Describe your personal, educational, and professional experiences and how they informed your decision to pursue a graduate degree.
I have to say it was my parents belief in me and education that really allowed me to dream big. Throughout my whole undergraduate career I encountered one Latina professor and she taught Anthropology courses. My university had become a HSI, but had very little Latinos teaching. It really solidified that I wanted to have my PhD, to be able to give back to other Latinas like me.
What challenges did you encounter along your educational trajectory? How did you overcome those challenges?
My biggest challenge was just not having anyone that I could ask for help. And not that there weren’t advisors, professors, or other students. But others that came from my same background. It’s hard to explain your family expectations to people that just don’t quite understand what it means to be Mexican. It’s like trying to explain to family why you want to keep going to school and get your PhD. It leaves you feeling like an alien with no one like you. That understands you, all of you. I overcame this challenge by getting close with two other Latinas in my cohort, focused on my own path, and a facebook group with Latinas pursuing PhDs also helped.
What advice do you have for individuals who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree?
My advice to others, especially Latinas, interested in pursuing degrees is to do your own thing. Get “advice” from others but ultimately do what works for you. Follow your intuition. When I started my program, my professors told us not to do any big life transitions during this time and to me that is just silly. We can’t put our lives on hold for a piece of paper. I did everything they told us not to do, that it would stop us from finishing. I got married, had two babies, switched jobs and got a promotion. And I still finished in 5 years! So, yes you can do it all. It is not about sacrificing everything for your degree but about learning to balance it all to get through it.
What did you enjoy most about your graduate/professional program?
What I enjoyed most about my degree program was transformational learning, and doing the research. I got to interview Latinas in higher executive roles; I was able to get an intimate look at their career development and share valuable skills/strategies with other Latinas on how to make it to the “top.”
Dr. Norma S. Reyes is a motivational speaker, writer, and coach. Her biggest passion is helping others overcome their fears and create a career they love.
