development courses, and others...stay tuned!
XOXO
Well, the last time we "spoke", I discussed some recent travels (& possible upcoming travels), adventures like trapeze-flying and others (see prior posts), accomplishments, and trials on this Road 2 PhD. They're all part of the journey. Yes, the PhD has been earned (YAY), but the road continues as I stated. Although I actually graduated with the PhD many moons ago, the commencement ceremony is July 26 (same day as our anniversary-double joy) and I will finally get to wear that cute, funny-looking doctor hat :). The hubby and I are talking about celebrating at the one and only... Disney World! Of course, that is something we'd do, isn't it??
My dissertation has been published, I am working on an article to publish (proud of my thus-far-two paragraphs LOL), I am still working in my field as a professor (& seeking additional positions in higher leadership), and I make sure to I get my "self-care, which is super important when working full-time, completing a PhD, involvement in another program, managing many potential issues (I resolve them before they become full blown issues) and taking care of everything and everyone.
Regarding career-as I said, I am already at the top in my role at the Senior level, so for me to move up, I will need to move out of this particular role and into another capacity. Of course, I plan to continue teaching (at the Graduate level), however, my eye is set on Chair/Director positions as my step. It seems the most logical next step in my career path, right?! Certainly, I will keep striving for leadership roles even beyond that. I'm thinking President of an institution one day. Doesn't that sound fabulous?! I was offered to adjunct another course again next term on Emotional Intelligence and Leadership, which will be an additional course to my already 5 course load at work. I'm always up for a challenge though and embrace these opportunities.
Outside of this- I am working on other endeavors, such as a boutique, starting a consulting firm (to use all of these degrees I have), building professional development courses, and others...stay tuned!
XOXO
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
May-Ventures
So it has been a week since my birthday (May 14). The last time we "spoke", I listed just a few activities I would be getting into this month. Well, I have done them and more, and June is booked too.
Let's go: The first weekend of May, I went trapeze-flying (sure did!) and it was Ah-mazing! I was suspended in the air flying across a huge human net as shown in the circus, which is where this all derives. While there, I also did acro-yoga (there is such a thing), which reminded me a lot of my cheer leading days from elementary through high school, so that was fun. I guess my friend and I bonded more as we climbed all over each other while trying not to hurt one another-good thing we're friends :) . I also did the silks, which is what you see the ladies & gents in the circus do when they look like caterpillars blossoming. It was a four hour adventure, followed by dinner.
The next week and weekend (which included my actual b-day) I went salsa dancing for my birthday with my hubby and some friends at Esteban's in Naperville the weekend prior to my b-day-absolutely awesome. There was a free lesson before the open dance and that was hiliarious. We danced the night away. They put my name on the screen and gave me a shout out. I took Crumbs cupcakes and balloons, and the dinner we ordered was tasty. I received some fab gifts too. My hubby showed up at home bearing gifts days before my b-day--how sweet. We had a private dinner date at Japonais restaurant on my b-day and the weather was gorgeous. I attended a jazz-nastics dance recital for my 3-year-old cousin (she was fabulous, of course) and lunch afterwards, and did a little shopping for the house and hubby.
All of these activities came right after my DC trip, so I am always just on-the-go, or as my hubby likes to call me "pack-a-bag-and-go" LOL. I should tell you that the most fantastic birthday news I received this year and on my actual day was an e-mail stating that my dissertation has been published!! It's OFFICIALE :). The e-mail arrived while at my private bday dinner with my hubby. I am so excited! Remember I said that I completed the dissertation in December 2012, and that it had to go through copy editing and then publishing, which is a lengthy process. The copy editing was completed in March 2012 and the final stage, which was publishing is now completed also. Whoo Hoo!! It takes a while on this road- what I can say? So, I have been a doctor technically for months now, it is just the long process of publishing the dissertation afterwards. The graduation ceremony is scheduled for July 26, which is also our wedding anniversary-double the celebration!!
