A Ph.D. in Awesomeness.., sign me up!!

It’s about that time again. The time when the days turn into hours that turn into minutes that turn into seconds. Yes, just about that time again.

The time when I begin to hit the alcohol bottle to avoid my own discomfort, pain, loneliness, and the number one reason-SCHOOL PROJECTS!!

Research, case studies, and reflective papers along with a video collage and presentation are due in the next couple of weeks.

As I continue to meet people in this journey of life, they are intrigued at the fact that I don’t have children and I’m not married. I turned 37 last month, on my way to 38. The idea of pursuing a doctoral degree fascinates people. “It’s no big thing,” I tell them. They will ask, “Why?” I will respond shrugging my shoulders, “Because I can.”

It’s a lonely road. My friends still wonder and ask, “Why are you doing this again? How much more awesome can you get?” I reply, “I didn’t know I was awesome!!!”

If you know me, it’s not about being awesome. I guess if you grew up seeing what I saw, experiencing what I’ve experienced, you would do the same. I guess if you weren’t married and had no children you would do the same. Oh wait....., we are cut from the same fabric!! Hello!?

All seriousness though, I’m doing it because…., I can.

I’m doing it for the girl who at age 13 found out she was pregnant and dropped out of school.

I’m doing it for the girl who joined a gang for emotional support and was never let out without fearing for her life.

I’m doing it for the girl who was put into foster care at an early age and the system failed her.

I’m doing it for the girl who all she ever wanted was to get married and have children and found out it’s not as fulfilling as she thought it was going to be.

I’m doing it for the girl who was drugged, raped, and left to die.

I’m doing it for the girl who all she wanted was to live her dreams.

I’m doing it for the girl who came to this country at age 2 and is still un-documented and can’t continue her education.

I’m doing it for the girl who goes to school everyday with the desire to learn and be a better student, sister, daughter, mother, friend, and neighbor.

I’m doing it because I can. Because I have a critical mind, I have my health, I am conscious and mobile.

So enough of this and it’s time to get cracking with these papers and projects. There are a whole lot of “mija’s” I’m doing this for and I surely don’t want to disappoint.

PEACE and GOD BLESS!!