As I concluded my first year as a PhD student, I felt somewhat accomplished but there resided an empty void that was indescribable. Having experienced graduate school once before and now a licensed pharmacist, I never would have thought that this empty feeling would surface. Was it because the expectations of a PhD student was different than a student healthcare professional? Was it the multiple failed experiments? Was it the feeling of being a small fish in a sea of big fish? Or was it the feeling of being one of few black student representatives of the program? I’m sure you can relate to all or some of these questions in some way. Though I haven’t received any revelations that can help me answer all of these questions, I do believe that being uncomfortable can stimulate growth. As I navigate through the journey of obtaining my PhD, I’m hoping that sharing my experiences and being transparent with my vulnerabilities can create a space for other women in STEM, especially women of color, to encourage, motivate, and inspire each other to press forward to the finish line.
It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sistas in Science 