Can I?: The Quest to Yes, I Can Get a Phd!

By London Andrews PhD LCSW

This book demystifies the process of obtaining a PhD and provides a realistic picture of the tumultuous journey that is the nature of this venture.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Jan 31, 2019
• ISBN: 9781982217891

London Andrews PhD LCSW

Andrea Alleyne was a non traditional student who was pursuing an endeavor that was not fully understood and by definition an enormous feat. She was as described by those who know her as a "professional student" as she had two bachelor degrees and a master's degree. However, having these credentials did not answer Andrea's question of "Can I get a Ph.D.?"

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Copyright © 2019 London Andrews, PhD, LCSW.

Interior Image Credit: Russell McCants

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This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

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The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-9822-1788-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9822-1789-1 (e)

Balboa Press rev. date:   01/30/2019

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Preface

Part One

Let The Journey Begin

The Blueprint

Year One

Year Two

Year Three

The Mystery Unfolds

Part Two

Year Four

Year Five

Year Six

Part Three

Epilogue

To my children Marquis and McKenzie

I love you both very much

and want to thank you

for choosing me to be your mum!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank the higher power for all that you have given to me and the lessons that you have presented to me along the way. I am grateful for it all! I would like to thank my parents Roman and Kay Alleyne for transporting me into this world and for my nurturing and loving childhood. My children Marquis Price and McKenzie Alleyne-Dawes, I want to thank you both for continuing to inspire me to be a better mother and a better human being. I want to thank you Othanniel Velgara for showing up in my life right after I finished this journey (the ultimate gift) and coming to my graduation ceremony! I have been searching for our powfect love for a long time. I also want to thank my sister Jackie Alleyne-McCants, my pseudo favorite uncle Robert Shepherd, and my long-time friend Lisa Miller Bethea for coming and being a part of my graduation ceremony. Thank you, Selwyn Walters for listening to me vent every time we played tennis during my dissertation days. You always told me it will work out! You were right. I would like to thank my nephew Russell McCants for your awesome illustrations, you were able to draw exactly what I visualized in my mind. Thanks Mary Barry, my dissertation buddy for still being my buddy. A huge thank you Marquis, Mary, and Othanniel for taking the time to read this book from beginning to end and giving me valuable feedback.

"What is a dissertation, and why is it required to get a Ph.D.? It might help to take a step back and consider, what is a Ph.D.? This is a Doctor of Philosophy; it is a research degree, meaning that during the process of getting the degree you are trained as a researcher. Your dissertation is therefore the demonstration of your ability to conduct research and to write professionally. It is considered the terminal (or highest) degree in your professional field. Receiving the degree places you in an elite group (less than 4% of the US population has a professional degree), and it is evidence of your professionalism and learning.

Why are you required to do research to show you are a professional? Conducting a research project shows your persistence and ability to complete a large project. It integrates all that you have learned in your education and shows that you can formulate new questions for future learning. Most degrees simply show learning; however, a Ph.D., also shows your ability to go further and explore unknown areas, to develop research that answers questions. It shows that you are a logical and critical thinker; you can synthesize ideas, data and information, and write in a technical and professional manner. Research also shows that you are able to sift through information to find the current thinking in the field; as well as able to apply theory to your thinking, practice, investigations, and current events. The dissertation is considered the first step in your future research plan for the rest of your professional life.

Is the dissertation just another paper to write? No, it really is much more than that; it is a very formalized document that demonstrates your expertise in your chosen area of interest. Once you have completed the project, you are considered an expert in this area. The paper will eventually be published in the dissertation databases and will be a part of the professional literature. Other researchers and graduate students interested in your topic will read it in the future." (Stadtlander 2018, 2-3).

Stadtlander, L. 2018. Finding Your Way to a Ph.D.: Advice from the Dissertation Mentor (2nd edition). Bozeman, MT: Author.

