Revisions, Resubmission, Now the Waiting Game

· So in my previous post, you all know I didn't pass comps on the first attempt, and had to revise my responses for Questions 2 and 3. I reviewed the feedback I was given, and made revisions to my responses AND resubmitted by the expected deadline. Good thing I didn't take most of it personally except for Reviewer 1 choosing the lowest rating for every single category. But since I'm a teaching assistant right now and it's my (second) job to review and provide feedback to learners, I was able to remove a significant amount of emotion from not passing on the first attempt and able to process the feedback given by the reviewers.

What now?

o Well, I wait to find out if I passed comps and become a doctoral candidate…seriously, the quarter ends on March 20th and I’m trying to keep myself distracted from constantly checking my phone.

o Keep reading literature

A key goal of mine is to stay current on literature that is published and contribute to my research topic. Crazy enough, I have seen a post of a suggestion for a book to read, titled The Memo. This book (and I’m only on the second chapter) hits home so much for me personally, academically, and professionally as a woman in color in those different areas. Reading the book provides different views on how I should look at developing my survey and interview questions.

o Since I'm WFH until further notice, more physical activity and eating better

This means I’m not being tempted by bacon, energy drinks, burgers (I love me a bacon cheeseburger), and making my meals with mostly veggies and poultry. Although I felt my dog was not thrilled that I was still home so she couldn’t hang out and sleep all day in my bed and couch, we’ve been going on 2 walks a day, mostly hiking trails in my area. I know we’re supposed to be quarantined, but make sure you get out and get some fresh air!

o Working on a workshop for a required professional development course

The workshop is being developed to work with those in academia, professional settings and more, and have a conversation on supporting peers, staff, and/or faculty of color when they are the racial minority. Resources will also be made available, such as various professional organizations, conferences, employee business resource groups (EBRGs), and more. Stay tuned for the virtual and in-person workshop dates! This event will be posted on the Events page of the site!

Mendeley Webinars

· My first one is on April 2nd!!!

· The workshop will be the first of many to get people acquainted with Mendeley and all it has to offer.

· The first webinar is an introduction to Mendeley, with other webinars that focus on funding, careers, and more to follow.

· Keep checking the Events page to see what’s coming up!

o Conference planning for BDN Annual Conference

I’m on a conference planning committee!!! I’m so excited to be working with so many African Americans in academia to make this conference happen!

· What's next?

o Keep grinding

· There's no need to pause this academic process because of recent events and hurdles

· Job hunt

I’m going to try and be as transparent as I possibly can with the process. But I plan to get into a position that allows me to use both quantitative and qualitative skill sets in the workplace.

o Social distancing

· As if I haven't been doing this for the longest, but seriously folks, listen to the CDC and health-care professionals

· Wash your hands and social distancing (for those who can!)

Because I haven’t said it enough, for those who shared their experiences, provided encouraging words, and just provided support in any way I may have needed it during my comprehensive exam, I appreciate and love you all so much! I literally shed tears because you all are so supportive and came together to uplift me. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Candace

@TheStudentForLife