16 Comments
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Sarah Powley's avatar

Bravo! What a story! Never give in, never give up! That’s my takeaway! Thanks for sharing this inspiring story, Brenda!

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Brenda J's avatar

Hey Sarah, great hearing from you! I am happy to share my cousin's journey. I told her, she does the hard work and I'll write about it. (Ha Ha)

Hope you're doing well and continuing to inspire teachers everywhere.

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Patty P. McGillicutty's avatar

That's so inspiring! I've tried twice to get a PhD and both times had my journey interupted with a debilitating physical surprise. perhaps I'll try it again with this encouragement! You always have stories that make us think and be inspired!

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Brenda J's avatar

I am excited you found this post inspiring. The third time may be the charm for your Ph.D. if that is the path you choose to take. The world is your oyster.

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Jan Haag's avatar

My mortarboard (me, with just my master's degree) is off to Dr. De! Bravo for completing that Ph.D. only nine years after finishing her bachelor's degree at age 55. A woman of determination and substance, for sure! (As are you, dear Brenda!)

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Brenda J's avatar

I love being able to tell my cousin's story. She is as much of an introvert as I am an extrovert! She does the hard work and I share it. What a deal.

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Sandy Beck's avatar

What an inspiring story and amazing family! It's never too late to pursue your passion.

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Brenda J's avatar

Sandy, thank you for reading! You know me well enough to know that as long as we have breath in our bodies, we should pursue our dreams.

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Carol Dixon's avatar

Congratulations to Dr. De for being such an inspiration to others, just as you are!

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Brenda J's avatar

Thank you, from both of us. As I mentioned, Dr. De did the hard work---then I got to share the story.

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Suitor Karen's avatar

Kudos (!!!) to Dr. De Henderson for having the COURAGE to pursue her PhD in spite of her numerical age. I'm sure more than a few people asked her 'Why bother at this point in your life?' I wish I had had her courage and (especially) her motivation to get my PhD later in life! This was a very inspiring story.

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Lorraine Easley's avatar

Great post Brenda, especially the picture😊 I have no desire to go for a Masters even; but I feel the similar journey. I went back to college at age 50 to get another degree in Healthcare after losing my job and consulting ( temping!!) For a while. I am glad your cousin is encouraging others.

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Brenda J's avatar

Your going to school at 50 to keep yourself marketable is a story in itself. Since you're both in the Chicago area--you and Dr. De could give a masterclass on how to stay employable for 40-50-somethings.

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Holly Holt's avatar

I LOVE hearing stories of women who got advanced degrees at more “advanced” ages. So many people have told me that it would be a waste of money at my age because I’d never make enough ROI. Isn’t the return the education?

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Brenda J's avatar

Of course, the ROI is the knowledge, the people, and the experiences of the journey from my non-Ph.D. perspective. Dr. De offers an entire appendix on how to monetize the Ph.D. for those who want to do that. You will get to read about it because your name was pulled to have a signed copy of the book sent to you!! I'll send you a DM on substack so you can share your mailing address on my website: https://www.writingwithbrenda.com

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Brenda J's avatar

@HollyHoltWrites is our winner for a free signed copy of Resilience! Holly, I will reach out to you for your mailing address.

You can send it to me on my website: https://www.writingwithbrenda.com

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