It's almost time for school to start! This Wednesday, my colleagues and I participated in our annual faculty and staff retreat as a way to prepare for another academic year. During an activity called "connecting", we were asked to write down our biggest decision during the past three years.
Among the decisions that I made in the past three years, what has been the biggest? The answer is to earn a doctorate degree. Even though I could have stayed as an assistant teaching professor forever, I decided to take on new challenges for my future.
"How did you make that decision?" you may ask. I actually had two options, that were both not too bad. If I chose not to earn a doctorate degree, I would only be required to teach four courses per semester. My life could have been much more enjoyable. On the other hand, I would need to teach four courses while also taking two additional courses, writing papers, and preparing for exams, if I chose to devote myself to the Ph.D. journey. I will, however, have a more secure position with a higher salary. What matters most is the honor that cannot be turned down.
My secret is to ask myself: "Why now? Why me?"
1. Why now? Couldn't I make my decision later?
Before obtaining the teaching position, I was in charge of our China programs for several years. My colleagues had been encouraging me to earn a doctorate since 2013. I wasn't uninterested in research, but my work required a substantial amount of time (nearly 24/7) so I couldn't afford to be distracted. I couldn't focus on research if I had to travel all the time. I couldn't make the decision at that moment. However, after stepping down from that position in 2017, I became a full-time instructor. As my responsibilities started to diminish, I realized now it was the perfect time to pursue my doctorate degree.
Decision-making should be simple. If you're having trouble making one, it's not the right time for you to make a decision. Take your time.
2. Why me? Is the decision mine to make?
Please don't get me wrong. I am not saying that we should rely on others to make decisions for us. When we have to make a decision right now, we can always get advice from a wise friend or mentor. But here I really mean, going with the flow.
As mentioned above, I decided to pursue my doctorate in 2017. At that time, faculty were strongly encouraged to pursue their terminal degrees. The goal was to improve the quality of the faculty and increase the university's research capabilities. In addition, the provost granted financial assistance to these faculty members. The trend, as you can see, has been toward requiring terminal degrees for all professors. Thus, I took advantage of the situation and made this decision with ease.
Throughout our lives, we all need to make some big decisions. When you do not know how, please try to ask yourself, "Why now, and why me?" I hope it helps!
Best regards
Fang