Why You Never Do What You Say You Will
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
You keep making plans. Telling yourself this week will be different. Promising your chair, your friends, and yourself that you're going to finish this draft. But somehow the days go by and nothing gets done. In this episode, Dr. Marvette Lacy breaks down the real reason behind the cycle of avoidance and broken promises. It’s not laziness. It’s not a lack of time. It’s the deep hit your confidence has taken and the fear that your best might not be good enough. If you're tired of feeling like a disappointment and ready to finally trust yourself again, this episode will show you how to...
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How You Can Start Writing Today
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
You don’t need more time. You don’t need another book or a better plan. You just need to start. In this episode, Dr. Marvette Lacy shows you exactly how to get words on the page today using a simple 10-minute strategy that works even if you feel stuck or unsure. If you’ve been telling yourself you’re not ready or that you need to read more before you write, this is your reminder that clarity comes from action—not overthinking. This is your starting point. No pressure. No perfection. Just progress. Dissertation Information Qual Scholars Community: 10 Pages In 2 Days Writing...
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Your Dissertation Is an Assignment
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
You keep telling yourself this dissertation has to be perfect. That it has to honor your family, your community, your ancestors. And that pressure is the reason you haven’t written a single page in weeks. In this episode, Dr. Marvette Lacy reminds you of one simple truth—your dissertation is not your life’s masterpiece. It’s an assignment. It’s your first attempt at research, not your final one. You’ll learn why chasing perfection keeps you stuck, how fear disguises itself as overthinking, and what it actually takes to hit submit. If you want to finish faster and with way less...
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The Power of Your Decisions - Mars In Libra
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
In this episode, Dr. Lacy discusses the interplay between grief and creativity, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's Mars sign, particularly in Libra. The conversation explores decision-making dynamics, the shadow side of people-pleasing, and the significance of setting boundaries. Dr. Lacy also provides astrological insights for each zodiac sign, encouraging listeners to embrace change and self-discovery while navigating their personal and professional lives. Dissertation Information Qual Scholars Community: 10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: The Finish Your Dissertation...
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Why You Need To Invest In Yourself
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
In this conversation, Dr. Lacy discusses the importance of investing in dissertation coaching and support for doctoral students. She emphasizes that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a necessary step in navigating the challenges of the dissertation process. Lacy highlights the limited role of dissertation chairs and the need for additional resources and community support. She introduces her program, Qual Scholars, as a way to provide structured support for students, encouraging them to seek help and not to go through the process alone. Chapters 00:00 The Value of Dissertation...
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How To Write 10 Pages In 2 Days
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
Description In this episode, Dr. Lacy discusses the importance of having a structured writing system to enhance productivity and confidence in writing. She introduces her '10 Pages in Two Days' writing retreat, which aims to help participants produce significant written work in a short time frame. The retreat focuses on teaching a systematic approach to writing, addressing mental blocks, and providing a supportive environment for writers. Dr. Lacy emphasizes the need for preparation and offers insights into what participants can expect during the retreat, including common questions and...
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Be A Doctoral Expert - New Moon In Leo
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
In this conversation, Dr. Lacy discusses the importance of self-belief, the role of astrology as a guiding tool, and the significance of the new moon in initiating personal growth. She emphasizes the need to trust oneself, overcome perfectionism, and embrace change, particularly during Leo season. The discussion also touches on the impact of relationships on personal development and the importance of community support. Lacy provides astrological insights for each zodiac sign, encouraging listeners to find their voice and authenticity while navigating their journeys. Chapters 00:00...
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Your Doctoral Journey To Damascus - Mercury Retrograde In Leo
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
In this episode, Dr. Lacy explores the intersection of astrology, spirituality, and personal growth, particularly through the lens of Mercury retrograde in Leo. She reflects on her own journey from 2018 to 2020, discussing the challenges and transformations she faced, including the transition from being a doctoral student to a professional. The conversation also delves into the biblical story of Saul's transformation into Paul, drawing parallels to personal identity and the importance of self-reflection during Mercury retrograde. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own journeys and...
