I have enough cognitive capacity to accomplish nearly three degrees (BS, MA, and now a PhD candidate), yet I have always found myself to be an average student with feelings of inadequacies surrounding my field of study. I compare myself to many of my colleagues and peers, and even if I am passionate about my chosen discipline, I have to admit that academic rigor and excellence has never been one of my strengths. I love learning, and I believe that I'm a non-traditional learner. For instance in the area of psychology, my strength is in clinical applications more than theoretical analysis and discourse, and my epistemological style is through practice and applications. My research and orals, though evidence-based and clearly articulated, are presented in the most simple fashion, which sometimes seem to lack academic sophistication. I'm concerned that I will complete my dissertation and end up feeling that I have not learned or gained much knowledge from my doctoral program. I can relate to MChan's and Uranio's situations as well, and these concerns almost led me to withdrawing three years ago, but I'm continuing to persevere because of my passion to educate and inspire others someday, and this is what I remind myself when the self-sabotaging thoughts come up. It's challenging. Good luck to all.

I have a bachelor's degree in business, a master's in counseling psychology, and a doctoral candidate in philosophy (non-clinical, spiritual counseling psychology). Clearly, I have enough cognitive capacity to accomplish nearly three degrees, yet I have always found myself to be an average student with feelings of inadequacies surrounding my field of study. I compare myself to many of my colleagues and peers, and even if I am passionate about my chosen discipline, I have to admit that academic rigor and excellence has never been one of my strengths. I love learning, and I believe that I'm a non-traditional learner. For instance in the area of psychology, my strength is in clinical applications more than theoretical analysis/discourse, and my epistemological style is through practice and applications. My research and orals, though evidence-based and clearly articulated, are presented in the most simple fashion, which sometimes seem to lack academic sophistication. Am i the only one who is having these types of experiences? I'm concerned that I will complete my dissertation (on culture, religion, and sexual identity) and feel that I have not learned or gained much from my doctoral program. These concerns almost led me to withdrawing three years ago, but I'm continuing to persevere because of my passion to educate and inspire others someday. I would love to hear from others with similar experiences, as well as feedback and supportive comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.