Moving Forward
While the PhD classes are fully completed, the story does not end here. In actuality, it is the beginning of another journey. I am sad that I will not be able to see my colleagues on a regular basis. These classes have been invaluable and transformative as they invited a comprehensive, rigorous, innovative and collaborative environment which nourished my thoughts and opened my mind to a wide range of perspectives. Therefore, these classes built the core foundation in providing a proper footing for moving forward. It also fostered my confidence to spring forth towards future opportunities.
In balancing my roles as a public-school educator and as a doctoral student, I actively maintain priority lists with regular updates to my short- and long-term goals. Two equal priorities are set for the short-term. I wish to provide a fulfilling learning experience in my classroom. But I also wish to actively fulfill my doctoral requirements. As such, over this year, I took unpaid leave from work to get ahead.
Upon completing Dr. Mitton’s literature review course, I used her feedback to develop an even better version in preparation for the later proposal defence. I also spent significant time on building a comprehensive methodology chapter. These two items were prioritized so that I do not split my attention when I return to the hustle-and-bustle of teaching high school. Consequently, the comprehensive examination and the proposal defence are goals which I would like to fulfill before the end of 2024.
As I have described with my In-Education artifact (coded: T2A2), submission of my research to a journal has afforded me the necessary confidence in publishing future works. As I continue towards the finish line and, take further steps away from this crowning achievement, I still intend to publish scholarly work. In addition to publishing scholarly journal articles, I have sought out opportunities to work within post-secondary institutions.
This past year, I was fortunate to work as a Data Research Analyst through the Faculty of Education at St. Francis Xavier University (StFX). While hesitant in taking on an important role, the nurturing and inviting experience I had with Dr. Brogden (Dean of Education at StFX) drew out further confidence in conducting high-level research for a public institution, namely the Faculty of Education’s component of the Strategic Plan. Because of this enriching experience, when another future opportunity presents itself, whether conducting research or acting as a part-time lecturer at one of the Inter-University institutions, I will surely act on it.
While I described this narrative journey similarly to climbing a mountain, I do not believe that the completion of the PhD will be the summit. It will be my hope that while I continue to progress, I wish to support and mentor others along the way, as I would not be at this position without the help from others. In closing, it was my hope that these presented artifacts showcased some of the most precious experiences I had this year. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest appreciation to my thesis supervisor, my committee members, faculty members who supported me along the way, my colleagues at work and the peers I have met through this program. Without your effort and belief in me, I would not have had the highest degrees of success as I have had this year.