I have a sign in my kitchen that says:
Be bold. Be light. Be italic. But never regular.
If you know me at all, you know that “regular” is not in my vocabulary. This is probably why I am excited to make the following announcement:
Today, I officially begin my adventure as a doctoral candidate in Georgetown University’s Doctor of Liberal Studies program.
You are probably thinking that this seems like a non-sequitor for someone with degrees in computer science and electronic media, who spent the first 20 years of her career as a programmer. You are not wrong. This goes back to “regular” not being in my vocabulary. While my love of nerding out and coding is strong, I also love writing, going down curiousity rabbitholes, and creating new things. (This happens to be why I also have an art degree.)
My plan is to study the intersection of accessibilty and AI, the former of which I have had quite a bit of experience in over the last decade or so. While the field of AI is new, it is utterly fascinating. The use of emerging technology to make information and tasks more usable (and — ahem — accessible) is not a new concept, and that history (and its present) is something I want to explore. I am so excited to see where that research takes me.
Going back to school someday was always my plan, but right now being that “someday” arguably seems like an odd choice. My daughter is still pretty young — definitely too young to stay home alone while I am in class. (Thank goodness for good sitters.) If that were not enough, this semester comes right on the heels of saying goodbye to my mom, who lost her fight with lung cancer and COPD this summer. (PSA: Don’t smoke.)
I have been thinking about my mom a lot lately, especially as I begin this new chapter. Among the chaos that is my life right now, starting a 7-year academic program is exciting, but also scary and borderline ridiculous. My mom called me “crazy” (her word) when I told her I was accepted, but I know she was also deeply proud of me. The choice go back to school in this moment was fueled by enthusiasm (and, let’s get real, stubbornness). Besides, life is an adventure regardless — or perhaps because of — timing. Irregular me can’t argue with that.
So, here’s to my first day of school. May it be as enlightening and inspiring as hope it will be. Wish me luck!
