I have decided that, while I am currently not in a university program, there's nothing stopping me from doing the research to write a dissertation to obtain a doctorate.
This all started with my idea that I would like to be listed as Dr. Tiffany Hallmark. And as I have no interest in pursuing anything in the medical field, a PhD in anthropology seems the best choice.
I love to follow my curiosity and there is a burning question in my mind that, were I able to answer it, would impel me forward to being the foremost authority in the field. The question is: when did humans begin cutting hair? With the follow up question: When did it become about "fashion" rather than utility? So, you see, this is a challenging endeavor, but one that is obtainable. I can use the resources available to me to figure it out. I also feel like I can connect with people all over the world to uncover the history.
The biggest challenge I feel is to find the information that maybe goes further back than written history. I know I have the capacity to figure it out. The only thing that is going to prevent the deep diving that I may need to take is the financial part. And I am not sure how many grants are awarded to solo researchers with no institutional backing, but I can find out.
As an autodidact(look at me using fancy words), I know that it only takes following my curiosity down every rabbit-hole available. Followed by compiling my data, writing a well-executed paper and submit it to every university I can think of. Along with, perhaps, publishing smaller papers in academic journals.
I am excited for this next chapter of my education story. I hope to be able to share more as I continue forward.
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I am making a little addendum here: I refuse to use ChatGPT for any of the writing. Only for research assistance and editing.
