Hi, my name is Caitlin Ng, and I am a doctoral candidate at the University of California, Santa Barbara, pursuing my PhD in Education with an emphasis in program evaluation, policy, and research methods. As I approach the final stages of my doctoral journey and transition into a new chapter as a Graduate Education Diversity Internship (GEDI) alumna, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to navigate uncertainty while remaining grounded in community, purpose, and care.
As a doctoral candidate who is entering another year of uncertainty (losing contracts, not knowing what funding will be available, witnessing jobs being lost across industries), it is more apparent than ever that power is not equal. It’s crucial for those in positions of greater influence to critically consider their responsibilities and the impact of their positionality.
I reflect on my own position, as a GEDI alumna. Through my experience in the GEDI program, I have been afforded the opportunities to learn from and with trailblazers at the Annual American Evaluation Association (AEA) Conference in Portland, OR. There, we were constantly reminded of the potential impact emerging evaluators can have, and that shaping our influence in the field of evaluation is in our hands.
Since getting to learn with my colleagues in Portland, there has been one apparent impact that my fellow GEDI (SOULTICE) members have left me: the power of community. As we all navigate these uncertain times, it is our responsibility not only to uplift each other, but also to take care of ourselves. This is something that culturally responsive evaluation continues to remind me of: that people’s lived experiences, contexts, and needs are not a “one-size-fits-all,” and neither are the ways we show up for one another. Care, just like evaluation, has to be responsive. Although I am still learning, I would like to share some valuable tips for those navigating similar journeys.
Hot Tips
- Lean on your community. Throughout my experience as a GEDI, the power of community and the importance of relationships has been demonstrated time and time again. Whether it was checking in on one-another, sharing resources, or simply holding space during overwhelming moments, I was reminded that we are not meant to navigate uncertainty alone. Community does not always mean having all the answers but it can look like sending a quick message, asking for advice, or even just being in the presence of people who understand your journey.
- Advocate and stay informed. When things feel uncertain, it can be tempting to disconnect, but this is actually when staying engaged matters most. Staying informed about institutional changes, funding shifts, and broader societal trends allows us to make intentional decisions and support one another more effectively. Advocacy can take many forms: asking questions, sharing opportunities (something my fellow GEDI members have done for me throughout this process), or pushing for transparency in spaces where decisions are being made. Even small acts of advocacy contribute to a larger culture of accountability and care.
- Celebrate Small Wins. When the bigger picture feels unstable, it becomes even more important to acknowledge all stages of the process even in its smallest forms. Completing a task, sending an email, showing up to a meeting, or simply getting through a difficult day, are all wins worth recognizing. Celebrating small moments helps us maintain momentum and reminds us that growth is still happening, even when outcomes feel uncertain.
- Self-care if not optional. I say this as a reminder to myself just as much as anyone else. It’s easy to push through and put everything else first, especially in academic and professional spaces that reward productivity. But we can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care doesn’t have to be anything extreme but it can be going for a walk, getting enough rest, stepping away when needed, or doing something that helps you feel like yourself again. Taking care of yourself is essential to keep doing the work we are doing.
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