Against All Odds (and deadlines):

BECOMING DR. REEDY

Doctor of Education in Policy, Organization and Leadership

with a concentration in Diversity and Equity in Education

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

2025

My dissertation consisted of five chapters: (1) Introduction, (2) Literature Review, (3) Methodology, (4) Results, and (5) Conclusion. I completed these chapters in the following order: 2, 3, 1, 4, and 5, which proved to be the most logical approach (in my opinion) for my research. The most challenging chapters for me were Chapters 3 and 4, as the accurate application of the methodology is essential to guiding and validating the research process. I used the phenomenological methodology to explore the essence of the phenomenon, adultification. My research was supported by Life Course Theory, intersectionality, and Black Feminist Theory. These theoretical frameworks allowed for a comprehensive and nuanced analysis rather than a singular interpretation.

The dissertation process extends far beyond writing an academic paper. It involves conducting original research that contributes new knowledge to the field of education. This process requires identifying and investigating a research topic, conducting interviews, and systematically analyzing qualitative data. I worked on one chapter at a time and aimed to write or research every other day whenever possible. Even while on vacation, I continued reading and annotating articles through my Kindle app. Each chapter underwent multiple rounds of revision under the guidance of my dissertation chair, Dr. Pak, my hooder during the ceremony. While this process was lengthy (with almost 200 references) and occasionally discouraging, it strengthened the quality of my work.

By December 2024, I had completed a rough draft of my dissertation but there was a ton of refinement left to do. Initially planning to graduate in Spring 2025, I realized scheduling conflicts with Bryson’s graduation would prevent me from attending both ceremonies. As a result, I made the decision to delay graduation until December. During a four-month break, I stepped away from academic work and reconnected with personal interests. I started a book series by Sarah Maas. I started sewing and needlepoint again. I even started converting our back patio to a screened in porch. This pause was both restorative and necessary.

In late spring, I returned to my dissertation with renewed focus. On September 9th, I received the email I had been waiting for: “Elese, you’re ready to defend.” I had two weeks to finalize my dissertation and submit it to my committee. Once submitted, the final defense was scheduled for October 10th, requiring the preparation of a comprehensive presentation detailing all aspects of my research.  On the day of my defense, I logged into Zoom early while my committee met privately. I presented my research for approximately 30 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer session lasting about 45 minutes. After deliberation, I received my answer. I passed! But, I was still not quite finished.

Following the defense, I used the committee’s recommendations to make the final revisions, and I submitted a draft for a final format check. After formatting corrections and the final approval from Dr. Pak, I submitted my dissertation for deposit. About 2 weeks later, on November 19th at 11:22 a.m., my dissertation was officially deposited. FINALLY FinishEdD! Less than a month later, I attended my hooding ceremony, marking the completion of this journey.

My research, titled The Realities of the Black Schoolgirl: The Implications of Adultification Bias in K–12 Schools, examined the lived experiences of Black girls and the long-term implications of adultification bias. Here’s the abstract:

Adultification bias, a racial prejudice, views Black girls as older and more mature than their biological age. Compared to their peers, Black girls are criminalized, sexualized, and dehumanized in an environment expected to provide emotional, physical, and social support- the K-12 school system.  Adultified Black girls become Black women still plagued with the lasting effects of their inequitable K-12 educational experiences.  Yet, existing literature has not fully explored how the effects of adultification bias alters a Black girl’s life course.

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to determine how and in what ways Black girl adultification influences Black women’s personal and professional experiences and the identifying factors that alter their life course. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 professional Black women. The interview data was analyzed using the hermeneutic circle and the constant comparative method. During analysis, three major themes emerged: Black girls experience adultification bias which leads to unfair punishments and sexual assumptions; Lack of diversity and equity in K-12 education contributes to differing support for Black girls; Black women, who were adultified as children, suffer long-term consequences of adultification bias. These results can inform child-serving systems, like K-12 schools, of the consequences of this bias. Understanding and addressing adultification bias helps to tackle racial disparities to create a more equitable educational system for Black girls and a positive influence on life course trajectories for Black women.

So, what’s next?

I currently teach Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses to students across three high schools who are pursuing careers in education. Beginning in January, I will also join a community college as an instructor in the Early Childhood Education program. In addition to my teaching roles, I plan to devote increased attention to my nonprofit organization, SHE Elite. And perhaps, I'll take the Praxis for principalship. 

At present, I am intentionally taking time to rest and recharge. I am nearing the completion of the Sarah Maas series, beginning a sewing project, finishing updates to my back porch, learning Spanish through Babbel, and started a 10-day countdown to my next vacation.

I appreciate everyone who has supported me on this journey, even those who were unaware yet provided a much-needed distraction. In addition,  thank you to the 20 family and friends who joined me (and braved the snow) in Champaign and Chicago for my hooding ceremony.

Sincerely... and with Love,

Dr. Reedy

Reedy, P. E. (2025). Against all odds (and deadlines): Becoming Dr. Reedy. Journal of Minded My Business & Finished, 1(1), 1–∞.