#DoctoralSwag
Hello Fellow Scholars!
I come to you from my own sweet, southern slice of Heaven, North Carolina. My name is Leslie Locklear and I am a first year doctoral student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
This past weekend I had the honor and priviledge to attend The 21st Institute on Teaching and Mentoring in Atlanta, Georgia. As the LARGEST gathering of minority doctoral students, I had the distinct pleasure to sit in a room or nearly 1,200 scholars. It was truly remarkable.
Let me be frank. As a first year doctoral student I have absolutely no idea what I want to research or study. Most of the time I feel like I am swimming against the current in a world that does not always appreciate my brown skin, my southern accent or my lack of doctoral swagger. However, this conference gave me information that is not only helpful to my success as a student and future faculty member in academic but ESSENTIAL.
I was able to hear various presentations from people of color who have successfully navigated the world of PhD programs and are employed at various universities across the country. I was able to probe their intelligence, ask the tough questions and gain insight into their success.
I came to Atlanta confused about my role in academia and quote honestly, feeling very out of place as a woman of color in academia. This institute not only gave me techniques to navigate these feelings but assured me that I BELONG.
Alumni, if you are considering a doctoral program or a future in academia, you want to make sure to attend this conference next year!
I have TONS of information, notes, and files that I would love to share with those interested.
Until next time,
Go ye forth and FLOURISH.
-Leslie Locklear
Personal Website
Email: [email protected]