PS- I am working on some professional development classes I plan to teach and some other exciting endeavors I can't discuss yet, so again, I am always on-the-go...
XOXO
Let's go: The first weekend of May, I went trapeze-flying (sure did!) and it was Ah-mazing! I was suspended in the air flying across a huge human net as shown in the circus, which is where this all derives. While there, I also did acro-yoga (there is such a thing), which reminded me a lot of my cheer leading days from elementary through high school, so that was fun. I guess my friend and I bonded more as we climbed all over each other while trying not to hurt one another-good thing we're friends :) . I also did the silks, which is what you see the ladies & gents in the circus do when they look like caterpillars blossoming. It was a four hour adventure, followed by dinner.
The next week and weekend (which included my actual b-day) I went salsa dancing for my birthday with my hubby and some friends at Esteban's in Naperville the weekend prior to my b-day-absolutely awesome. There was a free lesson before the open dance and that was hiliarious. We danced the night away. They put my name on the screen and gave me a shout out. I took Crumbs cupcakes and balloons, and the dinner we ordered was tasty. I received some fab gifts too. My hubby showed up at home bearing gifts days before my b-day--how sweet. We had a private dinner date at Japonais restaurant on my b-day and the weather was gorgeous. I attended a jazz-nastics dance recital for my 3-year-old cousin (she was fabulous, of course) and lunch afterwards, and did a little shopping for the house and hubby.
All of these activities came right after my DC trip, so I am always just on-the-go, or as my hubby likes to call me "pack-a-bag-and-go" LOL. I should tell you that the most fantastic birthday news I received this year and on my actual day was an e-mail stating that my dissertation has been published!! It's OFFICIALE :). The e-mail arrived while at my private bday dinner with my hubby. I am so excited! Remember I said that I completed the dissertation in December 2012, and that it had to go through copy editing and then publishing, which is a lengthy process. The copy editing was completed in March 2012 and the final stage, which was publishing is now completed also. Whoo Hoo!! It takes a while on this road- what I can say? So, I have been a doctor technically for months now, it is just the long process of publishing the dissertation afterwards. The graduation ceremony is scheduled for July 26, which is also our wedding anniversary-double the celebration!!
PS- I am working on some professional development classes I plan to teach and some other exciting endeavors I can't discuss yet, so again, I am always on-the-go...
XOXO
Thursday, May 2, 2013
May Day
Well, May has arrived and you know what that means... official birthday (birth-month) celebrations begin! (from May 1-31). You have to understand that when on the road to PhD, your life can become inundated with school, or at least for me because I like to put forth quality and excellence in my work, whatever it is. This PhD was in addition to full time working and other personal and professional responsibilities. There are many steps in the PhD process, so when the program is complete, you have to find your social life again :).
I am being more intentional about (trying to be available, when able of course) meeting with friends or relatives. Last week, I traveled to DC (I love to travel as you know) on business and when I returned to Chicago, I attended a faculty event on campus (must keep the networking up), only going home from the airport to change clothes in between, went to dinner the next day with a new friend, lunch the day after with a friend I have not seen in a little while, worked over the weekend, brainstormed wedding ideas with my cousin, met for lunch the next day with an old friend from out-of-town that I have not seen in years, had a lunch meeting with a colleague the day after, and have more gatherings ahead for this week (and beyond). There are many plans in the works, which is just the nature of my life! In fact, my hubby has nicknamed me "Pack-A-Bag-And-Go" because he says I am always ready to do something or go somewhere LOL. I couldn't even challenge him on this one :). He also says that people gravitate to me naturally and willingly, which is great because I like to connect with others too. Believe it or not, I still have those shy qualities from my childhood.
Ready for my trapeze flying, women's day, birthday (mine and others') and other life event celebrations, segway tour, photo shoots, horseback riding, and so forth...Cheers!!!
