By Ekpedeme Edem, Ph.D (Law & Legal Studies, Carleton 2023), Educational Development Facilitator, Teaching and Learning Services
Dear Graduate Student,
The journey to getting a doctorate is filled with so many lessons, contours, and surprises
Permit me to take you on an excursion with me
From the starry-eyed PhD orientation student to the wiser PhD holder
It has been an exhilarating experience
Revealing the presence of more resilience and grit than acknowledged
Despite the odds, I made it through, and this is my victory song
Navigating landmines, I never saw coming
From the loss of my greatest cheerleader – my dad
To the end of a relationship, I once thought defined me
To the forced solitude and loneliness of Covid 19
I learned that life happens, and fortitude is a forerunner to celebration
Through it all I kept the faith
I have made friends along the way and lost some too
Been blessed to be mentored by so many great people
Received help from far and wide
And found new cheerleaders as I burned the candle at both ends
I have learned to count my blessings
To see beauty in the process and to wear my battle scars with pride
Yes, I am more than a conqueror
If I made it through, you too will
Get up each day and keep chipping away
Take a break if you need to, but never give up
Cry if you must, after all you are only human
But remember to wipe your tears and get back up again
Whatever you do, don’t forget to enjoy the process
Find joy in the little things and celebrate milestones
Leverage on the resources at your disposal
Make new friends while in transit
Explore new places and embrace the adventure
Congratulations on getting to this point
See you at the finish line.
Sincerely,
Ekpedeme Edem