| — by Donna Velasquez
When asked to write this article about doctoral studies
from a student perspective, I immediately called upon
my fellow students for their thoughts. This was not
only to validate my own experience but to represent
the voice of other students. Many responded and my heartfelt
thanks to all who did.
Two themes really stood out: those of balance and connections.
Balance was often described using a plate metaphor;
perhaps this is due to chronic hunger experienced during
long class sessions. Students wrote about making sure
there wasn’t “too much on their plate”
or trying to keep “multiple plates spinning in
the air.” It is easy to fall in the trap of trying
to do everything and to end up feeling overwhelmed physically
and emotionally. But to quote one student, “Balance
does not mean doing everything; it means prioritizing,
doing some things and none of others, and remembering
you.”
Maintaining connections was also viewed as critical
to maintaining health and quality of life during doctoral
studies. Students have a tendency to isolate themselves,
so maintaining social connections often takes a back
seat. Although it becomes necessary to prioritize relationships,
they provide the real support necessary to persevere
through the intensity required of doctoral studies.
Doctoral students also become experts at “constructive
procrastination.” Popular methods are: cleaning
the house, computer Free Cell or Solitaire (stretching
it a bit, but after all, you are at the computer), and
one I have discovered recently, literature searches.
Literature searches are obviously a necessary part of
research, but are also useful in avoiding the dreaded
task of writing!
Despite the intensity of the studies, the seemingly
endless paperwork, and the often-frustrating quest to
satisfy professors, the opportunity to go back to school
at this level is a gift. At no other time is there so
much freedom to intellectually and passionately explore
nursing science with colleagues who share your enthusiasm.
I’m glad I stepped up to the plate.
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