Sister Scholars
In 2015, four amazing women and I decided to get together to help each other get through our dissertation phase of our PhD program. Two weeks ago, we spent several days collaborating to submit a proposal for a study we have been working on about this very journey: how we organically came together and helped each other get to the finish line! We call ourselves B^3, which stands for brilliant, beautiful, and bold (as far as I have re-examined from our private facebook group). We all have strong opinions but we seem to get along well when we need to accomplish a task. We are all focused on supporting and encouraging each other. We have developed a level of trust that I don’t have with other people professionally and/or academically. So, why am I writing about this? Three reasons: 1. To explain how as an online entrepreneur, I have to balance things out, 2. Everyone should have a group similar to this one, and 3. These women are a gift from God.
First, I’ve been trying to balance a lot professionally and two weeks ago, I just had to talk to myself very sternly but with a lot of grace and mercy, to say “it’s ok to stop a few things to focus on this proposal”. So that’s what I did. We spent a few hours, over the span of one week, working on drafting a proposal to submit to an annual scholarly research conference by AERA (American Educational Research Association). So, on top of family responsibilities, this was a priority. So, I’ve absolved myself of the guilt of not blogging that week, and not devoting the usual amount of time that I do to Education Mosaic. In fact, this will be my week for MUCH professional preparation for what’s ahead for Education Mosaic. Today, after I post this blog, I will work on my schedule for the week and all the tasks I must complete by next weekend.
Secondly, this past year, I have tried to surround myself, not with like minded people (because that’s another mistake some people make - for another blog topic), but with people who are forward driven, intellectually focused, and goal orientated. In other words, people who are interested in getting themselves AND you to the next level. I’m in a “Think and Grow Rich” group (another future blog topic), and B^3 with my sister scholars. I’ve also had prayer and Bible groups like these. I highly recommend creating a group of this nature: simply meeting to uplift and be uplifted.
Lastly, and most importantly, these women have been gifts to me. God placed each one of them strategically in my life, not only to form this group to help me finish my PhD, but to simply be inspired by their tenacity, intelligence, varied personalities, and zest for life. I admire them for these same reasons, in addition to just facing life’s challenges and overcoming what life may throw at us, with class and grace. I am abundantly blessed by these impeccable women. Thank you Jesus for this divine orchestration.