My journey to becoming a doctor has been a marathon of resilience. I balanced my roles as an educator, a leader, and a mother while pushing the boundaries of my own potential. This path was never just about a title; it was about proving what is possible for students labeled “at-risk,” like myself.
A significant turning point came in November 2024, when I lost partial vision in my right eye. It was a frightening physical hurdle that made the simplest tasks – reading research, writing my dissertation, and navigating daily life – immensely difficult. Yet, I refused to let it stall my progress. I continued forward, adapting to a new way of seeing the world while keeping my focus on the finish line.
Beyond the physical challenges, this journey was a period of profound internal transformation. Having attended PWIs for both my undergraduate and master’s degrees, coming to an HBCU for my doctoral work at Prairie View A&M changed my entire perspective. For the first time, I wasn’t just a face in the crowd; I was part of a legacy. Being immersed in the African American experience in such a rich, supportive environment redefined how I saw my own value. It affirmed who I am, shifting my focus from merely surviving in academic spaces to truly belonging and thriving in them.
From my research into Educator Preparation Programs to my leadership at the ARCH III Center, every milestone was earned through grit. Whether I was teaching 7th-grade social studies and math, coordinating the Texas NAME Conference, or traveling to Panama for global outreach, I carried that perseverance with me.
When I successfully defended my dissertation this spring, a huge weight had been lifted. My dissertation, “The Bridge to Becoming an Educator: An Analysis of Educator Preparation Programs and Their Effects on Stakeholders,” explores how national, state, and institutional policies influence the teacher certification process, specifically within Educator Preparation Programs. By examining the intersection of P-20 educational governance and stakeholder experiences, the study highlights the critical need for reforms centered on mentorship, financial accessibility, and equity-based pedagogical training.
MyItazaire Crayton
This research was deeply personal, driven by my journey through various levels of the classroom and academia. Witnessing firsthand the systemic barriers that aspiring educators face compelled me to advocate for more inclusive pathways. Ensuring that future teachers are supported and well-prepared is essential for creating an equitable educational landscape for all students.
Now, as I approach my graduation on May 8, I reflect on a journey defined not by the obstacles that tried to slow me down, but by the insight I gained that kept me moving forward.
MyItazaire Crayton graduates from Prairie View A&M University this spring with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Counseling. Click here to view a complete listing of this semester’s notable graduates.
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