Study Saturday: Time to Collect

It is official: my study has been approved!

Needless to say, when I was notified that I can commence my research, I was overjoyed and grateful to GOD. During every free moment, I have worked on my dissertation, from my concept proposal to my proposal defense to my research proposal ~ it surely has paid off!

Here is more information about my study:

I am surveying Texas student-athletes on their perceptions of how their college coaches’ leadership influences their academic and athletic performance, as well as their athlete satisfaction. Based on my own studies of leadership, this element is essential:

***VISION***

When I asked my former boss at the first college where I taught what she needed to complete her Ph.D., she pointed out to me:

***PERSEVERANCE***

When I asked my former office next door neighbor at that same school what got her through her terminal degree, she told out me:

***ENDURANCE***

… which also helped her with her first 5K race, which we randomly ran together!

{Top three inspirational photos and quotes from Dyess AFB Base Gym, where I’ve been exercising lately}

Happy 2014: The Year of Courting

Cheers to the New Year! Here’s to 2014: the year of Courting…

For yours truly, I’m courting my Ph.D. That means I must marry my dissertation topic: Relationships between Student-Athletes’ Perceptions of Their Intercollegiate Coaches’ Leadership Practices and Student-Athletes’ Satisfaction, Athletic and Academic Peformance.

Most of my waking hours have been devoted to my study and pursuing schools who will approve my request to approve my recruitment of participants for my research. If any of you readers have suggestions of NCAA-affiliated colleges in the state of Texas for me to seek consent to survey their student-athletes and/or have connections with their administration, then please feel free to refer me, thank you!

In efforts to reach out to my Pretty Fitsters on leading a Pretty Fit life all year-round and all life long, I’ve provided my compilation of unconventional workout videos that can be done anywhere, as well as other health-related tips from my favorite fitness gurus:

• Friday Spotlight: Get into Gear for the New Year!
• Back into Groove: Cold Remedy & Warm Up at Work!

From 2013 to 2014, I feel grateful for my loves, especially GOD, my family, and my bestie. While I gave more generously to the Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda relief, I was pleasantly surprised to still receive gifts from my mom, my BFF, and mis suegros (in-laws):

From Nanay: PJs & Socks

It never fails: my mother always gives my sister and me socks and pajamas. At least we’ll always be warm!

From Melo: Chocolate & Chicken Soup for the Soul Gift Boxes

Of course, I put these to good use: eating the chocolates and reading this book. I actually loved the Chicken Soup for the Soul series since high school, and this Think Positive edition puts my own approach to life in perspective!

From La Familia Zapata: Hello Kitty stocking & ornament + blinged gift card

Mi cuñada (sister-in-law), Janet, along with mi suegra (mother-in-law) and mis sobrinitos (nieces and nephews) sent me Hello Kitty goodies and a gift card. They’re so sweet to remember me, and I miss them all dearly! 

Happy Birthdays to these January Babies: my Great-Uncle Terry, my mother’s siblings Uncle Art & Robert + Auntie Aida, my GODdaughter Reyanna, & mi sobrinito (nephew) Justin!!! 

4:44 ~ make a wish!!!

It’s Been Blessed!

The CHRISTmas Countdown is here, as the New Year draws near, so it’s time to CHEER!

I’m delighted to report that my dissertation committee blessed my Concept Proposal! We had our first conference call altogether yesterday for this information session about my study. Now all I can do from here is move forward, and as graduates of my program have said: ONWARD…

My research is about the influence of college coaches‘ leadership on their student-athletes’ satisfaction, athletic and academic performance. Some of my inspirations include winning basketball coaches Coach K, Pat Summitt, and Phil Jackson. Here’s to Team: Dr. D in Mission: Ph.D.

Here are my freshest fine 9 Dispo Hoop Scoops:

The MFFL’s Rants (since I was stuck at home during the Snow Days, I was able to crank out these babies)

• Mavs Fly to Victory over Pelicans
• Dirk Is Dallas’ Secret Special Sauce
• Dallas Needs Wright & Harris Back
• Mavs Can Blaze Past Trail Blazers
• Monta Ball Made Magic at Moda Center
• Mark Cuban Holds Grudge Against J-Kidd
• Mavs Can Sack Sac
• Mavs Off Game in Sac
• Mavs Must Beat Warriors in Battle

*Friendly Reminder: Please vote for the NBA All-Stars*

11:11 ~ make a wish!!! 

†R.I.P., Nelson Mandela†