Conquering Chaos: Critical Reflections of Beginning Doctoral Education in 2020

Authors

Keywords:

COVID-19 pandemic, doctoral education, social work, collaborative autoethnography

Abstract

In a time of the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, and the tumultuous 2020 presidential election, our first-year PhD cohort reflects on beginning doctoral education. This collaborative autoethnography provides insight into our lived experiences during this time. Three major themes identified include: (1) unprecedented socio-cultural, economic, and political national context; (2) interpersonal connections with students and faculty; and (3) strategies to overcome challenges. Strategies include staying connected virtually, making the most of face-to-face time, meeting with professors during office hours, normalizing feelings of uncertainty, and asking for help. Implications for students and faculty are discussed in the forms of consistent and transparent communication. Ultimately, it is our hope that the critical reflections shared will be able to assist students and faculty in gaining insight into overcoming challenges in times of uncertainty beyond these specific events.

Author Biographies

Jana L. Woodiwiss, University of Georgia

Jana L. Woodiwiss, LMSW is PhD Candidate, School of Social Work, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (jlw70925@uga.edu).

Brian D. Graves, University of Georgia

Brian D. Graves, MS is PhD Candidate, School of Social Work, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (bgraves3@uga.edu).

Jennie Pless, University of Georgia

Jennie Pless, LMSW is PhD Candidate, School of Social Work, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (jennie.pless@uga.edu).

Fahmida Afroz, University of Georgia

Fahmida Afroz, MSW is PhD Candidate, School of Social Work, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (fahmida@uga.edu).

Kasandra Dodd, University of Georgia

Kasandra Dodd, LICSW is PhD Candidate, School of Social Work, University of Georgia, Athens, GA (kasandra.dodd@uga.edu).

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Published

2023-11-29

How to Cite

Woodiwiss, J. L., Graves, B. D., Pless, J., Afroz, F., & Dodd, K. (2023). Conquering Chaos: Critical Reflections of Beginning Doctoral Education in 2020. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 29(3), 97–110. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/2010

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