Starting a blog has been on my mind for a while. As I embark on my PhD journey, I want to create a space that not only documents my experiences but also contributes to the broader conversation about higher education. This blog is more than a personal journal; it is a commitment to transparency, open access education, and accountability.
Higher education can often feel like a maze—full of unwritten rules, hidden barriers, and insider knowledge that isn’t always easily accessible. My goal with this blog is to break down those barriers by openly sharing my experiences, insights, and challenges. Whether you are considering pursuing post-secondary studies, are already in academia, or are simply curious about the process, I hope this space becomes a resource for understanding what it truly takes to navigate higher education.
One of the biggest challenges in academia is access. Knowledge should not be locked behind paywalls or restricted to those who have institutional affiliations. Open access education is about making learning and information available to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation.
By sharing my experiences openly, I hope to contribute to this movement. I want to provide real, unfiltered insights into the higher-education experience—from application struggles to research challenges to personal reflections on what it means to be a scholar. Higher education should be a space for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, and this blog is my small way of contributing to that vision.
Through my three degrees, one thing I have noticed is that there is a lot about academia that isn’t openly discussed. From imposter syndrome to funding struggles, from navigating the student-professor relationship to understanding the hidden curriculum of post-secondary education—many of these challenges are shared but rarely discussed in public spaces.
By documenting my journey in academia, I want to bring transparency to the process. I will share both the triumphs and the setbacks, the breakthroughs and the roadblocks. My hope is that by being open about my experiences, others will feel less alone in their own academic journeys. Transparency not only fosters a sense of community but also helps to challenge the exclusivity that often defines higher education.
Writing about my experiences is also a way of holding myself accountable. Pursuing a PhD is a long and demanding process, and it’s easy to lose sight of how far you’ve come when you’re in the middle of it. By documenting my progress, reflecting on challenges, and setting goals, I hope to stay motivated and engaged in my work.
This blog will serve as a living record of my journey—something I can look back on to see my growth, learning, and evolving perspectives. More importantly, I hope it provides value to others who are considering or currently navigating graduate education.
Higher education should not be an isolated or exclusive experience. It should be about sharing knowledge, supporting others, and fostering a culture of openness and collaboration. Through this blog, I hope to contribute to that effort by documenting my PhD journey with honesty and transparency.
If you’re interested in academia, thinking about applying to a graduate program, or simply curious about the inner workings of higher education, I invite you to follow along. I hope to create a space where we can learn from each other and make education more accessible for all.
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