😷 Please indulge me with the masked-up pic.
It’s a few years old, from my first day of chemo during COVID, but the sentiment seemed appropriate for this post. Especially the “LFG” shirt. “Let’s f—-ing go!”
In just a few days, the second year of my PhD program begins.
I’m going into this academic year wiser, more protective of my health and well-being, and more focused on what is realistic and what is possible.
We start with days of orientation, during which we’ll meet and mentor the new first-years, re-introduce ourselves to the faculty, and give elevator speeches about our research interests a dozen times or more.
It’s all made me reflect on where I’ve come from and where I’m going.
Last year, eager and enthusiastic, I let myself get pulled into projects that were important to others but less valuable to my goals.
This year, I’m prioritizing overlap.
- I’ll write course assignments that advance my future research interests.
- I’ll use RA opportunities to gather skills for art therapy research.
- I’ll overlay data collection on top of the work I am already doing in my practice.
Some might call it double-dipping. I call it multi-purpose, and it has always been one of my guiding principles.
I can really see how much I have learned in just one jam-packed year.
- I’m not yet where I want to be eventually, but I can see clear progress.
- I read articles differently and understand them more.
- I have better questions.
- I have new ideas for how to study art therapy, and those ideas are in line with the current state of scientific inquiry.
- I even understand a good amount of stats.
- I’ve made important professional connections and taken big risks.
Most importantly, I’ve gotten the same feedback over and over again.
🚀 I’m in the right place at the right time doing the right things.
🤿 Here’s to diving in without drowning.