PREFACE

It all started in 2009 when I received several emails from universities advertising doctoral degrees of various disciplines. I had received my master’s in social work in 2006, and at that time, I said to myself, I’m done! (I was exhausted, and five days after graduation, I gave birth to my daughter.) I had worked full time as a counselor, I was enrolled in the master’s degree social work program full time, and I completed a minimum of twenty hours weekly toward an internship during the final year of the program. But now I was not so sure.

Can I? Can I get a PhD? Of course you can! You can do whatever you set your mind to! Yes, I believe I can, but how do I know for sure? We grow up saying, I’m going to be a doctor or I’m going to be an actress. How many of us say what we are going to do but never achieve it? How many of us actually achieve our dreams? What about people who say, I could get a PhD, if I wanted to. Well, we can all say that, but can you really? That’s the question!

Getting a doctoral degree always seemed mysterious to me. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree was straight-forward even before I received one. You go to school for four years and pass all the required classes, and you graduate. Pursuing a master’s degree was pretty much the same, except there were a lot more papers, and it took two years instead of four. You take all the required courses, and when the program is completed viola! Graduation and you receive your degree. Somehow, this is not what happens when you pursue a doctoral degree.

Although I did not know anyone personally with a doctoral degree, I had heard stories about how hard it was to obtain a PhD and how long it took. But I never heard the intimate details of what the process actually entailed. The steps were not clear other than apply to a university and get accepted. Then there was a dissertation that had to be completed and defended in front of a board. I thought, OMG, I don’t know if I can do that!

I’ve always loved challenges. I did not realize this in my childhood as I suffered with anxiety to the point that I would often become physically sick with abdominal pains that would often lead to diarrhea or vomiting. However, I would experience feelings of euphoria and accomplishment when I achieved what at first seemed extremely hard, if not impossible. As I matured, picturing a goal and then pursuing it became undeniable quintessential facets of my being. This was especially when I faced naysayers and the negativity that they would project; they made statements such as, How are you going to do that? Or I wish you luck with that! In fact, when I started to talk about possibly getting a PhD, with the exception of my parents and a few friends, many did say, Why would you do that? Ironically, though taking myself out of my comfort zone causes me some distress, it also generates intoxication. This pursuit was going to provide the opportunity of pushing and challenging myself harder than I had ever pushed and challenged myself before!

The question, Can I? started as a whisper and then began to shout louder and louder in my ear. I had to find the answer!

PART ONE

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LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN

I began to research different universities and the doctoral programs that they offered. I looked at both brick-and-mortar universities and online options. The email advertisements I had received were primarily from online universities, and I found the idea of completing a degree online enticing because I could work, take care of my family, and still attend school at any hour of the day or night. I narrowed my search to two universities that offered two types of doctoral programs. One was a PsyD degree program, and the other was a PhD. I chose the PhD program because I had heard that a PsyD could lead to possible trouble in teaching at a university, where there is a preference for a doctor of philosophy degree. Now I do not believe that to be true as I see both types of degrees belonging to professors at universities, but at the time, I did not want to take any chances. I had run into a similar issue when I wanted to teach at a community college and was told that my MSW degree was considered a theoretical degree; on top of that, the course numbers did not match up to the community college’s psychology courses, so I could not teach psychology courses. I was bummed! The main reason I chose UCan University was they offered a degree that seemed to speak to my love for both the medical field and psychology in health psychology. My research was now solely on UCan University and the degree itself. I became both excited and nervous anticipating the journey. My mind was already made up that I was going to take the challenge. On June 17, 2009, I sent an email to inquire about admission to UCan University and received an email thanking me for my interest and giving me the steps to get started. Within an hour I received an email from an enrollment advisor with the Graduate School of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences. She informed me that she had been assigned to be my personal advisor and would be calling me in the next day or two to discuss the program, my educational needs, and how UCan University could help me meet them. I was also asked to send an email answering the following questions before she contacted me via phone:

What motivated you to return to school?

