The Dissertation: Reflecting on Accomplishments
by Johnna Williams | October 21, 2008
I like that others are writing about the various metaphors one can associate to their individual programs. Much like preparing for a marathon, completing a doctoral program poses challenges in the preparation, execution, and completion of your goals. Since beginning my doctoral journey I have come to value the advice I’ve received over time: that this is a process; its not a race; and that every task that is completed represents progress.
In a past life I worked with at-risk adolescents. This is a population who tends to envision life only up to the age of 18 or 21, and they often struggled with planning for living past that point. My work involved helping them develop those plans for beyond the age of majority. Often too, the adolescents I worked with struggled with recognizing small steps towards their goals. I used metaphors to help them recognize that even the smallest step (learning a new task; getting a requirement signed off; reacting to a situation differently than they used to) is progress.
I find that this carries over to the doctoral population as well. It is very easy to get wrapped up in the minutia of the requirements of any graduate program; so much so that it may feel like little or no progress is being made. However, I urge learners (and remind myself) to take a step back and reflect on what they have completed or accomplished. When you consider the time, cost, and sacrifices associated with becoming a PhD, it is crucial to look at all factors that you have successfully navigated on the way.
Capella PhD learners are required to complete 4 major areas: coursework, colloquia, comprehensive exam, and dissertation. By the time learners get to dissertation, they are ready to be done! However, there are 16 elements and countless nuances involved in the dissertation process, and the truth is that it takes time to produce a manuscript that meets the quality and veracity expected of a PhD. It is so important during this process to recognize that even small accomplishments are a step toward completion! Reflecting on what has been achieved (i.e. committee is in place, CITI training is done, mentor is reading your chapters, etc.) can really help re-frame, or shift, your perspective. Also, knowing that the first half of the dissertation takes longer than the last half often helps learners understand the differences in this structure verses that of a traditional course.
Have you taken time to reflect on the things you have completed in your process?
What accomplishments have you acheived, and how have you acknowledged each one?