I was in line with the colleagues and friends I had made through the program. Someone somewhere told us to begin walking. In the distance, I could just make out Pomp and Circumstance. The moment I walked through the door, it became real. Suddenly, I became emotional. This was the end of the journey, the moment I had dreamed about and worked tremendously hard to realize. Or, perhaps, it’s just the beginning – the beginning of a new journey…a journey that will lead to new dreams and new places.
As the Dean placed the doctoral hood over my head to welcome me into the academy, I realized I was part of the next generation of doctors eager to take on the world.
Only 1% of the people in the United States can call themselves doctors.
Academics, researchers, experts, and scientists – we come from many different places and are headed out to even more. The one thing we have in common is that none of us reached this destination alone. My doctorate is a significant accomplishment, but it is not mine alone. It would not have been realized without those who have gone before me, walked alongside me, and will follow after me on this journey.
I dedicate my work to …
My Dissertation Chair, Dr. Jeffrey Lee – the scholarly expert whose advice, support and expertise consistently challenged me and made me better; beyond that, he provided vision for the future I couldn’t always see.
My Dissertation Committee, Dr. Andrew Barton and Dr. Cheryl Marie Osborne Hansberger – the support team whose gentle guidance was consistent and always available.
My Cohort Sisters, Dr. Tess Breen and Sister Dr. Mary Amanda Nwagbo – the women who traveled alongside me during this journey and provided strength, drive, fun, and maybe a glass of wine or two, along the way. You truly are my sisters.
My Grammy, Esther Tune – a woman so far ahead of her time she couldn’t see the impact she would have on those who followed after her. I will always be indebted to her for my strength, my resolve, and my endless quest to know more.
My Mom, Jean Davidson – the woman who taught me I could do whatever I set my heart to and the future was a wide-open door.
My Grandchildren, Allison, Kara, Nicholas, Kyle, and Joseph – the joy of my life and the future that drives my legacy. Each of you is strong, brave, and full of potential to impact the world. Nana loves you all.
My Family, Peter, Ashley, Erin, LJ, and Joseph – the ones who keep me grounded and help me remember who I am is just as important as who I want to be. It is my joy and pleasure to watch you journey through life. I am so very proud of each of you.
And, finally, my Husband, Nick Karavedas – the man who has loved and supported me unconditionally for over 37 years. Without your willingness to sacrifice your own needs and desires for mine, I would not be Dr. Karavedas. I love you more than you know.