05/09/2026
One year ago today, I walked across the stage and earned my Doctorate in Education from Grambling State University. 🎓✨
And honestly… it still feels surreal sometimes.
This time last year, I was closing a chapter that had shaped almost my entire life. From elementary school all the way to the doctoral level, all I ever knew was studying, research, writing papers, discussion boards, deadlines, stress, sacrifice, and late nights trying to make it all make sense.
So this past year has felt strange in a way because for the first time in my life… I wasn’t a student anymore.
There were moments where I caught myself feeling like I should be researching something, writing something, studying something. Academia became a part of who I am. Knowledge became a part of who I am. And honestly, that passion never left me because I’ve already started developing another research topic and preparing to conduct another study.
But whew… this doctoral journey was not easy.
There were tears.
There was burnout.
There were moments I wanted to quit.
Moments where I questioned myself.
Moments where I was mentally exhausted trying to balance life, work, and a dissertation that felt never-ending.
People celebrate the degree, but they don’t always see the isolation, pressure, sacrifices, and emotional toll that comes with earning it. Writing a dissertation alone is enough to make you question your sanity a few times.
I used to feel awkward correcting people when they called me “Miss” instead of “Doctor.” I’ve always been humble by nature. But one elder in my field told me something that stayed with me:
“No, we’re going to address you properly. You worked hard for this.”
And they were right.
So today, I celebrate not just the title, but the journey, the growth, the resilience, and the woman I became while earning it.
Cheers to one year of walking in purpose, authority, and everything I prayed for when I was up late writing that dissertation.
Dr. Shonice J. Maxey, Ed.D. 🤍
