Term 1 of my PhD is officially complete! This first stretch was a wonderful introduction to the program and genuinely affirming of my decision to pursue doctoral studies.

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of stepping into a room full of passionate student affairs professionals at the AACUSS Annual Conference 2025—an experience I won’t soon forget. As someone who has worked in student support for years but was attending and presenting at this conference for the very first time as a professional (not as a student!), I wanted to share some reflections on what I learned, what inspired me, and how it reaffirmed my commitment to making higher education more accessible and supportive for all students.

What does it take to turn a dream into reality? For me, the path to a PhD was filled with moments of doubt, resilience, and excitement. This is the story of how I navigated the highs and lows of the application process, faced my fears, and ultimately took a bold step toward my academic and professional future.

Starting a blog has been on my mind for a while. As I embark on my PhD journey, I want to create a space that not only documents my experiences but also contributes to the broader conversation about higher education. This blog is more than a personal journal; it is a commitment to transparency, open access education, and accountability.