As I embark on my PhD journey at Grand Canyon University, I find myself filled with emotions—excitement, anticipation, and a touch of trepidation. Transitioning from a graphic design, business, art direction, strategy, and psychology background has been a new and initially daunting terrain.

Building the Foundation

Fall 2023 – RES-815 and RES-820C

In Fall 2023, I began with RES-815 – Introduction to Research, an 8-week course pivotal in laying the groundwork for my research endeavors. This course not only introduced me to the rigorous research process but also equipped me with essential skills to navigate the vast landscape of academic literature. As someone unfamiliar with writing papers at this level, concepts like the 7th Edition APA format and academic writing standards posed significant challenges. However, these early hurdles sparked a deep learning process that reshaped my approach to academic work and scholarly discourse.

The following semester’s RES-820C – The Literature Landscape: Psychology further honed my research skills. Delving into the complexities of psychological literature, I learned how to critically analyze and synthesize information—an essential skill that would prove invaluable in shaping my research interests and methodologies.

Exploring Theoretical Foundations

Spring 2024 – PSY-810 and PSY-802

Spring 2024 brought a deeper exploration of the theoretical underpinnings of psychology. PSY-810 – History and Systems of Psychology provided a comprehensive overview of the evolution of psychological thought. While insightful, studying historical psychologists also brought frustration at times, particularly regarding the lack of methodological rigor in some foundational theories. However, this critical examination deepened my understanding of the field’s historical context and its implications for contemporary psychology.

PSY-802 – Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Theory offered a nuanced exploration of psychoanalytic perspectives. Despite initial skepticism, engaging with complex psychoanalytic theories expanded my appreciation for the diversity of psychological perspectives and their impact on clinical practice and research.

A significant turning point during this period was the support I received from my PSY-802 professor during office hours. Her guidance and encouragement were pivotal in refining my research focus and methodology, instilling in me a newfound confidence in navigating the academic challenges ahead.

Further Refinement

Summer 2024 – RES-831 and RES-832

Looking ahead to Summer 2024, I eagerly anticipated RES-831 – Foundations of Research Design 1 and RES-832 – Foundations of Research Design 2. RES-831 proved to be a transformative experience despite initial challenges. While my professor did not fully grasp my specific research focus on cognitive load, his guidance led me to discover the NASA-TLX as my chosen instrument of measurement—a crucial step forward in my study of cognitive processes.

Currently immersed in RES-832, I have encountered new challenges and growth opportunities. My professor has been instrumental in refining my study, pushing me to update my literature review with recent research (between 2022-2024). Initially daunting, this requirement prompted a deep dive into current literature, resulting in the discovery of six pivotal articles that illuminated the gap in my research problem space.

The Road Ahead

RSD-851 Residency: Dissertation

As of now, I have just started RSD-851 Residency: Dissertation, a pivotal phase in my PhD journey. Set in a hotel in Chandler for the entire week, this residency will immerse me in the process of developing my Prospectus—a blueprint for my dissertation. The format and structure of the residency remain uncertain; whether it will consist of full-day classes or breakout sessions for individual work is unclear. Despite the ambiguity, I approach this residency with an open mind and readiness to engage deeply in my research.

Looking further ahead, it is surreal to think that in just one more year, I will be starting my first dissertation class. This milestone will involve forming my committee and actively defending my prospectus to advance to the status of PhD candidate. It is a prospect that fills me with both excitement and a touch of apprehension. The journey so far has prepared me for this next step, and I am eager to continue learning, growing, and making meaningful contributions to my field.

Reflections and Gratitude

Reflecting on my first year, I am grateful for the opportunity to expand my horizons and contribute to the field of psychology in meaningful ways. Each challenge has been met with support from the faculty and has contributed to my personal and academic growth. The PhD journey is not just about mastering content but also about adapting to feedback, evolving perspectives, and embracing the uncertainties that come with academic exploration.

As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons learned and the excitement for what lies ahead. The challenges ahead are daunting, but they also represent opportunities for growth and the fulfillment of academic and personal aspirations. With each step, I am closer to realizing my goal of becoming a contributing scholar in psychology.