As a retired Air Force Colonel, I was accustomed to setting and meeting goals that led to success and personal achievement. Achieving my doctorate degree was one of my life-long goals. Yet, I soon learned that this goal was like no other. Too often peers and associates, though encouraging, could not understand the colossal task I had set for myself. I needed support from others who were marching down the same path, but I had no idea where to find them. Then, a dear friend sent me to SisterMentors’ website and it was exactly what I was looking forà¢â‚¬¦and more!
During my first meeting with Dr. Lewis, I knew I had found a great group of women of color at all stages of their dissertation journey. All were striving to surmount the challenges of writing and defending their dissertations. On my good days, Dr. Lewis was constantly inspirational, but on my bad days, she was remarkable in providing me tremendous support.
The added bonus was the opportunity to “pay it forward” by mentoring young girls of color and helping them stay on track academically. This was the most fulfilling experience of all since I learned as much from them as they learned from me. I don’t believe in fate or luck. Yet, from this day forward, the number 33 will be an important number for me, because I am the 33rd woman that SisterMentors has mentored through the dissertation.
I am proud to say that today I am a Doctor of Management and that SisterMentors played an essential role in supporting me during my journey of a lifetime!
