Second Year Slump?

I know just enough to be disgruntled, but not enough to be dangerous.

I have started of the second year of my doctoral program with less enthusiasm than I had hoped for.  It took me several weeks to get to the bottom of what the reasons might be.  Here are the conclusions I have arrived at:

1. I am far enough into the program to feel proud of my progress, but have too much remaining to get overly excited.  This is just a reminder to keep my head down, and keep pushing forward until the light at the end of the graduation tunnel is closer.  Only two more years to go.
2. I have learned a great deal about how to be critical of many things: written materials, my own writing, the writing of others, processes, organizational structures, systemic privilege, APA, in addition to others, yet I do not feel as though I know enough to yet make positive change.  This point was articulated, perhaps ignited, by one of my professors today who was discussing keys to social justice training.  Her comments included the necessity to equip persons who are becoming aware of prejudice and privilege to also be equipped with tools to be an advocate and igniter of social change (Broido, 2012).   The advocacy tools are key to a person not getting bogged down in the disparity of privilege and challenging social structures.  While, I do not admit that the emotional realizations of doctoral study are nearly as emotionally salient as those of social justice training I do feel like the processing is similar.  I too need to continue to dive into my course materials and additional readings to further equip myself as a change agent on behalf of the higher education issues, and opportunities the academic opportunities afforded to me have uncovered.
3. On a personal note, I have slipped from my exercise regiment more than I would like to have.  That too is likely contributing to this hiccup and is a reminder to keep to my personal commitments.

By the end of this program I hope that my words are reversed, and that I “know enough to be dangerous and know better than to be disgruntled.”  In this sense I can be an active participant in change, and use that perspective to remain more optimistic that I am currently.

Remember that what lies ahead might be a challenge but it is worth every minute.