If you are just starting to read these posts and are wondering why I am doing something as a "first" for each day of the year, you can read more of the story and background HERE.
Day Five// Apply for a New Graduate Degree
Cost: Application Costs vary
Time: hours, days, weeks to think through / 2-3 hours for application
If you have been around the blog for a little while then you know that back in 2022 I excitedly shared that a long-awaited dream was happening- I had been accepted into a doctoral program and was heading for my PhD (click HERE to read).
It was beautiful. It was emotional. It was redemptive. It was all the things.
A full circle moment as I had to drop out of a graduate program and was one of "many losses" in the years of being sick.
Excitedly I entered the program. I did my first class, got a 4.0 and quickly realized the program was nothing like what I dreamed it would be. I shared a sweet message on here after my first class (you can read HERE) and everything was true. It was challenging and sweet... but it wasn't the fit that I really anticipated. To be honest the focus was just not in my exact goals and it wasn't as challenging as I imagined that I wanted and needed for my future plans and quickly I discovered that there were components of the course that weren't exactly what I dreamed of for my PhD.
If you know me, you know I adore learning. I probably will end up getting several doctorates ... I just truly adore learning. After a lot of conversations with those who know me well and professors I respect, I started looking for a new doctoral program. I found one that I really loved and planned to apply when I found out that my background (with my previous Masters) wasn't the exact fit and it would make it difficult to get a Fellowship and even perhaps be accepted. I found a few more programs that I loved and was told the same thing. I was discouraged, but decided to see if anyone from the departments that I was applying to would be willing to give me time and help with suggestions. Over the last 6 months of 2024 I was amazed at the incredible warm reception I received. I was given a ton of different ideas and thoughts and such helpful information. I am still so grateful for those that gave me that time.
Across the board it became obvious that returning for a Masters program in my narrowed down field would be the most advantageous for me. I had a few moments of discouragement at the thought of delaying my PhD more... but then I realized that there is no time frame for chasing your dreams.
I researched programs, costs, and offerings and decided on a few different programs that fit what I was looking for... and applied at the beginning of this year for this semester.
I received a lot of "constructive thoughts" when I announced this to people. Many were encouraging, but those outside my closest circle had some very negative thoughts and feedback. I have received the comment more than once that I should have just continued on with the original PhD program. Someone (on the day I was accepted to the program I chose) suggested a different university they claimed was "more prestigious" ... and honestly if I listened to all of that I would have missed out on an amazing experience that I am having.
It has been the BEST. DECISION. EVER.
This semester has been everything I had dreamed for my PhD and more. My professor this semester has been absolutely incredible and honestly is in my top 3 professors that I have ever had of all time. My classmates are amazing and the experience has been life-changing.
I have more to share about the program but for now this "first" of applying for a new graduate degree was absolutely incredible.
So for this first here is my encouragement to you... change the graduate degree. Change the job. Change the circumstance. Sometimes the original "fit" is not the right fit in the long-term. Don't waste the days of your life listening to others... go for your dreams whether they make sense to others or not.
Tips for Creating Your Own First Related to This:
*Is the degree you are pursuing not the right fit? Change your direction and apply for a new degree.
*Take a class at the local community college, university, or even high school. Never stop learning.
*Pursue a new degree or certificate to learn something new.
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