Ep. 137: Dr. Ayeesha Hankins on Self-Trust and Finding Your Best Fit
Ph.D. in Educational Psychology University of North Carolina GreensboroDr. Ayeesha Hankins
Today’s guest, Dr. Ayeesha Hankins, obtained her PhD in educational psychology from the University of Carolina. Tune in to hear her thoughts on how to interpret and process a doctoral application rejection, what it was like to finish a doctoral degree in three years due to funding constraints, and navigating the challenge of not having clear research interests while you’re pursuing doctoral studies. You’ll also hear how Dr. Hankins used additional professional development resources during her degree to receive leadership and coaching certifications and how she uses them today to support Black women through the sensitive post-doctoral transition phase. Dr. Hankins speaks to the importance of finding the right fit between who you are and the environment where you will be pursuing your studies and shares how she was affected by not having a mentor to help her navigate her studies. Join us to hear about Dr. Hankins’ experience of navigating life whilst doing doctoral studies and how she has come to coach other women on the same journey!
Connect with Dr. Ayeesha Hankins on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.
Key Points From This Episode:
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Meet today’s guest, Dr. Ayeesha Hankins, and hear about her upbringing.
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Her transition into coaching after completing her PhD.
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How she got her PhD in educational psychology at the University of Carolina, Greensboro.
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Why she completed her doctoral studies within three years due to financial constraints.
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Her interest in educational psychology, which arose after being mentored by the Dean of Students and the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs.
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Why Dr. Hankins says she feels like the ‘most human woman’ to ever get a PhD.
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The story of how her application into the program was rejected because it wasn’t the right fit.
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Highlights from University of Carolina: training as a life coach and finding her research topic.
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Her dissertation topic on navigating the first year of studying and how efficacy is cultivated in the classroom.
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The immediate, practical implications of her research.
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The implications of not having a mentor during and what she would have done differently: communicated her expectations clearly and advocated for herself.
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How life is happening in full effect during the course of your studies.
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What it was like to navigate a grief journey while pursuing her doctoral studies.
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Holding space for the life transitions and identity work that happen during doctoral studies.
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The agency necessary to create the life and career that you want.
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How she came to connect with Black women PhD holders: the work, in many ways, chose her.
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What she loves about her role: helping women to use their expertise in an open, creative, honest way to improve the quality of their lives.
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Advice for others struggling to get through: trust yourself!
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The Cohort Sistas Podcast brings to life the stories, struggles, and successes of Black women with doctoral degrees and their lives beyond the degree. If you are a Black woman interested in joining the Cohort Sistas community, sign up to do so here, and if you are looking for more information on how to support or partner with Cohort Sistas, please visit our partnerships page. Find us on Twitter and Instagram, and don’t forget to follow The Cohort Sistas Podcast, rate the show, and leave us a quick review.
