As many of you know – I recently finished my doctoral course work. While it was a “deeper dive” into areas of real interest to me (social justice, ethics, critical thinking and teaching) it was in many respects like drinking through a fire hydrant.
To embark on a doctoral program is to focus on that which is of vital interest – something that can hold the student’s attention for many months. This is how I survived the reading and writing 😉 This is what made it so fabulous.
Imagine if you could stop working and begin a new life. In this new life you get up every day and read as much as you want – and only about – what you’re passionate about? How fabulous is that? This is what I did.
As I told DH, I’ve now read over 200 books, since many courses required nearly one book per week. Also I’ve read over 500+ articles with 5-7 articles required weekly for each class in addition to the textbooks. This doesn’t include the numerous speakers, films and presentations. On the “output” end I’ve written dozens of abstracts and papers – so over 400+ pages.
Now the question is how to synthesize all of this information in a way that helps me impact adult education and teaching. This will be an on-going process. Nevertheless, my dissertation – nearly complete – will be submitted in August for graduation in December.
Although it was a tremendous amount of work I would do it all again. It was a gift to myself – to my own personal growth and development. It was also a gift that will be used by the wider community. Most people never have the option to do something like this and the opportunity itself comes with responsibilities. Our education is never only for our own personal benefit. It is also for the benefit of the wider community.
In my own situation, it took the support of many, along with financial support from the university where I teach and the school I attended to be able to complete this program of doctoral study.
Where will it lead? Only the Spirit knows . . . I wait to see what the sequel presents. God’s vision is always so much greater than anything we can imagine – and so much more fun too!
Happy birthday T!
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