Over the past year I have had the opportunity to share my educational journey with Debbi Gifford through WBCO’s “Talk About Town.” During these discussions I’ve encouraged anyone thinking about a post-secondary education to look into what the requirements are, and don’t allow themselves to be talked out of it because others may give the opinion that “they’re too old,” “what do they need a college degree for?” or other non-encouraging words of advice.

I’m so glad I ignored the nay-sayers and returned to Notre Dame College in 1997 at the age of 39. I have learned so much about myself and others, and have infinitely increased my quality of life. But in 1997, I went to college just to earn a bachelor’s degree – nothing more, nothing less. At that time I had lost two job offers directly due to the fact I did not have “that piece of paper.” However, as I continued through my bachelor courses, I discovered it wasn’t through luck or easy classes that I was earning my A’s, it was though my intellect, my interest, and my willingness to learn as much as I could about the subject I was studying at the time. (I guess that’s why I ended up with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and minors in Biblical Scripture, Philosophy, and Women’s Studies!)

During Non Traditional College Day Explorations , I was often asked to speak to interested students. I remember more than once stating “I started out to complete a Bachelor’s degree, but now I won’t be happy until I have my Ph.D!”

For those who listen to “Talk on the Town,” they already know this part of the story. I continued through graduate school, graduating in 2001 from Case Western Reserve University, and started on my doctoral program in General Psychology with Capella University during 2009. Everyone I’ve ever spoken with has recommended you find a research study you are absolutely curious and committed to, because within those years of research, you will become as close to it as you are to your family and close friends. SOMETIMES CLOSER! 😉

Since psychology and theology are so closely connected to me, and since I have always been so interested in the ways in which individuals worship, celebrate, and demonstrate their faith, I was searching for some kind of research that would involve the faith of an individual. In 2012 the Pew Foundation published a report regarding “Nones,” individuals between the ages of 25-40 who still have a belief and participate in worshiping in God, Higher Power, Universal Being (whatever title the individual chooses to use), yet are choosing to leave the established and organized religions of their youth.

So now through all the papers, research, reading, reading and research, research and reading, I have come to the Data Collection process in my doctoral program. So, after all of my enthusiasm for education, this is where I respectfully and happily ask for your assistance!

IF YOU ARE:
• A woman between the ages of 25-40,
• Consider yourself to be Spiritual rather than Religious,
• Celebrate God/Creator/Universal Spirit/Higher Being in unique and special ways,
• And are willing to participate in a confidential/anonymous psychological research study, please call Vickey Milligan at (419) 569-6637 for further details.

As a qualified participant in the study, you will receive a $10 Gift Certificate to your choice of “The Pelican House, Bucyrus,” “The Big Plate Diner or Candi Bar, Galion,” or national chains “STARBUCKS COFFEE” or “Barnes & Noble Bookstores!”

The gift certificate will be presented following the study as a special thank you for your participation!

I’ll keep you posted on the progress of my interviews, maybe writing some opinion pieces about my experiences following the completion of the doctoral program.

For those of you who consider yourselves more involved in organized religion – HANG ON! You’re my next area of concentration! I’d like to explore the similarities and differences of religious to spiritual, look at age differences and gender differences and then write a book about my findings!

A special thank you to all who will help me achieve my educational goals!

REMEMBER – Education is the BEST GIFT you can give yourself!

Vickey Milligan