Session 446: Should I Go Back to School? Rethinking the Grad School Urge

For many Black women, higher education has long been framed as both a pathway to security and a form of social currency. But when does the pursuit of another degree serve our growth—and when does it distract us from the work we actually want to do?

In this episode, I'm joined by Melissa Ifill, LCSW for a thoughtful conversation about the “grad school urge,” credential collecting, and the complicated relationship Black women have with education, labor, and legitimacy. Together, we explore the emotional, cultural, and political forces that push so many of us toward advanced degrees—and what it looks like to pause, reflect, and choose intentionally.

About the Podcast

The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.

Resources & Announcements

If this episode resonated, JOIN US ON PATREON for a deeper conversation using our Free “Define Your Grad School Why” worksheet, designed to help you slow down and get clear before making a big decision.

🗓️ We’ll walk through it together during our weekly Sunday Night Live Check-In on Patreon, January 18th.

 

Where to Find Our Guest

Instagram: @melissaifilllcsw

Website: melissaifill.com 

 

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Our Production Team

Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Gabrielle Collins

Director of Podcast & Digital Content: Ellice Ellis

Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye Thioubou 

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