A Support Guide for the Doctoral Student & Significant Others:
The Collective Journey
Dr. Scarlett Mera, DSW, LCSW, LCADC
I am a professional, bilingual in Spanish and English, with dual licensing in Clinical Social Work and Addiction & Drug Counseling.
Born to immigrant parents from Colombia, I identify myself as a proud Latina. As a first-generation college student, I faced unique challenges while pursuing my doctoral degree. The rigorous demands of the program sometimes triggered impostor syndrome, causing me to doubt my abilities. But I persevered by relying on my support systems and pushing through the difficult moments. Pursuing my doctoral degree required significant sacrifices, including juggling a full-time job alongside my studies. I also realized that pursuing higher education impacted my family and relationship with my partner. Looking back, I feel proud of the progress and the scholarly social worker I became. However, having had greater clarity and foresight about the educational process would have allowed me to take proactive steps to reduce stress and increase my chances of success.
I dedicate this site to future doctoral students and their support systems, knowing from personal experience that the journey can be challenging. However, my mission is to provide the necessary guidance and support to help students and their loved ones achieve their ultimate goal. By empowering these students to obtain their doctoral degrees, we can acknowledge their steadfast dedication and determination in their respective fields of study. Therefore, I am committed to offering valuable resources and helpful insights to make your journey as smooth as possible.