halfway done: my first semester as a doctoral student

My name is Liz. I am a first-generation doctoral student, wife, mother of two, step-mother of three, full-time employee, and an aspiring scholarly researcher. My journey is one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to personal growth. Navigating the complex world of higher education has been challenging, but God, His Grace and Strength, plus my passion for learning and drive to make a difference keep me PUSHING forward.

Being the first in my family to attend and graduate college was already a monumental achievement, but I didn’t stop there. Now in my doctoral program, I'm diving deep into research, hoping to contribute new knowledge to her field of public administration. Balancing work, family, and academic life is no easy task. Before and after long workdays, I research and write papers, and still manage to help my children, my parents, and my siblings with anything and everything they need.

The support of my beloved husband Monchi has been instrumental, but it is my determination what keeps me going. I'm learning again the art of time management, to prioritize self-care, and find moments of quiet with Christ amidst the chaos. Despite the challenges, I remain driven by a vision of completing my doctorate and becoming a voice in my scholarly community.

I own my narrative and it is one of inspiration, showing that with perseverance, it’s possible to navigate the complexities of life while pursuing one’s dreams. When I'm at a low, I find resilience through story of self and I am reminded that success isn’t just about reaching the finish line, but embracing the learning, growth, and tenacity it takes to get there.

"For nothing will be impossible with God.” -Luke 1:37, The Holy Bible