From Prada to PhD

I’ve been dreading writing this because:

a) Putting it out there makes it real (yikes!).

b) I’m still emotionally unprepared (double yikes!).

But it’s true — I’m officially a PhD student!

It’s something that’s been lingering in the back of my mind for a while — like that one item in your online shopping cart you never actually check out. I always saw it as "something I could do someday," but never thought I’d actually click “Submit Application.”

I liked working in the industry, I loved my coworkers, and, of course, I was deeply committed to my monthly relationship with that sweet, sweet paycheck. 

But apparently, I decided to trade spreadsheets for research papers, and now here I am: a 30-year-old PhD student, working part-time at the university for minimum wage — living the dream! (Right?)

Do I ever ask myself if this was the right decision? Every. Single. Day. IS IT REALLY WORTH IT?!

Honestly... I have no idea. But stay tuned — this academic rollercoaster is just getting started.