If you asked me ten years ago where I would be in 2018, my answer would be vastly different from my life now. I did not have plans to pursue a doctorate degree at all. My plan was to graduate with my Master of Library Science and work as an academic librarian for the rest of my working life. As we all know, life happens and things change. While I loved my job as a librarian, I wanted more. I wanted to make a greater impact. I wanted to leave higher education in a better place than when I entered it as an undergraduate 12 years ago. I wanted to be a leader. In addition to my changing hopes and dreams, I met a fellow librarian, who felt the same way. So, in 2015, we took a leap of faith together. I did not know what to expect. I did not think my life would change so drastically. However, on that faithful day in July 2015, I met the people who would become my best friends and biggest advocates. I met my cohort family. As we started this doctoral program together, we started to bond. We developed inside jokes as well as trust. We grew to love each other while we grew as leaders. Not only did I meet my cohort family, I also met the most caring faculty that I’ve ever known. They sincerely want you to succeed and they put in as much work as you do to help make it happen. I’m so thankful for the wonderful people that this program has placed in my life. I thank God every day for granting me this opportunity.

This choice has not been easy though, as it may sound so far. I have had my share of ups and downs, late nights, and tears. I’ve had to make sacrifices along the way. While I was abroad in Austria for the program’s residency requirement, my grandfather passed away. In my grief, I never felt alone; my cohort (and the 2014 cohort) surrounded me with so much love and support. They helped me through such a difficult time, and I was able to complete the residency and course requirements during a time of great stress. I had never known this amount of support before. Despite everything, after three years in the program, I can honestly say that the leap of faith I took in 2015 has resulted in my greatest adventure yet. This program challenged me to break out of my shell and show the world what I have to offer. I have pushed myself beyond what I thought I was capable of doing so many times throughout the years. I do not think I would have the confidence that I have today if it was not for this doctoral program. And, my adventure is not over. I still have another year of growth, learning, creating, and contributing to the field. I look forward to what the future holds.

So, if you’re on the fence about this decision, I hope my testimony helps you make a choice. I have no regrets about my choice, as I honestly believe that in pursuing a doctorate degree from Hardin-Simmons University, I have improved my entire being—mind, body, and soul. My advice is to open your heart to God’s call and make a difference in your life, as well as others’ lives. Take the chance and invest in your future. If you make the choice to join HSU, I promise it will be the greatest adventure of your life that you will not have to make alone.

Christy Tabors, MLS

Doctoral Student, Doctorate in Leadership

Hardin-Simmons University