What does it take to turn a dream into reality? For me, the path to a PhD was filled with moments of doubt, resilience, and excitement. This is the story of how I navigated the highs and lows of the application process, faced my fears, and ultimately took a bold step toward my academic and professional future.
Pursuing a PhD is a journey filled with anticipation, uncertainty, and determination. Over the past few years, I have applied to multiple PhD programs, each time refining my research focus and learning more about what I truly wanted in an academic experience. Last year, I was accepted into a program at Colorado State University, but after much reflection, I realized that the timing and offer weren’t the right fit for me. I have also applied to the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) both last year and this year. Last year I received an outright rejection, and this year I was waitlisted for the program. When I decided to apply to the Higher Education Leadership PhD program at UNB, I knew it would be a challenging yet rewarding experience. This blog post reflects on my journey—from the initial decision to apply, through the application process, to finally accepting my offer.
For me, the decision to pursue a PhD wasn’t made lightly. Having worked in student services and higher education for years, I had developed a passion for supporting equity-deserving students and wanted to deepen my expertise through research. My experience in student development, as well as my involvement with professional associations like AACUSS, CACUSS, and OACUHO, reinforced my belief that a PhD was the next step in my professional and personal growth.
All that said, it is my personal connection to my proposed research that drives me the most. Growing up in rural New Brunswick, I faced many challenges as a student from a low socioeconomic status (LSES) background, and I understand firsthand the barriers to accessing and thriving in higher education. During high school, I participated in UNB's Promise Partnership Program, which was instrumental in motivating me to pursue higher education. The mentorship and support I received through this program gave me the confidence to overcome obstacles and set me on a path to academic success. This experience has inspired my desire to give back and conduct research that will help other students from similar backgrounds.
Applying to a PhD program requires careful preparation. Crafting a compelling statement of intent was one of the most challenging yet fulfilling aspects. I had to articulate why I wanted to pursue this degree, how my research interests aligned with UNB’s program, and what I hoped to contribute to the field. Additionally, gathering references from mentors and former professors was a humbling process that reminded me of the support network I had built over the years.
Once my application was submitted, the waiting period was filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. I constantly checked my email, anticipating the decision. During this time, I leaned on my professional network and stayed engaged in my work to keep my mind occupied.
As time went on, imposter syndrome began to creep in—a feeling I know many others experience during such pivotal moments. I found myself questioning whether I was truly qualified or if I had done enough to stand out. In these moments of doubt, my husband became my unwavering source of support. He reminded me of my passion, my dedication, and the impact I had already made in my field. A simple yet powerful conversation with him helped ground me, allowing me to hold onto hope and trust in my abilities as I awaited the decision.
The day I received my acceptance email was one I’ll never forget. Seeing the words “Congratulations” felt surreal—it was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Accepting the offer was an easy decision, but it also came with the realization that this was just the beginning of a new chapter filled with rigorous research, academic challenges, and personal growth.
As I prepare to embark on this PhD journey, I am excited about the opportunities to contribute to research on low socioeconomic status students and their experiences in higher education. I know this path will be demanding, but I am ready to embrace the challenges and continue advocating for student success.
For anyone considering a PhD, know that the journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about academic achievement. The application process may be daunting, but with perseverance, support, and a clear vision, it is possible to turn a dream into reality.
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