🎓 Meet Dr. Leah Goldberg:

Leah Goldberg's journey began as an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructor, and now she stands at the helm of the English Unit at The Open University of Israel, managing a team of over 20 instructors. Her recent milestone? Successfully defending her dissertation in Spring 2023.

🌍 A Journey of Dedication:

In 2022, Leah traveled from Israel to attend the LDL program’s in-person gathering and desired to participate in her preliminary exam with faculty in-person. She reflects on her transformation from a confident educator to a scholarly leader: "After ten years of successful experience teaching English in higher education, and an inclination to explore new things, I started the LDL program full of confidence that I know it all and only need to formalize my genius by getting a diploma. The shock came when after a few weeks into the first semester, I had to submit a draft on Scholar. I had no idea what to write about, where to look for information, and how to synthesize it. I was asked to produce knowledge, and I was numb and unequipped. I found myself in a hand-crafted jewelry shop wearing my bling."

🎉 Celebrating Success:

Fast forward six years, and Leah embodies a new kind of confidence that comes with earning her doctorate. She shares, "I have agency as a scholar, the topic I want to explore further, and the tools to advance my career. I have been promoted at work. I can participate in a serious professional conversation and offer my knowledge and expertise. I'm ready to act and develop in my field further. I no longer wear my bling."

💡 Advice for Aspiring Scholars:

Leah encourages anyone ready to take the leap into higher education: "Trust the process. Reach out to advisors or alumni like me. The LDL program will let you discover your area of expertise and ensure that your work meets the highest standards. You will learn to think differently and get the tools needed to contribute to a larger community, be it educational administration or research work. It may take a few years, but it is worth it. Transforming the perspective, deepening the thinking, and honing the skills takes time. This is the essence and meaning of education, and by studying in this program, you'll have all the help you need."

Dr. Leah Goldberg's journey epitomizes the transformative power of education and dedication. Her story serves as inspiration for all those aspiring to elevate themselves in academia and beyond.

🌟 #StudentSpotlight #HigherEducation #ScholarlyAchievement