Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen, it gives us assurance about things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1). For every journey, we need faith and action. I am super excited to reflect on the past year since a successful oral defense on May 13, 2019 at 7:30pm ET. I remember speaking with each committee member and expressing gratitude for their time, guidance, and encouragement. I followed all of the advice given.
I remember giving the first hug to a co-worker, Ms. Carletta, who stayed at the office so I was not in the building by myself. I remember saying: It is well with my soul as I walked to my car in a lonely parking lot. I remember calling my husband to say: We did it! Well, I did, but he stayed up with me every night for 4.5 years…. he deserves an honorary. I remember the words on the dedication page of my dissertation. I thought of all my heavenly and earthly angels who bolstered me on the journey. Thanks to all whose ears and shoulders brought comfort when adversity struck. Especially grateful for mentors like Dr. Gail Ali.
I remember my prayer warriors. I remember all the social media group admins who took time to sign IRB permissions. I was able to secure generalizability with 330 study participants after four long months of data collection and one month of data analysis. I remember my brother, who is my living, unrelenting exemplar of dedication and success. My candlelight and kerosene lamp study partner from our younger days in Guyana.
I remember my children, to whom greatness is only a clasp away.Now, a year later, a blogger, professor, leader, and business owner.So I say when dreams come a-knocking, get up, stay up. Just go after the darn thing!
#itsmyanniversary
#ourcircle
#nodoubt
#keepdreaming
#keepbelieving
#motiveight
#bestdissertationoftheyear
About the Author
Simone Arnold is a vice president of Global Network Strategy at a Fortune 500 Company. She is also an alumna and contributor to the Center for Education and Information Technology Research and the Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Research at the University of Phoenix. She researches emotional intelligence, workplace diversity, and statistical procedures and applications for continuous performance development. She holds a Doctor of Management degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.
