Futura Doctora | How it's going

In case you were wondering how this Doctoral program is going... it's going.

The program itself isn't terrible, but the fact that life happens, the overall experience has been a bit stressful (hence, you haven't heard from me in over eight months).

Let me attempt a timeline here:

• September 2020

  • Starts first quarter of program

  • Also teaches a college-level course for the first time

  • Spend three weeks in Mexico because grandfather is sick

• December 2020

  • Winter break starts

  • Grandfather passes away

  • Spends a week in Mexico for funeral arrangements

  • Gets COVID from Mexico trip

• January 2021

  • Starts second quarter of program

• March 2021

  • Leaves to Mexico for two weeks to spend time with grandma

• April 2021

  • Starts third quarter of program

  • Turns 31

• June 2021

  • Spends two weeks in Mexico with entire family

• July 2021

  • Closes on a house

  • Moves

  • Starts fourth quarter of program

After writing it all out, it doesn't seem too bad. But let me tell you, I've been in an emotional rollercoaster since the start of the pandemic. Despite life happening, though, I've actually been thriving in my courses. The professors have been extremely empathetic, flexible, and caring. I'm sure if I would've experienced even a quarter of all this during my undergraduate career, I would have been dismissed.

So if you are considering pursuing a doctorate, know that you shouldn't have to kill yourself or sacrifice your family to earn it. Find a program that will be your ally throughout the process. The program should be challenging, but not lethal.

-Flor E. Carabez