“You Can’t Make a Silk Purse Out of a Sow’s Ear,” My Mother Said

Using the Ali & Kohun (2007) four stages of doctoral study as a guide, I discuss my experience in Stage 2. This consists of the first year of academic coursework and the process of acclimating to the culture of the program, including student identity and interactions with fellow students and faculty members. I write from both feminist-and social-class-informed perspectives. I will refer to the “factory model of education” as well as to historical livedexperience analysis that informs the filter through which I reflect upon my experience as a doctoral student. These frameworks will be introduced first.