The Beginning: Aligning Intentions

In an article from Lynn McAlpine, titled “Identity-trajectories; Doctoral journeys from past to present to future” (2012), the author describes how the doctoral student experience should “re-focus attention on the agency, resourcefulness and independence of doctoral students.” After reading this article, I realized that all my doctoral efforts should be centered on identifying specific professional goals that will validate my experience and expertise as an Information Technology academic professor and align with my personal values and goals.

According to James Clear, author of Atomic habits: An easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones (2018), I can gradually and strategically build better habits that will assist me with taking a more intentional approach to improving myself as a researcher and academic. While contemplating how this professional revelation will materialize, I find myself reflecting on the wise words from Sister Mary Clarence, the main character from the movie, Sister Act 2, as she poignantly shared with her students, “if you want to be somebody, if you want to go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention” (Touchstone, 1993). While the unlikely nun was trying to instill a sense of purpose in her dysfunctional classroom, I have found this simple advice supremely useful throughout my professional career. While the character may have literally been asking her students to physically wake up and pay attention, it is also likely that she wanted her students to live their lives with intention and purpose, and to take the initiative to improve the trajectory of their futures.

As many of the course readings suggest, as a doctoral student, still at the beginning of my journey, I will eventually stand at a hypothetical crossroad in my life and career. A crossroad where I must choose to either go with the flow during uncertain times or intentionally rock the boat and ride whatever waves come my way. The difference is that one path is somewhat non-threatening, having only circumstances to blame. The happy path is perhaps the path of least resistance taking less energy, planning, and passion. The alternate path is no walk in the park though, as it promises peril and inconvenience, careful strategic planning, and a deep-seated will to continue the journey. Since I am the type who tends to hope for the best but plan for the worst, I choose to be completely intentional in strategizing my next career moves and professional goals.

Being more intentional in my doctoral journey will require me to fully develop my understanding of various types of research, determine which type of research will provide the best approach to the topic, begin to gather the required information, and then cross reference that information with my previous knowledge and interests to decide what angle I want to spin on the topic. I have recently concluded that there should be an online quiz much like the Briggs-Meyers Personality test that will analytically decide the best type of research and create a random algorithm for possible suggested topics based on your interests with various options to decide the best angle to approach the topic. I hope to create lasting networking ties within my cohort that will inspire me in new research techniques and technical knowledge. I will intentionally seek out research partners who are focused, dedicated and have a strong work ethic. Now that I am a doctoral student, I believe I will take the initiative in technical aspects, research suggestions, and from a place of experience that I have not fully explored in my previous courses. It is exciting to be a part of an equally exceptional group of students and I hope that the cohort culture will be conducive to high standards, integrity, and scholarly research in ways that were not always apparent in my previous graduate courses.

As I imagine ways that I can take the initiative during this doctoral journey, I am most excited to speak freely in my area of expertise, to ask relevant questions and receive exemplary answers, and to feel as though I am part of a supportive team. I am excited to grow in my academic role as a professor and begin taking on more challenging tasks and duties while building lasting ties with my mentors. I do not currently have any burning questions about the doctoral program, as I am keeping an open mind about any challenges that may arise, and I know that I will be fully attentive and intentional in my next steps through this doctoral journey.

References

Clear, J. (2018). In Atomic habits: An easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones: Tiny changes, remarkable results. Avery, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

McAlpine, L. (2012). Identity-trajectories; Doctoral journeys from past to present to future. Australian Universities' Review, 54(1), 38–46.

Touchstone. (1993). Sister act 2: Back in the habit [DVD].