Faith Failure and a Ph.D.

<p>At its core this book is a testament to perseverance faith and resilience. It chronicles the challenges of pursuing higher education as a thirty-year-old nontraditional student wife and mother facing obstacles that could have easily derailed the journey. Through exhaustion self-doubt and uncertainty I refused to give up drawing strength from my faith and the unwavering support of my family. After multiple failed attempts I made one final push to return to college seeking readmission to Angelo State University following a previous suspension. The process required reference letters and a personal appeal but in the fall of 2011 I was accepted under the fresh start program allowing me to begin again. Though past failures weighed heavily on me I was determined to prove that I was capable.</p><p></p><p>A pivotal meeting with an academic counselor reshaped my mindset. When she pointed out that my projected grades could earn me a spot on the dean's list it sparked a newfound confidence. With a clear goal I pushed myself harder than ever before determined to succeed. That semester I achieved my goal proving that I was more than my past setbacks.</p><p></p><p>While balancing teaching and motherhood I pursued a master's degree in curriculum and instruction maintaining a rigorous schedule and reaffirming my commitment to academic excellence. Determined to go further I applied to Texas Tech University's doctoral program.</p><p></p><p>The journey to earning my PhD was the most challenging testing both my resilience and faith in ways I never imagined. Yet by the grace of God I persevered overcoming every obstacle that stood in my way.</p>