Updates in the life of a PhD student...mom...wife...friend...blogger...

Hello Everyone!

After many unexpected set-backs, I am now in the thick of my dissertation work for my PhD. My data collection has started for my PhD dissertation project & it has brought forth many feelings. Many, many feelings. This whole process has been a little bit of a rollercoaster. Someday I will share with you all the story of how I became a Dietitian but in a nutshell, I am non-traditional student. I have been a parent the entire time I have pursued my education. I received my Associate of Science  & Bachelor of Science & Dietetic Internship to become a Registered Dietitian from the time my oldest daughter was 1 1/2 years old until she was 8. I had my second daughter during that time and she was 3 1/2 when I finished the DI and became a RD. The internship counted towards half of a Master of Arts degree in Dietetics, so I finished that. And I thought I as finished.


I want to start this by saying that I love my family and my parents are the bees knees, so this is not meant to reflect negatively on them in any way- I just don't remember any one telling me (or really anyone I knew growing up) that I could grow up to be a Doctor. That seemed like something only really "rich" kids got to do. I never heard it. I never thought about it. I never even played with the idea until I started working at a small University in NC with future dietitians. I realized that I wanted to get a PhD because I wanted to be the best at my job. I wanted to be able to continue to work in academia and be able to develop graduate courses. I wanted to be able to do research projects and use that information to help make the local community better. And I found the Department of Nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. And you know what? They told me I could be a Doctor. And this year...I am going to be one and not for any other reason than because I want to be great at what I do.

But this dissertation project...the feels, y'all. I knew I would fall in love with my project but I didn't know how much. I can't wait to tell you more about it. But, lets just say...I get to work with both tweens & teenagers. At times can be a little rowdy, but are also so incredibly insightful, wise, and really fun. I get excited before each lesson and I am already dreading the end of the project because I don't want to leave. Finding my niche? Yes. It makes my heart glow.

So, all of my apologies for the blog neglect the past few months. Just know that right now I am growing into the best Me. That person has also had to take care of some very sick kiddos this winter with the various bugs that have been going around. Since the blog is my hobby, it has taken a backseat to priorities but do expect to see more of me in the near future. I will be finished with my data collection in the next couple of months and graduating shortly thereafter. :)

Cheers to chasing dreams and making them come true!