Acknowledgments: How I Survived Becoming A Doctor
- Kae Edgcomb, OTD
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
Acknowledgments
I am deeply grateful to the Division of Social Sciences faculty at McKendree University for their support and inspiration, and a momentous thank you to Dr. Robyn Swink for taking me on as a mentee. Their guidance has shaped my growth as a researcher and doctoral student. Seriously, my confidence to pursue postgraduate work is because of you all.
The faculty at SIU Carbondale made it all possible. Huge shoutout to Dr. Christine Watt, for supporting our ambitious capstone ideas and managing to ease my anxiety— a real superpower! Dr. Kim Parr once said my OTD program inquiry was among her first times referring to herself “Dr. Parr;” introducing myself as “Dr. Edgcomb” will be full-circle—cue the confetti. “It’s been a long time coming.” 1
Thank you for all the video messages and chats from Stevie and Akari. Despite the miles between us, their unwavering support and contributions helped me survive graduate school. Their academic expertise provided insight and motivation, and their support was invaluable— seriously helped me thorough a few breakdowns! “Left all these broken parts”1 but “I’m doin’ better than I ever was.”1 To Eve ILL and my roller derby network, you helped me find joy and regain my bearings. We skated through all the chaos. “You drew stars around my scars.”1 My cohort besties, Heather & Michelle: Through it all, we made it together. “Long live all the magic we made/ and bring on all the pretenders/ One day, we will be remembered.”1
Finally, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my parents. No matter which path I chose, their belief in my ability to stay the course has been a constant source of strength. Their love and encouragement have kept me going, always serving as the anchor in my life’s storms.
And if I forgot to say your name when I walked up to the podium1, just know—it was probably the ADHD, because, and let’s be real, I definitely will forget something.
These are all direct references to Taylor Swift lyrics or quotes. Go do the thing here.
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