What if your PhD wasn’t about having it all figured out—but about following your curiosity wherever it leads?
This week on ConnectED, I sit down with Dr. Ashley Voeks, a first-gen college student from Detroit who earned her PhD in French Studies at UT Austin, dove deep into 16th-century literature and religious violence, and ultimately found her place in educational technology and customer success.
In this honest, reflective conversation, Ashley shares:
How she got into French… because Spanish was full (true story!)
The deep pull toward literature and learning—even without a clear career plan
Why finding a fully funded PhD program was non-negotiable
Moving across the country solo for grad school—and finding her footing in Texas
Her dissertation on religious toleration and its unexpected relevance today
What it really felt like teaching for the first time (spoiler: it wasn’t perfect)
Why she made the leap from academia to edtech—and how she still stays connected
How she’s now coaching language students and faculty to build confidence and careers
Whether you’re wrestling with imposter syndrome, thinking about what comes after your PhD, or trying to balance big ideas with real-life choices, this episode will leave you feeling seen, grounded, and inspired.
Resources Mentioned
Connect with Dr. Ashley Voeks
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashleyvoeks
Stay Connected with Me:
- Instagram: connected.phd
- LinkedIn: Haille Trimboli, Ph.D.
- YouTube: @TheConnectEDNetwork
- Spotify: @connectED
Help us reach more curious, purpose-driven PhD students by sharing this episode with a friend or colleague. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. 💬 Tag us with your favorite takeaway!
#ConnectEDPodcast #PhDJourney #FirstGenPhD #HumanitiesPhD #WomenInAcademia #FrenchStudies #CareerPivot #AcademicTransitions #EdTechCareers #LanguageLearning #CustomerSuccess #ReligiousTolerance #HigherEdReform #PhDLife #LetGoOfPerfect
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