I have successfully completed all three - a senior paper in undergrad, capstones in grad school, and my doctoral dissertation. As a former foster child, it took a while for me find my rhythm with writing. When I graduated high school, I was honored with an Academic Improvement Award from President Bill Clinton. That's heavy on "improvement," because I'm serious - it took some time!

 

As my love for research and writing developed, I fine-tuned various writing styles for different contexts. For example, what you are now reading is more conversational in tone. My writings for academic or business purposes reflect the standards that are expected by evaluators and readers alike. Understanding formatting requirements, developing sentences that are not wordy or complicated, and "connecting the dots" between main points are just the tip of the iceberg when writing for academia. Effectively utilizing digital databases and research tools for data collection and  for Making sense of data and presenting meaning where others may have not takes a special attention to detail. When once I found writing to be a drag, I improved, and it became one of my favorite things! ​

​

Now, I do not expect everyone to fall in love with academic writing. But, I do expect a curiosity and ambition. Or, a sense of purpose, if you will, that guides your research. It will get tough at times - emotionally, intellectually, and even physically. But the payoff is worth it! What keeps you in the fight is purpose. Understanding that your study will contribute to a greater body of research in the field and practice of your chosen area of concentration is inspiring! Keep that vision before you and make the shift from ABD (all but dissertation) to Ph.D. When you do, you'll be able to reflect on your improvements. Earning your doctorate is a major accomplishment, but it is the journey to being hooded that shows what you are truly made of - the stuff that makes a former foster child a scholar! You've got this, and I'm here to help.

​

 - Dr. Ivey