I am being more intentional about (trying to be available, when able of course) meeting with friends or relatives. Last week, I traveled to DC (I love to travel as you know) on business and when I returned to Chicago, I attended a faculty event on campus (must keep the networking up), only going home from the airport to change clothes in between, went to dinner the next day with a new friend, lunch the day after with a friend I have not seen in a little while, worked over the weekend, brainstormed wedding ideas with my cousin, met for lunch the next day with an old friend from out-of-town that I have not seen in years, had a lunch meeting with a colleague the day after, and have more gatherings ahead for this week (and beyond). There are many plans in the works, which is just the nature of my life! In fact, my hubby has nicknamed me "Pack-A-Bag-And-Go" because he says I am always ready to do something or go somewhere LOL. I couldn't even challenge him on this one :). He also says that people gravitate to me naturally and willingly, which is great because I like to connect with others too. Believe it or not, I still have those shy qualities from my childhood.
Ready for my trapeze flying, women's day, birthday (mine and others') and other life event celebrations, segway tour, photo shoots, horseback riding, and so forth...Cheers!!!
Mission Accomplished
So the last few weeks have been incredibly busy (more than usual). My regular work schedule met a short travel experience to Washington, DC (April 22-24) as part of a faculty development program for which I was recruited. It is a new and APA-sponsored 1-year long program (I began in 2012-Yep, during my PhD program). Part of this program's completion is to shadow faculty. While I have been teaching for 4 years, I decided to get involved because it was an honor for someone to recruit me (think of me) and because I always seek opportunities for advancement and growth.
I was in DC for one shadowing experience with a full-time professor who has her own business, research lab, and working on some new endeavors...everything I want to do. We instantly related and I now have a new official "unofficial mentor". I got a bonus shadowing experience with the president of our DC campus (he too is an unofficial mentor for me), which was amazing for him to open his schedule and his work to me, and share his contacts. We even had breakfast together the next day, which was the day for me to get to my second shadowing experience at Howard. Several and great opportunities have derived from my shadowing experiences to position me for endless possibilities. Working with the two of them provided tremendous support, useful and thoughtful career planning, inside information, and the full gamut of longevity in this field...something for which I am grateful this young and this early into my own career. I began teaching at 25 and have developed a plethora of skills-shadowing these (and meeting other) innovative and renowned scholars, however, has given inspiration to continue.
While there, I stayed with a colleague who also graciously served as my chauffeur and tour guide. Her hospitality was absolutely refreshing given the the long days I worked. I got to do a little touring (by car and foot), but not much since the goal was to work. We went to some restaurants, a bakery, a couple stores, a few neighborhoods, I got on the Metro train once, and of course took some pictures of landmarks. As a 'thank-you' and being the Chicago native that I am, I took Garret's popcorn (in cans) to them all as gifts. Interestingly, I almost did not make it through the airport security check with the three cans of popcorn in my carry-on luggage:). Overall, mission accomplished in DC: work & network.
I was in DC for one shadowing experience with a full-time professor who has her own business, research lab, and working on some new endeavors...everything I want to do. We instantly related and I now have a new official "unofficial mentor". I got a bonus shadowing experience with the president of our DC campus (he too is an unofficial mentor for me), which was amazing for him to open his schedule and his work to me, and share his contacts. We even had breakfast together the next day, which was the day for me to get to my second shadowing experience at Howard. Several and great opportunities have derived from my shadowing experiences to position me for endless possibilities. Working with the two of them provided tremendous support, useful and thoughtful career planning, inside information, and the full gamut of longevity in this field...something for which I am grateful this young and this early into my own career. I began teaching at 25 and have developed a plethora of skills-shadowing these (and meeting other) innovative and renowned scholars, however, has given inspiration to continue.
