In this episode, I decided to switch it up for a change. Instead of interviewing a guest, I’m being interviewed on my own show for the first time ever! That’s right! I brought my amazing colleague and sister-friend, Porsha Hargrove, on my podcast to ask me about my decision to go back to school for my doctorate degree.
You may not know this, but I LOVE to learn and I’m passionate about educating, inspiring, and encouraging women to pursue their biggest goals and wildest dreams. I’ve always wanted to complete the highest level of education so I wouldn’t have any limitations or be forced to settle for not having the right qualifications.
In middle school my best friend, Nyali, and I made a pact with each other – she would become a medical doctor, and I would become an attorney. My life took me down a few detours along a non-traditional path of education. As I learned more about law, I decided that it wasn’t for me. As an undergraduate student I took my first psychology class and instantly fell in love with the idea of studying people.
While going through a devastating divorce in 2011, I started graduate school. It wasn’t easy, but I earned my masters degree in psychology in 2013. No matter how many times I tried to ignore my dream of going back for my PhD, it kept resurfacing. It got so bad that I would lay awake at night contemplating if I had what it takes to actually do it
Every now and then I would research a new school, look into its doctoral programs and dream. I had spoken with admission counselors and was about to settle for another masters degree, but something wouldn’t let me do it. The truth is that I was trying to convince myself to play small because of fear.
In July of 2016 I finally made the decision to pursue my PhD. I realized that I was procrastinating and making excuses. I was afraid of not being able to manage school. But even with the fear, my dream would not go away.
In September 2016, I started my first class as a PhD student. Some people think I’m crazy for adding school to my overflowing plate. Some are amazed by my ambition and ability to do so much. But I can’t take the credit – this is how God made me. I’m just walking in the path that He designed for me.
In this episode, Porsha holds nothing back as she tries to get to the root of my “addiction to education” and why it means so much to me to achieve this goal. We had a lot of fun while uncovering my truth. I shared my best tips for ambitious working adults who want to go back to school.
I also created a special bonus for you. It’s a downloadable and “writeable” PDF that accompanies this episode. This worksheet was designed to help you sort through your dreams and goals and includes:
Once you sign up, you’ll become a VIP member of my community and will have lifetime access to all worksheets as they’re added to my Moms With Dreams library.
You can click here to gain access to this worksheet and library.
**I’ve also included an extra special bonus that you will only get as a VIP member. Be sure to get your worksheet so you don’t miss out on this special offer.
Remember that you can always write me at Erica@momswithdreams.com. Follow me on Twitter @Momswithdreams and on Instagram @EricaGordonLive. If you love listening to these episodes each week, subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play.
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See you next week!
Xoxo
Erica
