Life of a Third Year Doctoral Student

The main purpose for this blog is to write about MY journey as a doctoral student. My dissertation chair/professor, Dr. Paul, asked me to start this blog about a year ago. I regret not starting way back then, but it is better late than never. Tracking my journey through this program may help others who are going through the same pain. Pain is not the best word to describe this journey. More like HELL! (just being honest)

I am starting my third and final year in a week. The last two years have been a roller coaster for me. At first, I felt smart, then really stupid, then somewhat smart, then more stupid than George Bush...you get the picture. In my opinion, the coursework was the most difficult the first year of the program. In the second year, taking classes, completing a Practicum (mini-dissertation), and starting my Dissertation was EXTREMELY difficult.

I have been working on my dissertation for ~ 10 months now. My topic is around mentoring international students in higher education. Here is a tip: your dissertation topic must be on something that you absolutely love. I believe in mentoring and enjoy researching the difficulties international students face in the United States.

If you are interested in enrolling into a doctoral program, here are a few pointers that may help:

• Divorce your husband/wife and kids (you will never see them)
• Tell all of your friends "it has been nice knowing you"
• QUIT your job!!!!! I find this to be the biggest challenge - borderline impossible
• If you do work, be prepared to use all of your vacation time for school
• Be prepared to get fat, really FAT!
• Have a shrink made available to you at all times - you will start to hear voices in your head
• DRINK heavily when you can............nevermind, you won't have time
• Weekend partying - GONE. You will be working on your school work ALL weekend
• YOU WILL HAVE NO LIFE

I have absolutely no regrets! Seriously. I think what has helped me get through the agony is my very close friend Lorie, who is also in the program. She has been an inspiration and a blessing. I also feel that having a fantastic Dissertation Chair makes a big difference. I am very fortunate to have Dr. Paul - he is extremely intelligent and supportive.

Until next time!