Holmes Scholar Mayra Marquez-Mendez (Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education) was featured in the spotlight reflection piece for her participation in the AACTE Holmes Dissertation Retreat 2024. In the article, Marquez-Mendez shares the significant impact of the retreat on her research journey, emphasizing the vital role of community in fostering academic resilience and motivation. Her reflection shares the benefits of collaborative sessions and structured guidance, which have significantly enriched her dissertation process and scholarly connections. To read more about her experiences and insights from the retreat, visit the Ed Prep Matters webpage.