When would you consider beginning your doctoral program?

What is your highest level of completed education?

What is your GPA?

How do you plan to finance your education? (Most UCan students use low-interest federal loans to fund their studies, and I can help guide you through this process as well).

I emailed back the answers within the hour. I received an email from my advisor two days later.

From: Elaine Kee

To: London Andrews

Re: Thank you for your interest in UCan University!

June 19, 2009 at 4:25 PM

Hello London,

I would love the opportunity to go over the program. Can we set up a time to talk?

Elaine Kee

Enrollment Advisor

Toll-free Phone: [phone], ext. 4444

Office Hours: M & T: 8 am - 4:30pm W: 8am - 5pm Th: 10am - 8pm F: 8am - 5pm

Six days later after completing a profile to start the first steps of the application process, I received an application submission confirmation email.

On July 27, 2009, I received an email from Elaine giving the directions and steps to apply: (1) on-line application, (2) official transcripts, (3) resumé, (4) goal statement.

I worked on the goal statement right away and faxed everything the very next day.

My goal statement was as follows:

Degree and Specialization: Ph.D. in Psychology with the Health Psychology specialization

Personal/Professional Goals

I have often said that if I could get paid to attend school, I would make that my living. Learning has always produced excitement and culmination for me. Challenges that have to be defeated during this process only add fuel to the fire. I also feel a great sense of accomplishment in setting goals, pursing these goals and then attaining these goals. I am interested in graduate school to continue learning and exploring the field of psychology. I plan to use this degree to further enhance my abilities to assist individuals in finding happiness and fulfillment in their lives.

When I was a young child around the age of six or seven, I remember being asked what I wanted to do when I grow up. My answer was to be a doctor, and my reason was to make people smile. At that time and for quite some time later, I had always thought that I wanted to practice medicine. As a young child I would worry excessively mostly about schoolwork and doing my best, but from this exorbitant distress I suffered frequently with stomach ailments and other symptoms. When I would feel better, I would smile because I appreciated feeling well. That was my basis of wanting to make people smile. Much later I realized that my desire to make people smile really came from wanting to help others conquer anxiety, depression, etc.

The field of psychology has always intrigued me, and my knowledge has been instrumental in allowing me to recognize my own depression of 10 years and triumph against this depression.

I am particularly attracted in obtaining a PhD in Psychology with the Health Psychology specialization because since 2003 my interest in children and obesity has become a prominent fixture in my life. While teaching in a middle school for four years, I noticed many obese children and the self-esteem issues that they faced along with other issues both psychologically and physically. At this time, I initiated a group that would address this population. I was a member of the SAFE team (The Student Assistance and Family Empowerment Program which provides a comprehensive range of prevention and intervention services for students and their families at the elementary and secondary schools). However, issues came up from what to name the group and how to assign children to the group without the children feeling self-conscious about their obesity. I also at the time could only do educational activities because I did not have the training. This partly influenced my decision to pursue a master’s degree in Social Work along with my desire to open a wellness facility for children and adolescents where emotional, psychological and health and fitness services will be offered. Obtaining a PhD in Psychology with the Health Psychology specialization will greatly promote such a facility that I visualize on a daily basis.

Academic Experience

In 1992 I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising from the University of Florida. During my time at the University of Florida I was put on academic probation and was told that I could return the following fall semester. I remember confiding to some friends about this situation and they all knew of someone who had been in this position. They all gave me grim news that the people that they knew never returned. I was determined that would not be my predicament. On my own I took a University of Florida correspondence course while I maintained an attitude that I would do whatever it takes to get back in good standing. Before the fall semester began I had to sit before a board as well as complete an essay stating how I would do things differently and why I should be considered for re-enrollment. At no time was it stated that my GPA also needed to increase before I re-enrolled. To make a long story short I got myself back in good standing primarily from my initiative to complete a course while on probation.

