Punam V. Saxena holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Master’s in Education and currently working on her doctorate in education. Throughout her 30 years of experience teaching and volunteering in her children’s schools, she implemented several procedures that have benefited the students and administrators within the school district. She has been recognized as Volunteer of the Year at Harrison School for the Arts and has received a Key to the City, both in Lakeland, Florida. Punam is a Parent Impact Coach, TEDx speaker, podcast host of edu-Me, a published author. Her work focuses on bridging the gap and fostering and stronger relationship between parents and schools by empowering parents to become partners in their child’s education. Her passion and work stem from her life experiences as a first-generation Indian American as well as raising her own four children. She currently works with clients to equip them with strategies to ensure they advocate for their children in a productive manner that works for them and their children.

From Stay-at-Home Mom to Doctorate Student at 50

Not all doctoral degrees are earned in your 30s and 40s. While many pursue doctoral degrees during those years to attain professional gains and financial security, this article shows how enrolling in a PhD program in your 50s can bring a fresh lens due to entering a new season of life and finally having a window of opportunity to step outside your comfort zone.

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Building a Rainbow: Ideas and Coalition Building on the American Left, c. 1973-88

To some observers, the emergence of Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other parts of the American left can appear to have come from nothing. Yet by looking at the intellectual and political changes of the 1970s and 1980s, we can see that they in fact have clear historical origins. The idea of a ‘rainbow coalition’ in particular reveals how they owe much to concepts developed in this foundational period.

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Stops And Starts: The Growing Pains Of The PhD

Get insights from a PhD candidate’s reflective diary on the process of starting, struggling with, and ultimately completing a doctoral research project. Discover the trials and tribulations of getting ethical approval, recruiting participants, and navigating the pandemic while working towards a degree.

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Juggling Parenthood, Disability, Work and Academia

Is it possible to juggle being a single parent, working in paid employment, having a disability and being part of academia? Definitely possible, but it can be a demanding and overwhelming experience. This article discusses the struggles and achievements of one such PhD student juggling these areas, and hopes to encourage you to not give up and ask for help whenever you need it!

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