Reflection - The Journey

Thinking back on the entire PhD journey from the beginning, reviewing the program, I met some extraordinary ladies from the LTEC department for a UNT day. I inquired after I contacted the office and found out that Dr. Poirot was part of the department. I talked to them about how he was my first computer science instructor. I believe Dr. Norris was the administrator assistant working in the department, and she still looks the same. Now, 40-plus years later, who would have thought this little African American black kid who grew up in 3rd ward first in the government homes at the time across from TSU, then moved up down the streets at the Attucks apartments right across from Jack Yates high school. All I can say is what a miracle for the first Smith child from the Head Start program to a doctoral program at the University of North Texas.

I am more ready than ever to embark on this dissertation journey. One good thing is that I will be focused and able to do my due diligence properly, read through more in-depth articles, synthesize, and ensure I have it narrowed enough to make logical sense while adding value to the educational sector in this area. I want to narrow down the theoretical frameworks. I believe it is so important to have multiple strategies or approaches that will take deep dives into the research and be able to highlight some strategies, interventions, and critical findings that could have an impact on the area of the study.

I believe the very first class until now has prepared me for the dissertation. I‘ve learned about research, methods, various research designs, data collection, and the different data analyses for producing data visualization to give the research results and findings. Understanding the research framework is one of the most significant factors that helped me learn about research. I believe it is essential to understand research fundamentals. You may not always expect the results you are looking for, but you should keep a growth mindset. It helps you plan and execute your research and analyze and interpret the results. I had phenomenal professors in the program and always enjoyed learning more about them and their gifts and abilities in the educational field. The talent of the professors we have at UNT is awe-inspiring. Another surprising factor on this journey is the closeness of our cohort. Each of us has had some life challenges but was able to hang in despite it being challenging. Our cohort 2025 will support you, and they are very outspoken. I love it. It was great learning from everyone.

When I walk across that stage to receive that degree, it will be an emotional congratulations. I hoped my dad would hang on enough to see his daughter receive the doctoral degree. He is one reason I was in the program; he always told me to be confident and stand up for faith, values, and principles. He said it does not matter where you came from. It is where you go in life and walk in your God-given purpose. I was like, I am good. I went to Theology and Seminary and then got a Master’s from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and then it was God who said now walk through the door. I was like, no, more school, and then I straightened up and got with the program. It was the best decision.

There was much innovation inside of me that I did not know, and I just wanted to help the little ones read with understanding and fluency. Reading can open you up to a world of possibilities. What will I do next? First, I will take a good vacation and reflect on this journey and what the Lord wants me to do. I want to teach at the university or the community college in AI, project management, business, or big data and learning analytics. I will also keep my product innovation where it can be an asset to help others read better. I believe the sky is the limit, but I will take my chance and talk to God about the next move.