In 1996 I obtained another Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. I was also a pre-medical student because at the time I was following my dream of becoming a Doctor of Medicine until I made the connection with my true desire. During my enrollment at the University of Central Florida, I would reflect on my immaturity and lack of motivation at the University of Florida until I had my wake-up call (academic probation). At this time I was older, a single mother, and I was taking courses to apply for medical school and my GPA was pretty impressive with the exception of a few courses such as Calculus, Physics, and Genetics. These grades however were not due to laziness but to the degree of difficulty in mastering the material.

In 2006 I obtained a master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Social Work Administration also from the University of Central Florida. I was extremely proud of myself after this occasion because my lowest grade was a B- and during obtaining this degree I worked and attended school full-time, was still a single mother, and became pregnant with my second child during my second year of the program. Even though I had a difficult pregnancy due to my age and the normal associated ailments with being pregnant I continued to persevere. During my first internship working with children and adolescents in the foster care system, obesity was an issue for a number of the children. I created and facilitated an Adolescent Healthy Lifestyle Group for children and adolescents who ranged in age from 10-17 years old. The group was designed to last for six weeks and teach, model, as well as provide group activities related to self-esteem, physical self, nutrition, exercise, eating disorders, and choosing a healthy lifestyle. I also designed a presentation that a community-based agency for example a health department could present to educate the community on childhood obesity. The topics included health and risk factors, psychological consequences, and recommendations.

Research Experience

While I was still teaching in middle school I began researching child and adolescent obesity among children and adolescents in the U.S and other countries. I also researched the short-term and long-term effects of obesity on children as well as the similarities in these children’s lifestyle and their parents. Lastly, I researched programs that offered assistance and solutions for these children and their families. I was appalled that I could count on one hand (in 2003) the number of programs available. While working on my master’s degree I completed four research papers. Two of these papers I was able to choose the topic. The first one looked at the methodology, research design, data collection, data analysis, and conclusions of school-based intervention programs designed to address childhood obesity. The second reviewed personality predictors of weight loss with behavior modification in obesity and family-based treatment for childhood obesity. I received a grade of A for both papers. I also conducted significant research to write a mock grant for the health department for a school-based intervention program to address the growing problem of childhood obesity.

Work/Other Experience

Since February 1997, I have worked in careers related to psychology. I first worked as a mental health technician where I interacted with psychiatric patients in a hospital setting. I was responsible for performing EKG’s, taking vital signs, and documenting physiological needs of the patient. I also organized and conducted therapeutic group meetings as well as provided written daily reports of the patient’s progress. At the same time, I was a residential counselor for another employer. As a residential counselor I supervised children and adolescents in daily living activities. I also provided written daily reports for the resident’s progress in attaining treatment goals and objectives. Lastly, I conducted resident house meetings and social skills instruction groups. Eight months later with the same employer I was promoted to a case manager. As a case manager I worked directly with mentally ill clients to improve their overall functioning. I also provided linking, brokering, pro-active outreach, advocacy, crisis intervention, medication monitoring, and supportive counseling. While working in this position, I was often saddened by the conditions of some of the Assisted Living Facilities that the clients that I worked for lived in or would move into. Shortly before I left this position my father had retired and I shared with him my feelings on this. My father and mother decided to open an Assisted Living Facility and currently have two as well as an Independent Living Facility (this is where a small number of mentally ill clients share a residence and attend a program during the day and are monitored by their case manager). From February 2000 until presently I help my mother who is the Administrator. I assist with new admissions, supervise clients with daily living activities and also assist with transportation for clients to hospitals. However, I do this only when my mother is unavailable. I also own an Independent Living Facility that I have operated since 2007. I currently have five mentally ill clients that live there.

During my four years of teaching at a middle school first as a math teacher and then as a science teacher I was a member of the SAFE team (The Student Assistance and Family Empowerment Program) that was mentioned earlier under personal/professional goals.

While attending the University of Central