While there, I stayed with a colleague who also graciously served as my chauffeur and tour guide. Her hospitality was absolutely refreshing given the the long days I worked. I got to do a little touring (by car and foot), but not much since the goal was to work. We went to some restaurants, a bakery, a couple stores, a few neighborhoods, I got on the Metro train once, and of course took some pictures of landmarks. As a 'thank-you' and being the Chicago native that I am, I took Garret's popcorn (in cans) to them all as gifts. Interestingly, I almost did not make it through the airport security check with the three cans of popcorn in my carry-on luggage:). Overall, mission accomplished in DC: work & network.
Friday, April 5, 2013
The week in review
So this week has been an amazing and eventful one. Here is the week in review: I received the fabulous news on Sunday and Monday that my dissertation is being published and the whole process is completely finished!! I know I told you this in the last post, but can you blame me for sharing it again?! I am in the midst of writing some scholarly articles to have them published as well. On Tuesday, my hubby received some exciting news, which means I benefit!
Wednesday, I met a living legend in the field of psychology, Dr. Joseph L. White who is a scholar and renowned psychologist, & humble person. The theme for the 2-day event was from his latest published book, entitled "Building Multicultural Competency: Development, Training, & Practice. I had his scheduled lecture delivered in an online format for students to attend that could not attend in person due to different geographical locations other than Chicago. It was my first time hearing him speak and I can and want to again and again because he is so personable, amusing, honest, and aware (of himself and of others and our world). On Thursday, I attended Dr. White's workshop. I even took a photo with him afterwards and we chatted a little about some future endeavors for us! By the way, because of my bubbly personality, my photo with him is of me giving him a big hug as though I knew him personally or something. Nope, he didn't mind at all...or at least I don't think he did. He didn't :)
So, Dr. White has been in the field for 52 years and trained/experienced in traditional psychology and is also considered the Godfather of Black Psychology. Ponder on this for building multicultural competency: right before Wednesday's lecture, one of the organizers of the lecture asked me if I had heard Dr. White speak before to which I replied "no". He then commented to me that "as a Black woman, I should know him" to which I replied that I know of him, but had not heard him speak before (that was the question, right)? When attempting to build multicultural competency, assumptions such as these must be omitted from the mouth and mind because it hinders progress of building multicultural competency and plain interpersonal relationships.
Anyways, after the workshop Thursday morning, I felt so inspired to get back to writing my articles. I had been working on one as I said before, which is about sex trafficking like my dissertation research, but I was inspired to write on one of my other interests (there are a few interests), which is interculturalism. I will get started on this hopefully over the weekend, then re-visit sex trafficking. I was also asked by one of my dissertation readers and former professor who is being nominated for an award to write a few words about him. Another honor for me this week! Did I just make this about myself? She did.
Today, Friday, I started my day with bikram yoga at 6am. Yes, I bend my body like a pretzel in 105-110 degree temperature for 90 minutes. It was a great way to start the day and I have not felt any headaches today either like I have been lately. I am going back tomorrow morning (Saturday) seeing as how I now have only a month left to get another 19 classes in since it was bought a Groupon deal LOL. Today, we (my hubby and I) also wished our grandmother a happy 83rd Birthday! Blessings all around this week! The road to PhD this week has been smooth :).
XOXOXO
Wednesday, I met a living legend in the field of psychology, Dr. Joseph L. White who is a scholar and renowned psychologist, & humble person. The theme for the 2-day event was from his latest published book, entitled "Building Multicultural Competency: Development, Training, & Practice. I had his scheduled lecture delivered in an online format for students to attend that could not attend in person due to different geographical locations other than Chicago. It was my first time hearing him speak and I can and want to again and again because he is so personable, amusing, honest, and aware (of himself and of others and our world). On Thursday, I attended Dr. White's workshop. I even took a photo with him afterwards and we chatted a little about some future endeavors for us! By the way, because of my bubbly personality, my photo with him is of me giving him a big hug as though I knew him personally or something. Nope, he didn't mind at all...or at least I don't think he did. He didn't :)
So, Dr. White has been in the field for 52 years and trained/experienced in traditional psychology and is also considered the Godfather of Black Psychology. Ponder on this for building multicultural competency: right before Wednesday's lecture, one of the organizers of the lecture asked me if I had heard Dr. White speak before to which I replied "no". He then commented to me that "as a Black woman, I should know him" to which I replied that I know of him, but had not heard him speak before (that was the question, right)? When attempting to build multicultural competency, assumptions such as these must be omitted from the mouth and mind because it hinders progress of building multicultural competency and plain interpersonal relationships.
