Following my passion was not always clear, I rethought it a thousand times. In fact, I would equate mapping out my life like trying to find the perfect qualitative question for my dissertation. At one point I gave my dissertation Chair (6) questions & said "pick the best one". To my surprise he selected all 6 & I learned that options can be complicated!
My education has been one big interdisciplinary experience & honestly at the time I thought I had it all figured out until the next acceptance letter showed up. I was certain I wanted to be a health professional like my mother -a corporate DON & RN for over thirty years, she set the standard of excellence I have followed. I also knew that I wanted to learn how I could prevent another family from experiencing loss without the proper resources to help with grief & the overwhelming feelings we don't anticipate. As a Gerontology educator this is my aim & so my work doesn't end in the classroom but it expands into the communities where I live & serve.
Additionally, I loved education & as a professional student, I couldn't exclude learning & the many years I dedicated helping high school students, undergrads, & graduate students reach their academic goals. I know a significant part of my perseverance is a result of challenges I faced as a student. Overcoming a learning disability can really encourage you to shoot for the moon!
Lastly, leadership has brought me such joy academically & professionally. It's from my experiences in my Sororities, student organizations, professional affiliations, class groups, colleague collaborations & many other opportunities that I am able to effectively apply my knowledge in various capacities. When I speak about transformation I believe it & I have witnessed what it can do.
.... I am an Assistant Professor by day & Entreprenuer by night ~Dr. AJay