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Currently, I am completing all my prerequisite courses to prepare me for the dissertation. However, the pandemic inspired me to pursue another topic that includes frontline healthcare workers and their psychological impact as a result of dealing with individuals affected with COVID-19 and looking at how CAM can help in alleviating Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD). This is a topic I explored during the lockdown, which brought me some healing, especially being home confined to four walls. Although I have not started working on the dissertation, I have narrowed down my research interest to three potential topics, which of course include the impact of nutrition, and how proper nutrition can be used as an alternative treatment method. Furthermore, one of the main reasons I was attracted to NCU is the freedom to select my research topic of interest rather than being constrained by the research interest of a specific professor. As a working mother, pursing this online degree has been a blessing to me. It has taken me a little while to complete, but I suppose time is going to pass no matter what so, in the meantime, I am pursuing a lifelong dream. 10 The Psychology Bulletin My dissertation odyssey has reaffirmed my commitment to and belief in four principal academic areas of my life: lifelong learning, critical thinking, research, and collaboration. With regards to lifelong learning, in his 1992 book, Live Your Dreams, motivational speaker and author Les Brown said, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream" (Brown, 1992). Inspired by this author's book and its message, I embarked upon my dissertation odyssey, into the unknown, in early 2020, armed with the realization this odyssey would challenge me to expand my knowledge base concerning a phenomenon for which I held much passion throughout many years. I was fearful and nervous, yet I remained faithful and committed to seeing this odyssey through its successful conclusion. The dissertation odyssey, thus far, has allowed me to expand my thought processes and mind to levels I did not imagine were attainable for me. It has challenged me to sharpen my critical thinking skills and expand my critical thinking abilities. There were times when I experienced self-doubt; however, knowing I am pursuing my education in a study about which I am passionate, has helped me "stay the course." Student Contributions MY DISSERTATION ODYSSEY Tony Whitson, PhD-PSY Student