Autoethnography melds autobiography and ethnography, dissecting personal experiences for cultural insight. It challenges conventional research methods, emphasizing political and social justice. This research delves into transformative learning for non-traditional Black women in doctoral programs, amplifying their narratives amid often overlooked voices. Emphasizing determination and resilience, the research aims to offer critical insights, enhance academic support, create a successful environment, and improve graduation rates. It contributes to discussions on adult education, highlighting transformative learning's impact on inclusion, reflective thinking, and emotional flexibility. The research, which is dedicated to Dr. Blanche Jackson Glimps, helps shape policies, improve support systems, and direct the development of curriculum.
TopIntroduction
Embarking on this reflective endeavor, I do so with profound gratitude and admiration for my late mother, Dr. Blanche Eloise Jackson Glimps, who not only instilled in me the values of resilience and persistence but also served as a guiding light throughout my academic journey. This autoethnography stands as a dedicated tribute to my mother's unwavering confidence in the transformative power of academic pursuits and the strength of determination. She was a woman who earned four college degrees.
Children are significantly impacted by their parents' pursuit of continued education, demonstration of highly effective learning practices, and practice of self-discipline. This reinforces the importance of academic accomplishments (Boysen, 2016). As I sit down to write this, I cannot help but reflect on my journey as a first-year non-traditional doctoral student and single mother of two daughters. I have learned from personal experience how profoundly academic development can transform one's life and how crucial it is to persevere. At the commencement of my doctoral program, I found myself facing numerous obstacles. During the initial phase of my doctoral studies, I encountered a diverse range of trials that marked this intellectually transformative journey. These trials included navigating through demanding coursework, deciphering unfamiliar academic expectations, and establishing a coherent research direction. The demands of doctoral-level courses proved intellectually challenging, requiring heightened engagement and comprehension. Simultaneously, adapting to unfamiliar academic expectations demanded swift adjustment to the rigorous standards and scholarly discourse at the doctoral level.
Furthermore, delineating and refining a research direction added complexity to my academic journey, necessitating a strategic approach to align my pursuits with a meaningful and cohesive research agenda. Beyond academic challenges, the personal adjustments needed to balance the program's demands with my responsibilities as a single mother introduced additional layers of complexity. This balancing act underscored the significance of flexibility and efficient time management in maintaining a delicate equilibrium. Forming meaningful connections within the academic community presented yet another layer of complexity as I sought to establish relationships with peers, faculty, and mentors. These challenges collectively served as unique tests, demanding resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to academic growth. The commencement of my doctoral program marked not only the beginning of rigorous intellectual exploration but also a transformative phase in which resilience and adaptability became essential companions on the path to academic achievement.
The transition into this academic journey brought about a series of hurdles that required my attention and resilience. These obstacles encompassed a spectrum of academic, personal, and navigational difficulties that were part of the initial phases of my doctoral pursuit. As I embarked on this scholarly expedition, each challenge presented a unique test, necessitating adaptation, learning, and perseverance. Navigating through the intricate landscape of doctoral studies, I confronted the complexities of rigorous coursework, unfamiliar academic expectations, and the imperative to establish a cohesive research direction. Additionally, the personal adjustments required to meet the program's demands, along with the intricacies of forming meaningful academic connections, added further layers to this multifaceted journey. The commencement of my doctoral program marked not only the initiation of rigorous intellectual exploration but also a transformative phase in which resilience and adaptability became indispensable companions on the path to academic achievement.