Today is the first day I have not been over-stressed in almost six months. I can finally call myself a PhD candidate. It is an amazing feeling, relief and accomplishment. All that stands between me being labeled "Dr. Mimi" is a dissertation. While that's a challenge in itself, I am definitely excited about the research process.
I read
an article on Vitae from the Chronicle of Higher Education today. It is written by a woman who works at South Dakota State University in the Journalism. I felt that a lot of what she said was true, but what I noticed is that she did not
have a good support structure. Regardless of what career you are in,
being a single mom is difficult. I don't have to do what I do alone, and I know that is a privilege and beyond that a gift. That said I understand that academic "motherhood" is a challenge, as is academic "fatherhood."
I am so glad to have a husband who
supports me. Our marriage makes any goal easier to take on because we
plan for our goals together. However, I can relate to her work-ethic
arguments and gender challenges. Despite these challenges, I believe we
are making progress in the world of academia. I hope I am an example of
what can happen when women and men support female academics and families
of academics. Thank you to our Mizzou PhD family for all you have done
to support Greg and me in our academic "parenthood."
As I continue on this journey, my children make my accomplishments mean so much more. I know they do not understand the significance of what I am doing right now, but I know our lives will be so much different because of the path we chose to take. With the support of each other, our parents, siblings and friends so much more is possible. We can't do it alone, and we would not want to. Thank you.
