Erin Simmons Discussion Week 1
Response 1erin Simmonsre Discussion Week 1collapsetop Of Formmotiva
Response 1 Erin Simmons RE: Discussion - Week 1 COLLAPSE Top of Form Motivation The experiences and motivations that have led me to pursue an advanced graduate degree are varied. Most of all, the motivation is personal. It is important to me to continue to make my family proud. My parents did not continue their education beyond high school. My grandmother, who is a retired educator, was the only person in our family to go to college and she obtained her master’s degree. I carried on her tradition and obtained a Master of Education degree, and when I graduated, hers was the gown I wore. My grandmother is the reason I value education so highly. She always challenged me to do my best and gain as much knowledge as possible so I do this in honor of her. As I write this, she receives in-home hospice services due to the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. I hope to complete my degree program before she transitions.
Goals One of my first goals is to connect with an advisor that can guide me through this process. I have questions and ideas that I would like to develop, but feel that I need confirmation of whether I am moving in the right direction. Another goal I have is to create a consistent system of reading and writing about my topic. I would like to complete my doctorate by 2025 because I aspire to be a Principal and would like to have this completed before beginning a new level in my career. Based on the Doctoral Planning Tool (2015), I feel this is realistic because I already have some clarity about what I want my topic to be and how I want to approach my study. Once I get approval, I feel that I will be ready to start. I am committed to staying focused.
References Single, P. B. (2010). Demystifying dissertation writing: A streamlined process from choice of topic to final text. Stylus Publishing. Walden University Center for Research Quality. (2015). Office of student research administration: EdD doctoral study. Retrieved from bottom of form
Paper For Above instruction
Embarking on the journey toward earning a doctoral degree is a significant milestone that reflects a deep commitment to personal growth, professional development, and scholarly contribution. My motivations for pursuing an advanced graduate degree are rooted in both personal history and aspirational goals that align with my desire to contribute meaningfully to educational leadership.
Personal Motivation and Inspiration
My primary motivation is driven by a desire to honor my family’s educational legacy. My parents did not pursue higher education beyond high school, but my grandmother, a retired educator, broke that pattern by earning her master's degree. Her pursuit of knowledge and dedication to education profoundly influenced my values. Wearing her gown during my master’s graduation symbolized my respect for her sacrifices and my commitment to continuing her legacy. Currently, as she receives hospice care due to Alzheimer’s disease, I am more determined than ever to complete my doctorate before she transitions, viewing this as a tribute to her lifelong influence.
Goals and Strategic Planning
One of my immediate goals is to establish a strong connection with an academic advisor. Having guidance from an experienced mentor is crucial to navigate the complexities of doctoral studies and to refine my research ideas. I aim to develop a clear, focused research proposal that aligns with my interest in educational leadership. Additionally, I am committed to creating a systematic approach to my reading, writing, and project management, which will ensure steady progress throughout my doctoral journey.
Timeline and Realism
I aspire to complete my doctorate by 2025, a goal informed by my existing clarity on research focus and a structured plan outlined in the Doctoral Planning Tool (2015). My plan involves balancing coursework with dissertation development, ensuring that I am making continuous progress toward my goal. This timeline is realistic because I am proactive in my studies—setting specific milestones, engaging with mentors, and dedicating consistent effort. The importance of strategic planning and time management cannot be overstated, as they are vital to avoid setbacks, especially given the rigorous nature of doctoral programs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, pursuing a doctorate is a deliberate step driven by personal motivation and professional ambition. My goal is to leverage this advanced degree to become a principal, thereby influencing educational practices and policies positively. By maintaining focus, seeking mentorship, and adhering to my timeline, I am confident I will succeed in completing my doctoral journey by 2025, thus fulfilling both personal aspirations and professional commitments.
References
- Single, P. B. (2010). Demystifying dissertation writing: A streamlined process from choice of topic to final text. Stylus Publishing.
- Walden University Center for Research Quality. (2015). Office of student research administration: EdD doctoral study. Retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu
- Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Sage.
- Leavy, P. (2017). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. Guilford Publications.
- Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2015). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. Jossey-Bass.
- Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2018). They say / I say: The moves that matter in academic writing. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Anderson, L. W., & Krathwohl, D. R. (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching, and assessing: A revision of Bloom's taxonomy of educational objectives. Longman.
- Boote, D. N., & Beile, P. (2005). Scholars before researchers: Improving graduate student research pedagogies. Educational Researcher, 34(6), 3–25.
- Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Sage.
- Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques. New Age International.