10% Luck, 20% Skill, 15% Concentrated Power of Will, 5% Pleasure, 50% Pain...

 Many of you probably remember the days back in 2018-2019 when I was pursuing a PhD in education. I was making excellent progress, and then, the Lord and the universe decided that our family wasn't quite complete, and PK 5.0 was in the making. Honestly, something had to give. I was stretched physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically. I had the degree that I needed to do my job. I didn't "need" the PhD, and all things considered, I decided that I'd put it down for a bit and resume. Well, 5 years later, a global pandemic, 2 moves, a couple of job changes, and that PK 5.0 starts kindergarten in the fall. All this to say, it is time to pick this back up. 

Is this a hectic time in life? Yep. Is this going to stretch me? Yep. Do I "need" this? No, not for my career. Do I want this? YES. This time, it's completely personal. This time, I want to remind myself that I'm worth the effort and time to do the thing. I know I can do this. Yes, it will be a sacrifice and it will be hard. I will want to quit. It will be late nights and working around the other parts of my life, but I have always wanted to reach the pinnacle of academic heights. My grandmother and great-grandmother always told me to do the things that mean something to me. Yes, you'll invest your time, but TIME WILL PASS ANYWAY. 

I of course, couldn't do this without the unwavering support of the Rector and the PKs. When I began talking about this, all of them reminded me that we do this together. My 13, almost 14-year-old told me how proud she is of all I've done and that I didn't need to do this, but she was proud that I was doing something that I wanted to do. That, y'all, that was enough. For her to see that this wasn't about survival but thriving and living into my dream. That's the lesson for all of us in all this. 

The world is on fire but nevertheless, WE PERSIST. Any woman is a force to be reckoned with, a highly educated one, she is either your best advocate or your worst nightmare, and she matches your energy so you get to decide how this goes. So, with a grateful and humble heart I ask for your prayers as I prayerfully resume this journey. I am finishing up my application and will be sitting in prayer as it is evaluated. I appreciate your support and regardless of the day or outcomes, LYMI.