Anyways, after the workshop Thursday morning, I felt so inspired to get back to writing my articles. I had been working on one as I said before, which is about sex trafficking like my dissertation research, but I was inspired to write on one of my other interests (there are a few interests), which is interculturalism. I will get started on this hopefully over the weekend, then re-visit sex trafficking. I was also asked by one of my dissertation readers and former professor who is being nominated for an award to write a few words about him. Another honor for me this week! Did I just make this about myself? She did.
Today, Friday, I started my day with bikram yoga at 6am. Yes, I bend my body like a pretzel in 105-110 degree temperature for 90 minutes. It was a great way to start the day and I have not felt any headaches today either like I have been lately. I am going back tomorrow morning (Saturday) seeing as how I now have only a month left to get another 19 classes in since it was bought a Groupon deal LOL. Today, we (my hubby and I) also wished our grandmother a happy 83rd Birthday! Blessings all around this week! The road to PhD this week has been smooth :).
XOXOXO
Monday, April 1, 2013
New Horizons
Well, it's been a little while since my last post. My apologies for leaving you out of the loop, my loves. As you you know though, this road to PhD can be time consuming, very demanding, have several twists and turns, and be intense, yet always rewarding and somehow entertaining at times too.
What you've missed: I have been in the copy editing process of the dissertation so that it can be copyrighted and published. Copy editing is the final step of the dissertation process before the degree is awarded officially. So while I completed the doctoral program in December 2012 and passed the oral defense of the dissertation, I still had go through copy editing. Yes, there are many steps in this PhD journey.
Fast forward- today, I awoke to two fabulous e-mails (and these were no "April Fool's" jokes)! One was to inform me that my dissertation has been sent to the publisher. Yep, that's right--yours truly will be a published author within the next week! The other e-mail notified me that the dissertation process is complete. This means that my degree is now mine LOL officially. I am awaiting it to be conferred and mailed to me. Oh and get this: The graduation ceremony is scheduled on my 5th wedding anniversary this year. This, then, means double CE-LE-BRA-TION time! The celebration (again, although not another extravagant yacht party like last year to celebrate completing the program) for completing copy editing and becoming published starts now and will likely involved dinner and dancing, amongst a host of other social activities. As for the anniversary, I'm hoping we'll be beach bums in Hawaii.
XOXOXO
What you've missed: I have been in the copy editing process of the dissertation so that it can be copyrighted and published. Copy editing is the final step of the dissertation process before the degree is awarded officially. So while I completed the doctoral program in December 2012 and passed the oral defense of the dissertation, I still had go through copy editing. Yes, there are many steps in this PhD journey.
Fast forward- today, I awoke to two fabulous e-mails (and these were no "April Fool's" jokes)! One was to inform me that my dissertation has been sent to the publisher. Yep, that's right--yours truly will be a published author within the next week! The other e-mail notified me that the dissertation process is complete. This means that my degree is now mine LOL officially. I am awaiting it to be conferred and mailed to me. Oh and get this: The graduation ceremony is scheduled on my 5th wedding anniversary this year. This, then, means double CE-LE-BRA-TION time! The celebration (again, although not another extravagant yacht party like last year to celebrate completing the program) for completing copy editing and becoming published starts now and will likely involved dinner and dancing, amongst a host of other social activities. As for the anniversary, I'm hoping we'll be beach bums in Hawaii.
XOXOXO
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