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“I’m Investing in My Future” with Ashley Thomas
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
Ashley Thomas didn’t wait for permission to take her next step—she made the decision to invest in herself. In this episode, she shares how she went from high school chemistry teacher to doctoral candidate, all while balancing work, life, and the emotional weight of the dissertation process. We talk about what it really means to bet on your future, why group coaching changed everything, and how she learned to ask for help without shame. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth it to invest in support—Ashley’s story will show you what’s possible when you do. Dissertation...
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Getting a PhD Is Easy If You’re Willing to Stop Fighting the Process
Office Hours with Dr. Lacy
You think the problem is your topic or your writing. It’s not. The problem is you’re still trying to make the process make sense. In this truth-telling episode, Dr. Marvette Lacy breaks down why so many smart, capable students stay stuck in the dissertation phase—while others fly past them with mediocre drafts. If you are exhausted from rewriting, over-researching, or waiting for your chair to finally make sense, this episode will shift everything. Learn why your chair doesn’t need you to be brilliant, why perfect is the enemy of done, and how trusting your own voice can get you to...
info_outlineAshley Thomas didn’t wait for permission to take her next step—she made the decision to invest in herself. In this episode, she shares how she went from high school chemistry teacher to doctoral candidate, all while balancing work, life, and the emotional weight of the dissertation process. We talk about what it really means to bet on your future, why group coaching changed everything, and how she learned to ask for help without shame. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth it to invest in support—Ashley’s story will show you what’s possible when you do.
Dissertation Information
- Qual Scholars Community: https://qual-scholars.circle.so/
- 10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: https://qualscholars.com/10pages/
- The Finish Your Dissertation Institute: https://qualscholars.com/theinstitute/
- Qual Scholars Website: https://qualscholars.com/
- Qual Scholars’ Instagram: https://instagram.com/qual_scholars/
Ashley Thomas (She, her, hers)
I am Ashley Thomas, a native of Atlanta, Georgia. I have been a teacher for 19 years in the DeKalb County School District, with nine years in the middle school setting, teaching all sciences and ten years at the high school level, teaching general and accelerated chemistry, AP chemistry, and forensic science. I earned my B.S. in chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana, master’s from Keller Graduate School in information systems, and an M.Ed. and Ed.S. in instructional technology from Kennesaw State University. I am a firm believer in leveraging my technology expertise to support my fellow peers while developing my students’ skills. I have facilitated various professional development initiatives over the past decade. I have also presented at multiple levels, including both instructional technology and educational research conferences, at the local, state, national, and international levels.
During my tenure in my local school district, I was named Star Teacher in 2019, Stephenson High School’s Teacher of the Year 2023- 2024, and the DeKalb County School District’s High School Teacher of the Year 2023-2024. I have been granted the Explore Learning Leadership Award for Implementation in 2015 and 2016. I also earned the KSU’s Bagwell Scholar Award in Spring 2022 while earning my specialist degree. I was also honored in the Georgia Senate with a Resolution for Stephenson’s Teacher of the Year in 2024. I am currently a doctoral candidate at Kennesaw State University, maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout my studies.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to an eclectic array of music, spending time with my family and friends, and traveling whenever possible.
I was affected by Hurricane Katrina and had to take my last semester classes at Spelman College and Georgia State University. I must give credit where it’s due. I successfully completed my BS while navigating that bump in the road, and I also pursued a doctoral degree while experiencing the loss of my sister and, subsequently, my father within 18 months.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
02:50 Meet Ashley Thomas: A Journey in Education
05:42 The Decision to Join the Program
10:28 The Value of Community and Support
15:04 Navigating Personal Challenges
19:01 Experiencing the Writing Retreat
24:02 Investing in Your Future
24:31 Investing in Yourself
25:22 The Power of Community and Support
27:28 Planning for Success
30:31 The Importance of Outcome-Driven Goals
32:03 The Value of Group Coaching
35:19 Embracing Support and Vulnerability
39:08 Commitment to the Process
42:55 Taking the Leap: Just Do It