2020 has been, for lack of better words, interesting, heartbreaking, challenging, and yet, rewarding. Doing a recap of this year, including highs and lows, accomplishments and challenges, was the best way to approach this topic.

What's Been Going On Academically?

This year has been mostly challenging in getting chapters approved, but it's expected during the doctorate process. So I was able to pass my comprehensive exam (after the second attempt), receive approval of my research proposal (after multiple corrections), IRB approval (after 6 submissions), Chapter 1 approved (after 4 attempts), approval of my data collection plan from my committee, and data collection completed. This doctorate process has been challenging, but has been so worth it, especially when you achieve those milestones.

I will say, presenting to my committee was one of the most terrifying things I've done this year. I'm not a fan of public speaking, or speaking to others that I don't know, but I'm making it a goal to step out of my comfort zone to continue accomplishing my academic and professional goals.

The link to the panel discussion is below.

https://www.facebook.com/BlackPhDNetwork/videos/209732787417364/

What's Been Going on Professionally?

This year, I participated in my first panel discussion, which focused on the discussion of graduate student support and African American or Black students. That was a milestone that I wanted to accomplish, even though I was anxious, shaky, and in tears hours before the event. I hope to conduct a conference workshop and/or present research during 2021.

Due to the climate of our society, my full-time employer has asked me to facilitate conversations on diversity and inclusion, and how we can improve it in our department. It presents an opportunity for my job and my research to improve and to build on in a corporate setting. While having the discussions, we've been asking what are we doing good, what do we need improvement on, and to provide a platform and safe space for everyone.

Lastly, I'm super close to being inducted to the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the resources that are made available are contributing to my goal plans.

What's Been Going on Personally?

So, 2020 has been extremely hard due to COVID-19, especially on my family. Long story short, my family has suffered losses from COVID complications, pre-existing health conditions, or cancer. I'm also tired of working remotely. I've been working remotely since March and won't be in the office until early spring, at the earliest. As much as I love sleeping in before signing in for work, not having the face-to-face interaction is not fun and I miss the team outings and happy hours. But I also miss traveling (even though I HATE being on a plane) because it allowed me to take a break from anything going on in Michigan or Pennsylvania, and relax. You'd definitely see me sitting at a bar with a glass of wine or Jack Daniels and Coke to calm my nerves before heading to the gate to board. So I've constantly been trying to find ways that will positively impact my mental heath, such as taking Jade hiking, video calls with friends and family, or doing some physical activity. Not going back home to Michigan to see family and friends hasn't taken an emotional and mental toll on me, but being able to FaceTime with them helps. I've also been craving Michigan-made products like Better Made chips, which seem to be non-existent in Pittsburgh, so not being able to go home is killing me! But if it wasn't for my support system in all aspects of my life, I would seriously be on the struggle bus mentally and emotionally, and I'm pretty sure my dog is tired of me being home because she can't sleep on the off-limits furniture.

So What's Next for 2021?

Though 2020 has been challenging and rewarding at the same time, I want to build on what I've started in 2020, such as the panel discussions when supporting students of color or any "minority" race, ethnicity, SES, religion, sexual orientation, etc., as well as collaborating with others to discuss those necessary and needed topics. Also, I want to get more involved with putting out videos, especially when it focuses on an aspect of my research. Hopefully, we'll be able to attend conferences in person soon, which I would love to conduct a workshop and participate in a panel discussion. I've already started working on my 2021 goals and the framework to accomplish them. So that is my 2020 recap and here's to more success in different parts of our lives in 2021!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

- Candace (@TheStudentForLife)