Hi Everyone! I am excited about blogging and joining this great community.
This semester I am taking Social and Behavioral Research Methods and Public Health Leadership. And to be quite honest, I feel tired and swamped. Originally, I thought this semester would be easier because I previously took Biostatistics, which was incredibly difficult. I have a background in statistics, but I was introduced to the new SPSS software. So why was this semester so difficult?
As a Ph.D. student, I am on a rigorous schedule to complete my course work and dissertation by 2012. This means that I must take full-time courses (2) a semester, while working full-time and raising five boys. My wife is just as tired and we have a wonderful time catering to our children's never ending needs. As a PhD student I must take classes throughout the summer. Of course, I have the option of taking two semesters off, but this would only delay my graduation. This semester is also difficult because I wasn't able to take a break from last semester. Additionally, I had to submit two research study proposals, which were both 25 pages long. I was hoping to include these papers in my dissertation, but it doesn't look like I can.
Lastly, as part of the PhD requirement, I have to complete four academic residencies. Academic Residencies are face-to-face sessions that provide students with opportunities to interact and develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills. They are held throughout the year at various locations in the United States and internationally. I was supposed to complete a residency three months ago, but I had a family emergency. Well, I now must complete one in the next several months and I would love to travel internationally. Chile, Spain or the UK really sparks my interest!